Crispy Turkey & Cheddar Pinwheel Lunch Rolls
A quick and reliable lunchbox solution made with puff pastry, deli turkey, and sharp cheddar. These pinwheels are baked until golden and flaky, ensuring they hold their shape and stay crispy in the backpack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 35-38 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6–8 slices deli turkey breast
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, or chopped green onions
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry sheet on the counter for 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cold.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the thawed pastry into a rectangle.
- Brush a thin layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
- Lay turkey slices over the mustard, slightly overlapping to create a continuous layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the turkey.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log, tucking in the ends.
- Optional: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the log into 1-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.
- Place pinwheels cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Brush tops lightly with beaten egg wash.
- Bake in oven for 15-18 minutes or in air fryer for 8-10 minutes (flipping halfway), until golden brown and puffed.
Notes
Ensure the pastry is cold when rolling to prevent sticking and ensure flakiness. Do not skip the egg wash if you want a golden, bakery-style shine. If using wet ingredients like vegetables, pat them dry to prevent soggy pastry. These can be frozen unbaked and baked from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 pinwheels
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: turkey pinwheels, cheddar cheese rolls, puff pastry lunch, easy lunchbox ideas, quick snacks, air fryer recipes, school lunch