Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Easy, Elegant & Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Appetizer

If you want a holiday appetizer that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and still gives you enough time to fix your hair before guests show up, these Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels are exactly what you need. Ever wondered how some people manage to bring appetizers that look like they came straight off a catering menu? Spoiler: puff pastry is their secret weapon 🙂

I’ve made a lot of Holiday Party Appetizers in my time — some brilliant, some… let’s just say “experimental.” But these Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels never fail. They wrap all the bold flavors of Italian antipasto—salty meats, creamy cheese, herbs, and a touch of tang—into buttery, golden pinwheels that disappear faster than your cousin’s excuses for not helping in the kitchen.

If you’re planning Christmas Party Food Appetizers, or you just want Easy Christmas Appetizers that won’t chain you to the oven all day, these pinwheels fit the job perfectly. They deliver big flavor with almost no effort (IMO, the true holiday miracle). Whether you’re building a Christmas Charcuterie Board, prepping finger foods for guests, or just want something fun for yourself, these puff pastry beauties belong on your table.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup pesto (or olive tapenade)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
• 1/4 cup finely chopped salami or prosciutto
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced black or green olives
• 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Spread a thin, even layer of pesto over the pastry.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella, chopped salami, roasted peppers, and olives across the surface.
5. Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log, starting from the long side.
6. Brush the log lightly with egg wash to seal it.
7. Slice into 1/2-inch pinwheels and place them on the baking sheet.
8. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
9. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden, crispy, and bubbling.
10. Cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm to your very impressed guests.

Variations

These pinwheels are flexible—like “I can be whatever appetizer you need me to be” flexible.

• Vegetarian Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Swap meats for sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or artichokes.
• Gluten-Free Puff Pastry Pinwheels: Use gluten-free puff pastry (most big brands offer it now).
• Prosciutto Pinwheels: Use thin prosciutto slices with mozzarella for a salty, rich twist.

Serving & Tips

Serve these Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels warm and fresh for the best flaky texture. They shine on Christmas Eve Appetizers platters or nestled between cheeses on your Holiday Charcuterie Board.

If you want next-level presentation, stack them into a wreath shape and sprinkle with fresh rosemary—instant holiday magic. For big gatherings, double the recipe because these disappear fast (don’t say I didn’t warn you).

You can also prepare the roll ahead of time, freeze it, and slice-and-bake when needed—perfect for Freezer Friendly Appetizers or last-minute guests.

Final Thoughts

I love how these Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels bring the best flavors of Italian antipasto into a buttery, crispy, party-friendly bite. They save me during busy holiday weeks because they’re delicious, elegant, and ridiculously easy. Whenever I serve them, someone always says, “Wait… YOU made these?” and honestly, I take that as a win 😉

Whether you’re hosting a huge holiday party or just craving something fun, these pinwheels make the season feel a little more magical—and a lot more delicious.

FAQs

Can I make Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! Roll and slice the pinwheels, freeze them on a tray, then bake directly from frozen. They’re perfect Make Ahead Holiday Appetizers.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. Provolone, asiago, or even parmesan work beautifully in Italian Puff Pastry Pinwheels.

Do these work for vegetarian guests?

Yes! Skip the meats and load them with roasted veggies, pesto, olives, and cheese for Vegetarian Puff Pastry Pinwheels.

Are these good for charcuterie boards?

Definitely. They fit seamlessly with meats, cheeses, olives, and dips—an ideal addition to any Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas.

Follow me on Pinterest for more Antipasto Puff Pastry Pinwheels recipes!