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, divided); 10 slices prosciutto (divided, 1 5-ounce packet); 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (divided); Chopped fresh basil (optional for serving)

Golden, flaky, and bursting with vibrant flavor, these Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe are my go-to snack for any gathering. They blend creamy pesto, savory prosciutto, and melty cheese into a perfect bite that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a close-up view of several puff pastry swirls stacked closely together. Each swirl has three main layers: the outer layer is a golden, flaky, and crisp pastry with visible folds and light layers; the middle layer is a rich, browned mixture that looks like melted cheese and tomato sauce, giving a slightly rough texture with small bubbles from baking; the top layer is sprinkled with small white cheese crumbs and pieces of fresh green parsley scattered on top, adding contrast in color. The swirl's shape is round, with a spiral pattern clearly visible. The background is a white marbled surface with scattered herbs. 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

I’ve made the Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe countless times, and every time they effortlessly steal the spotlight at parties or simple weekend snacks. What I adore most is how these pinwheels fuse an elegant look with surprisingly easy prep — no fancy skills required!

Effortlessly impressive: These pinwheels look fancy but come together fast, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Flavor-packed bites: The layers of pesto, prosciutto, and cheeses give each pinwheel a burst of savory, herby goodness.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Everyone from picky eaters to sophisticated palates enjoys these savory snacks.
Versatile and freezer-friendly: Prep ahead or freeze extra pinwheels to always have a tasty treat ready to go.

The image shows a baking tray with about twelve small puff pastry pinwheels spread out on white parchment paper. Each pinwheel has two main layers: the outer flaky, golden brown pastry wraps around a darker, rich reddish-brown filling that looks baked and slightly caramelized. The pinwheels are sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and white cheese or seasoning. On the upper right side of the tray, there is a small white bowl filled with green sauce, with more fresh green parsley leaves placed around it. The tray rests on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe brings something special to the party. Puff pastry provides that irresistibly flaky texture, while pesto adds herby richness, balanced by the salty prosciutto and two cheeses that melt beautifully.

Flat lay of two sheets of pale golden puff pastry, a small white bowl of bright green basil pesto, five thin slices of rosy pink prosciutto arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl holding finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh dark green basil leaves placed artfully around, all items placed 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

Puff Pastry Sheets: Make sure they’re fully thawed but still cool for easier rolling and flaky results.
Basil Pesto: I like homemade, but good-quality store-bought works wonders. You can even mix up flavors with sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.
Prosciutto Slices: Thinly sliced prosciutto brings a delicate salty bite that’s not overpowering.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded, giving a melty, gooey texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty layer that complements mozzarella and pesto perfectly.
Fresh Basil (Optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a pop of color.

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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

I like to switch up the pesto sometimes—try mixing classic basil pesto with sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a fun twist. You can also swap prosciutto with smoked ham or turkey if you want a different flavor profile or a milder bite.

Vegetarian Variation: Skip the prosciutto and load up on vegetables like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant meat-free alternative.
Extra Cheese: Adding a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta inside takes it to the next level for cheese lovers like me.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry Base

Start by unfolding one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured or dusted surface to prevent sticking. Gently roll it into a neat 10x12-inch rectangle, keeping the shape even so the filling spreads perfectly. Leaving a small ½-inch border free of topping helps seal the edges later on without leaks.

Step 2: Layer on the Pesto, Prosciutto, and Cheese

Spread ¼ cup of pesto evenly over the puff pastry, then layer 5 slices of prosciutto, slight overlaps are fine — it’ll help keep everything together. Sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella followed by 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish.

Step 3: Roll It Up Tight and Chill

Carefully roll the puff pastry lengthwise into a tight log, pressing gently to keep the filling snug. Trim the ends if they’re uneven, then wrap the log securely in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge at least 20 minutes (or up to a day) to firm up — this step is key to getting clean slices when you cut later!

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the logs into ½-inch thick pinwheels—measure if you want precision! Arrange the pinwheels on the sheets spiral-side up, leaving space for puffing. Bake about 18 minutes until golden, flaky, and bubbling with cheese.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. Let them cool slightly so the cheese sets just a bit, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Top Tip

After a few times making this recipe, I realized a few tweaks really help these pinwheels shine. Here are my best tips so you nail the texture and taste every time.

Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Warm pastry means melted butter, and no one wants greasy pinwheels. Chill the dough well before rolling.
Use a Serrated Knife: It gently cuts the pastry layers without squishing the delicate spiral shape.
Don’t Overfill: Too much pesto or cheese can cause filling to leak and puff pastry to get soggy.
Chill Before Slicing: This makes slicing cleaner and ensures neat pinwheels.

How to Serve Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

pesto prosciutto pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these with freshly chopped basil or a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze—both add that fresh, tangy contrast to the rich filling. Sometimes a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes them beautifully, bringing out the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Pair these pinwheels with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance richness, or alongside roasted veggies for a full snack or light meal. They also work wonderfully next to a bowl of soup for cozy evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the pinwheels in a festive spiral on a large platter and tuck small bowls of extra pesto or marinara sauce nearby for dipping. Another fun trick is serving pinwheels on colorful skewers for hand-held appetizers that are easy to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover pinwheels tightly in plastic and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, they reheat quickly and the puff pastry stays surprisingly crisp.

Freezing

Freezing before baking works best: slice and arrange pinwheels on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag to keep them from sticking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. I always label the bag and stash these for quick party snacks.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to bring back flakiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crisp, flaky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade pesto for the Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that really elevates this recipe. Just spread it evenly to avoid sogginess.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Chilling the rolled logs before slicing and baking helps keep the pastry firm. Also, use the right amount of pesto and avoid spreading it too close to the edges. Baking at the right temperature ensures it crisps up nicely.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pinwheel logs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking, which makes them perfect for making ahead of your event.

How long do leftover pinwheels last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftover pinwheels last about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing before or after baking works well.

Final Thoughts

The Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe has become a little kitchen favorite—whether it’s a spontaneous snack or a star appetizer for guests. Simple ingredients transform into something so satisfying and delicious you’ll want to make them again and again. Give these a try, and I bet they’ll become your quick fix for impressively tasty bites too!