Keto Pinwheels: A Twist on the Classic!
Ditch the idea that a keto diet limits your snacking options. Introducing Keto Pinwheels, a delicious twist on a classic snack that traditionally relies on crescent roll dough.
Instead, we’re bringing in fathead dough to keep things low-carb and diet-friendly.
This alternative is nothing short of revolutionary, offering a soft, pillowy texture that mirrors the beloved crescent rolls but cuts out the carbs, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free treat.
Fathead dough, made with a blend of cheeses and almond flour, is the star of this recipe. It’s a game-changer for anyone on a keto diet craving that satisfying chew without breaking their carb bank.
So, if you’re in the mood for something savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious, these Keto Pinwheels are about to become your new favorite snack.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
What You’ll Need
- Pre-Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese: The melty backbone of our fathead dough.
- Almond Flour: Your keto approved flour.
- Cream Cheese: A rich, creamy element crucial for the dough’s perfect consistency.
- Egg: The glue that holds our dough dreams together. Where would we be without you, dear egg?
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced and packed with flavor.
- Yellow Mustard: A little zing to make the flavors sing.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and bold, it’s not afraid to let its presence be known.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Because can you ever have too much cheese? This is rhetorical, of course.
- Sesame Seeds: The sprinkles on our keto-friendly treat.
Putting It All Together
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to keep those pinwheels from sticking.
Take a microwave-safe bowl and mix the almond flour with both the mozzarella and cream cheese. This step ensures every bit of cheese gets a nice coat of almond flour.
The cheese dough mix needs a bit of heat to become dough-like. Pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds, give it a stir, and repeat until you get a smooth mixture. Patience is key here.
Now, crack that egg into the dough. Kneading by hand is the way to go for this step. Yes, the mixture might still be hot, so please be careful!
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Creating a square/rectangle shape of dough took me a while to really perfect, but the straighter the sides can be, the better when it comes time to roll up the pinwheels!
Lay 2 slices of ham on each dough section. A layer of yellow mustard follows, topped with a generous sprinkle of both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Roll each section up tightly. This is where the magic happens, as you see your pinwheels taking shape.
Before slicing, give each roll a good roll in sesame seeds for that extra texture and nutty flavor.
Slice each roll into about 6 pinwheels, place them on your prepared baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for a slight golden brown at the bottom.
Keto Pinwheels: Alternative Ingredients
Our Keto Pinwheels are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re a fan of experimenting in the kitchen or simply need to work with what’s in your fridge, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Here are some ingredient swaps that can add new flavors and textures to your pinwheels, making them even more irresistible.
Deli Meats:
- Turkey: Light, flavorful, and a great alternative to ham.
- Salami: For those who enjoy a bit more spice and richness in their bites.
- Roast Beef: Brings a hearty, robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheeses.
Cheeses:
- Pepper Jack: Adds a spicy kick for those who like a little heat.
- Gouda: Offers a smooth, smoky flavor that melts beautifully in the oven.
- Swiss: A great option for a milder, nutty flavor that compliments the ham perfectly.
Mustard and Sauce Swaps:
- Dijon Mustard: For a sharper, deeper flavor compared to yellow mustard.
- Pesto: A fragrant alternative that brings a burst of basil and Parmesan.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, ranch can add a new dimension of flavor, especially if you’re using chicken or turkey.
Seed Sprinkles:
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: This popular blend adds an oniony, garlicky crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Poppy Seeds: Offer a subtle crunch and visual flair without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sunflower Seeds: Chopped sunflower seeds can provide a nutty flavor and a satisfying bite.
FAQ:
Can I use coconut flour?
No, you can’t use coconut flour as a direct 1-for-1 swap with almond flour in this recipe. The reason isn’t about flavor but rather the properties of coconut flour itself. It absorbs much more moisture than almond flour, which means the dough’s consistency would be off without making additional adjustments to the recipe to increase moisture.
How long do these last?
In the unlikely event of leftovers, store them in a snug container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re good for a few days, but best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze baked pinwheels for up to 3 months for a quick snack later. Just reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked feel. This is a great option for batch cooking a large portion of pinwheels!
Is there a dairy-free option?
No, creating a dairy-free version of this Keto Pinwheels recipe presents a challenge because cheese is a primary ingredient in fathead dough.
Non-dairy cheeses often have different melting properties and may not provide the same binding and texture needed for the dough to come together properly. The unique characteristics of traditional cheeses play a crucial role in achieving the dough’s soft and pillowy texture, making it difficult to replicate with dairy-free alternatives.
Keto Pinwheels are more than just a snack; they’re a statement. A statement that says, “Yes, I can have my pinwheel and eat it too, thank you very much.”
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and savor every bite of your guilt-free creation.
Keto Pinwheels
Looking for the perfect keto appetizer? These cheesy Keto Pinwheels are your answer. Packed with delicious flavors and easy to make, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 7 oz Pre-Shredded, Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese
- ¾ cup Almond Flour
- 1 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 Large Egg
- 8 thin slices Deli Ham
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add almond flour, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and give it a gentle stir to coat the cheeses with almond flour.
- Alternate between microwaving for 30 seconds and stirring the dough until you have a homogeneous mixture.
- Mix in the 1 egg. It's best to knead the dough with your hands, but beware, because the cheese may be pretty hot.
- Roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and cut into 4 sections.
- Place 2 pieces of deli ham on each section, then spread the mustard evenly on the ham slices.
- Sprinkle the cheeses on top, then roll up each section, creating a spiral of ingredients.
- Roll the pinwheels in sesame seeds before slicing each roll. You should get about 6 pinwheels from each roll.
- Place the pinwheels on the parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the dough just begins to brown on the bottoms.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 3 PinwheelsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 249Total Fat: 19gCarbohydrates: 5gNet Carbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gProtein: 16g
More Keto Appetizers!
- Air Fryer Keto Crab Rangoon
- Keto Mini Pizza Bites
- Keto Balsamic Caprese Steak Bites
- Gluten-Free Provencal Tomato Tart Recipe
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Pull Apart Bread