Irresistible Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer Recipe
When planning any gathering, from casual game nights to elegant holiday parties, appetizers are often the first impression your guests have of the meal. These Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels are designed to make that impression count, offering a delightfully easy, yet incredibly flavorful, bite-sized treat that will undoubtedly win over everyone in the room. Forget complicated recipes; these pinwheels deliver maximum impact with minimal effort.
Imagine a rich, creamy cheese filling infused with the briny, distinct flavor of green olives, all snugly rolled within a flaky, buttery crescent dough, then baked to golden perfection. Unlike many cold pinwheel variations you might encounter, such as Pinwheel Sandwiches or Ham & Cheese Roll Ups, these warm, savory spirals offer a comforting and indulgent experience. If you’re already a fan of my popular Cheddar Green Olive Dip, you’ll be thrilled to know this recipe uses a very similar base – making it super easy to prepare a double batch of the dip and serve both hot pinwheels and a cold dip for a versatile appetizer spread!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels
- Effortlessly Easy: These pinwheels are designed for convenience. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. This makes them perfect for busy hosts who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. From mixing the filling to rolling and baking, the process is simple enough for even beginner cooks.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser (especially for olive lovers!): While green olives might be a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient for some, those who adore their distinct briny flavor will absolutely rave about these pinwheels. The creamy, cheesy filling perfectly balances the saltiness of the olives, creating a harmonious and addictive bite. For guests who aren’t keen on olives, these pinwheels are incredibly adaptable. Consider delicious swaps like crispy crumbled bacon, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a touch of diced jalapeño for a spicy kick. This versatility ensures there’s a flavor profile for everyone to enjoy.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Preparations: One of the best features of these savory treats is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the flavorful cream cheese and olive filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When it’s time to entertain, simply unroll the crescent dough, spread the pre-made filling, roll, slice, and bake. This strategy significantly reduces stress on the day of your event, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch, a game day spread, a festive holiday party, or a potluck with friends, these cheesy green olive pinwheels fit right in. Their appealing spiral shape and delicious warm flavor make them a welcome addition to any appetizer table, demonstrating both elegance and approachability.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, savory garlic, and briny green olives, all encased in a tender, buttery crust, creates an appetizer that is incredibly satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of savory flavor that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Key Ingredients for Green Olive Pinwheels
For the full printable recipe card with precise measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post.
Crafting these delightful pinwheels requires only a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating their irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: Opt for a full-fat block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling that spreads easily and mixes well with other ingredients. Its tanginess provides a perfect base for the savory elements.
- Mayonnaise: A touch of mayonnaise adds extra creaminess and helps bind the filling together. It also contributes to the savory depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its robust flavor that stands up well to the olives. Freshly grated cheddar will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, but either will work. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even a smoky gouda for a different twist.
- Garlic: A single clove of fresh garlic, grated, infuses the filling with a pungent aroma and zesty flavor. Fresh garlic is always preferred over garlic powder for its bright, authentic taste.
- Green Olives: A 7oz jar of green olives, thoroughly drained and coarsely chopped, is the star of this recipe. Manzanilla olives are a popular choice due to their firm texture and slightly nutty, smoky flavor. Coarsely chopping them ensures you get delightful pockets of olive flavor in every bite, without them being too overpowering.
- Crescent Roll Sheets: These ready-made dough sheets are the ultimate convenience hack for pinwheels. They provide a perfectly flaky, buttery base that bakes up beautifully. Look for the seamless sheets if possible, as they require less pinching together than the perforated crescent roll triangles.
How To Make Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels
Creating these savory pinwheels is incredibly simple, making them a fantastic recipe for any skill level. Follow these straightforward steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, grated garlic, and coarsely chopped green olives. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese for a consistent filling.
- Unroll the Dough: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough sheet onto a clean, lightly floured large cutting board or a piece of parchment paper. If using standard crescent rolls, gently pinch the perforations together to form a seamless rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the green olive and cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent dough, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the edges to help with sealing.
- Roll Tightly: Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Rolling tightly is crucial for well-formed pinwheels that hold their shape during baking. Once rolled, gently press down along the seam to seal it.
- Slice the Log: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch thick slices. A serrated knife works best here as it cuts through the dough and filling cleanly without squishing the pinwheels.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sliced pinwheels face up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there’s a little space between each pinwheel for even baking. Bake in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, but typically it takes around 15-18 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and serve them warm. They are at their absolute best when the cheese is gooey and the dough is flaky and fresh from the oven.
Crescent Roll Alternatives and Variations
Crescent dough, while incredibly convenient, isn’t always available everywhere, or you might simply want to try a different texture. Don’t worry, there are excellent alternatives to ensure you can still enjoy these savory pinwheels:
- Puff Pastry: This is an excellent substitute for crescent dough. Puff pastry offers a richer, even flakier texture that elevates the pinwheels. Simply thaw a sheet of puff pastry according to package directions, unroll it, spread the filling, roll it up, slice, and bake. Keep an eye on baking times, as puff pastry might cook slightly differently, usually around the same temperature but possibly for a few minutes longer or shorter until deeply golden.
- Homemade Crescent Rolls: For the ambitious baker, making your own Crescent Rolls from scratch is a rewarding endeavor. While it requires more time and effort, the fresh, homemade dough will bring an unparalleled taste and texture to your pinwheels.
- Pie Crust: While not as flaky as crescent or puff pastry, a rolled-out pie crust can also be used. It will yield a crispier, more cracker-like pinwheel, offering a different but still delicious experience.
Beyond dough, you can also get creative with the filling! Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, a dash of onion powder for extra depth, or even some fresh dill or parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Experimentation is part of the fun in cooking!
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover pinwheels (they’re usually devoured quickly!), proper storage will help keep them delicious. Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options:
- Oven Reheating: For the best results and to regain some of that lovely crispiness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again.
- Microwave Reheating: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will warm them up quickly. However, they might become a bit softer and lose some of their flaky texture. Heat in 15-30 second intervals until warm.
These pinwheels also freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, assemble and slice them, then arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, place frozen pinwheels on a lined baking sheet and bake at the recommended temperature, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes to Try
If you love creating impressive appetizers, be sure to explore more recipes from my collection. Here are some other crowd-pleasing favorites that pair wonderfully with any gathering, just like these Appetizer Recipes:
- Baked Blue Cheese Dip: A rich and tangy dip perfect for crackers or veggies.
- Totchos: A fun fusion of tater tots and nachos, ideal for game day.
- Classic Bruschetta: Fresh and vibrant, a timeless Italian starter.
- Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Loaded with flavor, these nachos are always a hit.
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip: Creamy, savory, and utterly addictive.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm, comforting classic that never disappoints.
Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels
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Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1, 7oz jar Green Olives, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 package crescent roll sheets
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375º F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, grated garlic, and the drained, coarsely chopped green olives. Mix well with a spoon or rubber spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, forming a creamy and flavorful filling.
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Unroll the crescent dough sheet onto a large cutting board or a piece of parchment paper. If your crescent dough comes in triangles, pinch the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet. Spread the prepared green olive filling mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the longer sides.
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Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut the rolled log into 1/2-inch thick slices. This type of knife helps to create clean cuts without squashing the delicate pinwheel shape.
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Place the sliced pinwheels face up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure there is a little space between each pinwheel to allow them to bake evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheesy filling is melted and bubbling.
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Remove the Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels from the oven and serve them immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is delightfully gooey. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for recipe development. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I love and that make Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts possible.