Name: Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 sheets frozen puff pastry (thawed overnight in the refrigerator); 1/2 cup Basil Pesto (or flavored pesto of your choice, or 1/4 cup each if using two types); 10 slices prosciutto (1, 5-ounce packet, divided); 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded Mozzarella cheese (divided); 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided); Chopped fresh basil (optional for serving)

There’s something so delightful about bite-sized treats that pack a punch of flavor, and this Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is exactly that. Imagine flaky layers wrapped around savory prosciutto, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto — a combo that’s as sensational to your taste buds as it is beautiful on the table.

The image shows several small round puff pastry pinwheels arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each pinwheel has visible layers of flaky, golden-brown pastry forming the outer ring and a filling swirl inside that appears dark brown and slightly crispy on top, with spots of melted cheese. There is a light sprinkle of grated white cheese and small pieces of fresh green parsley scattered evenly over the pinwheels, adding contrast to the warm tones of the pastry and filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, it quickly became a go-to for parties and easy weeknight snacks. It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet comes together with very little fuss — that's always a win in my kitchen!

Quick to prepare: You’ll love how just a few simple steps turn into a crowd-pleasing appetizer in less than an hour.
Bursting with flavor: The combination of pesto, prosciutto, and melty cheese makes every bite unforgettable.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap out pesto varieties or cheese types to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Perfect for entertaining: These pinwheels look elegant on a platter, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

The image shows a baking tray with twelve small puff pastry pinwheels arranged on a white marbled sheet. Each pinwheel has a golden-brown flaky outer layer, with a dark reddish-brown sauce layer swirled in the center, topped with small green parsley pieces and white crumbled cheese bits. The tray's edge is rustic with a worn look. To the right side of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with green herb sauce, and fresh parsley sprigs are scattered around the tray for decoration. The overall setting is bright with natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe plays a role in creating that amazing balance between flaky, savory, and cheesy. Picking the right quality puff pastry and fresh pesto really makes all the difference.

Flat lay of two sheets of fresh thawed puff pastry, a small white bowl of vibrant green basil pesto, five thin slices of delicate pink prosciutto, a simple white ceramic bowl with a heap of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, another small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, and a few bright green sprigs of chopped fresh basil, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen puff pastry sheets: The flaky layers puff up beautifully when baked, creating a crisp and tender texture that’s hard to beat.
Basil pesto: Classic pesto adds herbal freshness and richness; feel free to try sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto for a twist.
Prosciutto slices: The salty, slightly sweet flavor of prosciutto perfectly complements the creamy cheeses and herbaceous pesto.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoothly, adding gooey, cheesy goodness to every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the pinwheels.
Chopped fresh basil (optional): Adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor—great for garnish before serving.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore most about this Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is how you can easily tweak it to suit your style or pantry. I often mix in some sun-dried tomato pesto with basil pesto just to keep things interesting!

Variation: I’ve swapped prosciutto for thinly sliced turkey or ham for a milder flavor and it’s still fantastic, especially if you have kids around.
Vegetarian option: Try layering grilled veggies like zucchini or roasted red peppers with just the pesto and cheeses for a meatless spin.
Spicy twist: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the roll before baking if you enjoy a little heat.
Gluten-free: Using gluten-free puff pastry works well, but watch the baking time closely as some brands vary.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Roll and Spread the Puff Pastry

Start by unfolding one sheet of your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. I usually dust my counter with a tiny bit of flour to prevent sticking. Then roll it out gently into a roughly 10x12-inch rectangle—don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Spread about a quarter cup of pesto over the surface, keeping a half-inch clean border around the edges. This prevents pesto oozing out when you roll it up.

Step 2: Layer the Prosciutto and Cheese

Lay about five slices of prosciutto evenly over the pesto, letting them overlap just a bit. Then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan—try to distribute the cheese so every bite has some melty goodness. I like to use freshly shredded mozzarella because it melts better than pre-shredded stuff.

Step 3: Roll Up and Chill

Begin rolling the puff pastry tightly from the long edge, pressing gently as you go to keep the filling packed inside. After rolling, trim the ends for an even log then wrap snugly in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes—this step helps the pinwheels keep their shape when cutting and baking.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the log into ½-inch slices. You’ll get about 24 pinwheels per log, so plenty to share! Place them on the baking sheets, spiral-side up, spaced about an inch apart. Bake for around 18 minutes until they’re golden and puffed, and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right when they come out of the oven, sprinkle with some fresh chopped basil if you like. Let them cool just a bit — these are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for parties where guests can nibble throughout the evening.

Top Tip

From my experience, mastering the chill step is key to perfect pinwheels. Without sufficient refrigeration, the puff pastry can become tricky to slice and your gorgeous spirals might squish.

Sharp serrated knife: I always use a serrated knife for cutting the rolled log cleanly—this prevents squashing the layers.
Don’t overfill: Too much pesto or cheese makes the roll hard to seal and slice, so keep fillings balanced.
Chill twice if needed: If your kitchen’s warm, chill the logs longer or pop the sliced pinwheels back in the fridge before baking to hold their shape.
Line baking sheets carefully: Using parchment or silicone mats not only prevents sticking but ensures even baking underneath.

How to Serve Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

pesto prosciutto pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh basil and sometimes a dash of flaky sea salt just before serving. The brightness of basil really lifts the richness, and the salt adds a subtle crunch and pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these goodies with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some marinated olives for a Mediterranean vibe that complements the pesto beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter, placing small bowls of dipping sauces—like roasted red pepper aioli or balsamic glaze—in the center. It instantly elevates the presentation and encourages everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep their flavor and texture well for a couple of days—just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I usually freeze the rolled logs (before slicing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and slice and bake fresh. This saves time and still delivers that amazing flaky texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Microwaves tend to soften the pastry, so oven heating is your best bet for maintaining that crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make pesto from scratch for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto tastes incredible and freshens up the entire dish. Just blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Using fresh pesto can really elevate the flavor, but store-bought pesto works perfectly well for convenience.

What if I don’t have prosciutto?

You can substitute prosciutto with other cured meats like thinly sliced ham, salami, or even turkey. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add extra veggies or cheese to make it just as satisfying.

How do I prevent the pinwheels from getting soggy?

Make sure to keep a clean border on the puff pastry when spreading the pesto, and don’t overfill with moist ingredients. Chilling the logs before slicing and baking also helps maintain their structure and crispiness.

Can these pinwheels be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the rolled logs up to a day ahead and keep them chilled in the fridge. Slice and bake them fresh right before guests arrive to serve warm and flaky pinwheels everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe has been one of those reliable favorites I turn to when I want impressive but effortless bites. Whether you're fixing a quick snack, hosting friends, or even packing them for an on-the-go treat, these pinwheels always deliver a little celebration in every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!