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

There’s something irresistibly delicious about flaky, golden puff pastry swirled with vibrant green pesto and salty prosciutto. These Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe bring that magic right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor — perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

The image shows close-up of several small round puff pastries on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a light golden-brown, flaky outer layer that spirals inward. Inside the spiral is a darker brown baked filling that appears cheesy and slightly crispy on top. The pastries are sprinkled with small bits of white cheese and fresh green parsley pieces, giving a contrast of colors. The texture of the pastry looks soft and flaky while the filling is dense and bubbly. 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

Every time I make these pinwheels, they disappear before I even have a chance to savor them fully. The combination of pesto, prosciutto, and melty cheese wrapped in buttery puff pastry is pure joy. They’re perfect for parties, casual snacks, or even fancy appetizers.

Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under an hour, even with chilling time included, so no need to spend all day in the kitchen.
Make Ahead Friendly: The logs can chill ahead of time or even freeze, which is a game changer for stress-free entertaining.
Deliciously Versatile: You can play around with different pestos or cheeses, customizing the flavor to fit your mood or pantry.
Beautiful Presentation: These spirals look so festive and inviting—great for impressing guests without trying too hard.

The image shows a white baking tray with a white marbled surface holding several small puff pastry pinwheels arranged in a scattered, casual layout. Each pinwheel has a golden-brown puff pastry outer layer with a darker, rich brown filling swirled inside, topped with green chopped parsley and a sprinkling of white grated cheese. The pinwheels vary slightly in color, some with a more orange tint to the pastry, others with a lighter beige, all with a flaky texture visible. Fresh green parsley sprigs are placed around the tray for garnish. On the right side of the tray, there is a small white ramekin filled with green herb sauce with a smooth but slightly textured surface. 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 crucial role. Puff pastry provides that irresistible flaky texture, pesto brings bright herbaceous flavor, prosciutto adds savory depth, and cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan create melty, gooey happiness.

Flat lay of two sheets of pale, golden frozen puff pastry, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant green basil pesto, five thin slices of rosy pink prosciutto arranged neatly, a small white bowl heaped with freshly shredded white mozzarella cheese, another small white bowl containing finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a small handful of bright green fresh basil leaves placed on a simple white ceramic dish, all perfectly spaced and balanced, placed 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: Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge to make it easier to roll without tearing.
Basil Pesto: Use a good quality or homemade pesto for fresh, vibrant flavor; feel free to try sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for variety.
Prosciutto: Thin slices melt beautifully but retain their salty punch, balancing the richness.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded works best as it melts evenly and adds creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the pesto and prosciutto.
Fresh basil (optional): Added after baking for a fresh, aromatic finish that makes the pinwheels pop visually and taste-wise.

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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

This recipe is like a blank canvas for flavor. I love switching up the pesto — sometimes I jazz it with sun-dried tomato pesto, which adds a sweet and tangy twist. You can also swap the prosciutto for smoked ham or even mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.

Vegetarian Variation: Replace prosciutto with grilled veggies or sun-dried tomatoes for a meat-free option that's equally satisfying and colorful.
Cheese Swap: Try fontina or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a deeper, tangier flavor profile.
Herb Boost: Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary inside the pinwheels for an earthy note that pairs nicely with pesto.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Roll Out the Puff Pastry

First, let your puff pastry sheets thaw overnight in the fridge—this makes rolling smooth without cracking. Lightly dust your work surface with flour if the dough feels sticky. Unfold one sheet and gently roll it into a 10x12-inch rectangle, keeping edges as neat as possible for an even roll later.

Step 2: Layer with Pesto, Prosciutto, and Cheese

Spread about ¼ cup of pesto evenly over the pastry, leaving a half-inch border around the edges—this helps keep the filling inside while baking. Then lay five overlapping slices of prosciutto evenly over the pesto. Sprinkle ¾ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan on top. This layering creates that perfect flavor combination nestled inside the pastry.

Step 3: Roll and Chill the Log

Starting from the long 12-inch edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Press gently as you go to keep the filling from sliding out. Trim the ends for a clean, uniform look. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes — chilling firms it up, making it easier to slice without squishing.

Step 4: Slice and Bake to Golden Perfection

Once chilled, use a sharp serrated knife to cut the log into ½-inch slices. A good sharp knife is crucial here to keep those beautiful spiral shapes intact. Arrange the pinwheels on parchment-lined baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart to let them puff up evenly. Bake at 375°F for around 18 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Top Tip

After making these pinwheels a dozen times, I've learned a few tricks that really elevate the experience and results.

Sharp Serrated Knife: This type of knife cuts through puff pastry effortlessly without squashing the roll or smearing the filling.
Don’t Skip the Chill: The resting time in the fridge is key to getting neat slices and nice puff during baking.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own cheese if possible; pre-grated cheeses don't melt as well.
Watch the Edges: Leaving a border around the pesto keeps the filling contained and the pastry puffed up beautifully.

How to Serve Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

pesto prosciutto pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the pinwheels right after they come out of the oven — it adds a bit of color and bright herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with the pesto. Sometimes I add a little flaky sea salt or a drizzle of aged balsamic to elevate the flavors further.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels are fantastic alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of marinated olives. For heartier meals or brunch, they pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a festive platter with colorful edible flowers or microgreens. Another favorite is stacking them on tiered trays alongside other finger foods to create an inviting appetizer spread that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pinwheels store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend warming them slightly in the oven to preserve the crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make the puff pastry soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled and sliced pinwheels before baking — just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Freezer-friendly and ready on your schedule!

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the pastry flaky and crisp, unlike the microwave. If you’re really in a pinch, a quick toast in a toaster oven works well too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and roll the pinwheel logs a day ahead. Just keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated until ready to slice and bake.

What type of pesto works best for this recipe?

Traditional basil pesto is classic, but you can use any flavorful pesto you like — sun-dried tomato, arugula, or even kale pesto would all be excellent choices depending on your preference.

How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart?

Chilling the rolled logs before slicing is key to keeping the pinwheels intact. Also, use a sharp serrated knife to slice carefully without squashing the roll.

Can these pinwheels be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze the sliced pinwheels before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.

Final Thoughts

These Pesto Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe have become a go-to in my kitchen for their ease, flavor, and impressive look. I love sharing them with friends and seeing those happy faces when the flaky layers and cheesy filling come together. You’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them—give it a try and see how fast they become a favorite in your home too!