Italian Pesto & Cheese Pinwheels: A Flavorful Appetizer or Lunch
30 minutes
870 reads

About Italian Pesto & Cheese Pinwheels: A Flavorful Appetizer or Lunch
These Italian Pesto & Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful twist on classic sandwiches, perfect for a quick lunch, elegant appetizer, or picnic treat. Layers of creamy cheese and vibrant pesto are nestled between soft bread slices, enhanced with the crunch of carrots and briny olives. The simple yet sophisticated flavors of Italy await in every bite!Imagine the aromatic basil pesto, the subtle sweetness of grated carrots, and the salty burst of olives perfectly complementing the melted cheese within each pinwheel. Toasted lightly for a satisfying crunch, these pinwheels are as visually appealing as they are delicious, guaranteed to impress your guests.This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Prepare ahead and chill for enhanced flavor and easier slicing – a perfect make-ahead recipe for your next event!
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pesto
- 2 cups Basil Leaves fresh
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 clove Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup Virgin Olive Oil extra
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts toasted
Instructions
Prepare the Pesto
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine toasted pine nuts, basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Pinwheels
- Trim the crusts from the bread slices and gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin.
- Spread softened butter evenly over three bread slices.
- Layer grated carrots on one buttered slice, season with salt and pepper.
- Top with a cheese slice.
- Spread a layer of pesto on a third slice.
- Arrange a few pitted green olives on one end of the pesto-spread slice.
- Carefully stack the prepared bread slices, creating a layered sandwich.
Roll and Chill
- Tightly wrap the layered sandwich in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soften.
- Slice the chilled sandwich into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife just before serving.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips
- For a richer pesto, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the blender.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for variations in flavor and texture.
- Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- If making ahead, prepare the pesto and assemble the sandwiches up to a day in advance. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. Slice just before serving for best results.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 19.2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 285mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
3 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.


What a great recipe! Thanks for sharing.
This looks fantastic! Appreciate the share.
I’m loving this recipe already!