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You need one sheet of puff pastry for this recipe. Make sure it is thawed before using. Puff pastry creates a light and flaky texture. You can find it in the freezer section of most grocery stores. I recommend using a large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple. These apples are tart and sweet. They hold their shape well when baked. Peel and thinly slice the apple for the best results. Using one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor. The sharpness of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples. You can also try other cheeses like gouda or cream cheese for different tastes. Add one tablespoon of brown sugar to sweeten the apples. A teaspoon of cinnamon enhances the flavor beautifully. You can also include a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. For a crunchy texture, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans if you like. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the puff pastry puff up nicely. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the pinwheels from sticking. Next, take your thawed puff pastry. Place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to remove any creases. You want it slightly larger to hold more filling. Now, grab a mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these together until the apples are coated well. This mix brings out the sweet and spicy flavors. Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the puff pastry. Leave a small margin around the edges. Then, layer the apple mixture over the cheese. If you like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch. Starting from one edge, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Keep the filling inside as you roll. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels. Place these cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet with space in between. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for them to puff up and turn golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For these pinwheels, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith has a tart flavor that pairs well with cheese. Honeycrisp is sweet and crunchy, adding a nice texture. Both types hold their shape during baking. Choose apples that are firm and fresh for the best taste. To get a nice golden color, brush the tops with beaten egg before baking. The egg wash helps them brown beautifully. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. Once they puff up and turn golden, they are ready to come out. When rolling the puff pastry, start at one edge and roll tightly. Make sure the filling stays inside as you roll. If the pastry tears, gently pinch it back together. Slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels with a sharp knife. This keeps them even and helps them bake uniformly. Serve these pinwheels warm for the best experience. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also pair them with a sweet dip like honey or a savory one like ranch. These add extra flavor and fun! {{image_2}} You can add some nuts for extra crunch. Walnuts and pecans work well. Chop them up and sprinkle them over the apples. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Nuts pair well with both apple and cheese. They bring a delightful twist to this treat. Try mixing in some nuts next time you make these pinwheels. If you want a change, try different cheeses. Gouda has a rich, creamy taste. It melts nicely and gives a unique flavor. Cream cheese offers a tangy twist and makes the pinwheels extra creamy. Spread it thinly on the puff pastry for a smooth base. Both choices can elevate your pinwheel game. For a sweeter touch, consider adding caramel or honey. Drizzle caramel over the apples for a rich, sweet layer. Honey adds natural sweetness and pairs well with apples and cheese. You can brush a little honey on top before baking. This will create a glossy finish and enhance the flavor. Sweet additions make these pinwheels even more delightful. To keep your apple cheddar puff pastry pinwheels fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. For best taste, enjoy them within two days. You can freeze the pinwheels for a later treat. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat your pinwheels for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This helps restore the crispiness of the pastry. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy. Enjoy your tasty treat warm! Yes, you can use store-bought apple filling. It saves time and still tastes great. Choose a filling that has good flavor without too much liquid. This helps keep the pinwheels crisp. You can prepare the pinwheels and store them in the fridge. Just roll them, slice them, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap. Bake them when you’re ready. They stay fresh for a day. Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry Pinwheels taste good with many dips. Try a honey mustard sauce for a sweet kick. A creamy ranch dip also works well. You could even serve them with a warm caramel sauce for dessert. Yes, you can make these pinwheels gluten-free. Use gluten-free puff pastry instead of regular. Check the label to ensure it fits your needs. The filling remains the same, so enjoy those yummy flavors! These apple cheddar puff pastry pinwheels are tasty and fun to make. We explored the key ingredients, from puff pastry to apple varieties and cheese. I gave you simple steps for prep and baking. You learned tips for making the best pinwheels and how to store leftovers, too. Feel free to try different flavors and share them with friends. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!

Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Apple Cheddar Puff Pastry Pinwheels! These easy-to-make treats combine thinly sliced apples with sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for snacks or parties, they're sure to impress! Follow our simple step-by-step guide and enjoy the irresistible flavors in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

1 large apple, peeled and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

A pinch of salt

Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry to smooth any creases and slightly enlarge its size.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are well coated.

        Evenly spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a small margin around the edges.

          Layer the apple mixture over the cheese, spreading it out evenly. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top if using.

            Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape. Ensure the filling remains inside as you roll.

              Once rolled, slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels using a sharp knife. Place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out.

                Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to achieve a golden color while baking.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.

                    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 pinwheels

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the pinwheels warm on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an inviting appearance.