If you’re searching for a party appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes, look no further than these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels. Imagine crisp, flaky puff pastry swirled with savory roast beef, gooey provolone cheese, and fragrant rosemary, all served alongside a rich, homemade au jus for the ultimate dipping experience. Whether your guests are foodies or just hungry, this playful twist on a classic sandwich always becomes the star of the snack table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels lies in their simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to add its own special magic. From the buttery pastry to the deeply flavorful dipping sauce, every component helps create irresistibly bite-sized perfection.
- Puff pastry: For that light, golden, shatteringly crisp bite that’s hard to resist—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and brightness, waking up all the savory flavors tucked inside.
- Deli roast beef: Sliced thin for even layering, it brings hearty, meaty satisfaction to every swirl.
- Provolone cheese: Melts to creamy, dreamy perfection and pairs seamlessly with the rich beef.
- Fresh rosemary (optional): An aromatic touch that brings subtle earthiness and a pop of green—highly recommended but not essential.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed over the tops, ensures your pinwheels bake up with golden, glossy exteriors.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions, giving them richness and depth.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed until sweet and translucent to flavor the au jus.
- Garlic: Just a clove, but it elevates the dipping sauce with gentle zest.
- Beef broth: The backbone of an authentic au jus, so use a good quality broth for the richest flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds complexity to your dipping sauce—don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, bringing all the flavors into beautiful balance.
How to Make French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels
Step 1: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry to a nice rectangle—about 1/8 inch thick. This gives you plenty of real estate for all those tasty fillings and helps everything cook evenly.
Step 2: Spread and Layer
Next, spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the entire surface of your pastry. Then, apply your deli roast beef slices in a single layer, making sure the edges are covered. Top this with provolone cheese slices, and for a burst of herbal fragrance, sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary if using. It’s the foundation of flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from one long edge, take a deep breath and tightly roll your pastry into a log. Try to keep it snug so everything holds together when slicing. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch-thick pieces. Each slice will showcase a beautiful spiral of beef and cheese tucked inside flaky pastry.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Carefully arrange the pinwheels cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give each one plenty of space to puff up as they bake. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that irresistible golden sheen, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until they’re puffed and perfectly bronzed.
Step 5: Make the Au Jus
While your pinwheels are getting golden and toasty, move on to making the au jus dipping sauce. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan and sauté the thinly sliced onion until it’s soft and lightly caramelized—this takes about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for one minute, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for five to seven minutes, then season with salt and pepper. You can strain the sauce for a silky finish or leave the onions in for extra flavor and texture.
Step 6: Serve and Dip!
When the French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels emerge piping hot from the oven, they’re ready for their final flourish. Serve on a platter with a bowl of savory au jus alongside for decadent dipping. Every bite is a medley of textures and flavors—pure party food paradise!
How to Serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels
Garnishes
You can elevate your pinwheels with simple yet impressive garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a touch more rosemary adds color and freshness, while a dusting of flaked sea salt just before serving highlights all those rich flavors. For a little zing, place a small bowl of creamy horseradish sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are party all-stars, but they also love sharing the table. Try pairing them with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, oven-roasted potatoes with herbs, or even a vibrant platter of roasted root vegetables. For game day, chips and pickles do the job wonderfully!
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with pinwheels! Arrange them in concentric circles on a large white platter for a showstopper effect, or stack them casually in a rustic breadbasket lined with a red checked napkin. For a modern twist, serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels on mini skewers alongside individual cups of au jus—ideal for mingling guests at any holiday party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels (though that’s a big “if”!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days. To keep the pastry crisp, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other—use parchment paper if needed.
Freezing
These pinwheels freeze surprisingly well! After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for about two months. To enjoy, just remove the number you need and reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring your pinwheels back to life, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange them on a baking sheet and heat for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Individual pinwheels also reheat beautifully in an air fryer. Microwave reheating isn’t recommended since it can make the pastry soggy, so stick to the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that lets the roast beef shine, you can substitute mozzarella, Swiss, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist. Just make sure you use a cheese that melts well for that signature pull in your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the log, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just slice, brush with egg, and pop them in the oven. This makes French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels a great choice for stress-free entertaining.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
Yes, you can use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry for a slightly softer, more bread-like texture. Just roll it out a bit thinner and proceed with the recipe as written for delicious results.
What’s the best way to serve the au jus?
Au jus is best served piping hot in small bowls or ramekins alongside the pinwheels—perfect for dipping. If you love extra flavor, try keeping the onions in the sauce, or for a silky dip, strain them out before serving.
How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?
To help your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels hold their shape, roll the pastry tightly and always place them cut-side down on the baking sheet. If you see any loose ends, gently tuck them under or secure with a toothpick before baking.
Final Thoughts
French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with savory goodness in every flaky bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or as a special weekend snack, they bring fun and flavor to any occasion. Give them a try—and don’t forget that luscious au jus for the ultimate finishing touch. I know you’re going to love every last swirl!
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French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are a delightful twist on the classic French dip sandwich, featuring savory roast beef and provolone cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry, served with a flavorful au jus dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or a delicious appetizer.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Dijon Mustard:
1 tablespoon
Deli Roast Beef:
6–8 slices
Provolone Cheese:
4 slices
Fresh Rosemary (optional):
1 tablespoon finely chopped
Egg Wash:
1 egg, beaten
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Yellow Onion:
1 small, thinly sliced
Garlic:
1 clove, minced
Beef Broth:
1 cup
Worcestershire Sauce:
1 tablespoon
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Pinwheels: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread Dijon mustard, layer with roast beef, provolone, and rosemary. Roll into a log, slice into pinwheels, place on baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18–22 minutes.
- Make the Au Jus: Heat olive oil, sauté onions, add garlic, pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, simmer for 5–7 minutes, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Hot pinwheels with au jus for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a different texture.
- Add horseradish for extra flavor.
- Great for parties; can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
