Broccoli Cheddar Pinwheels Recipe: The Ultimate Cheesy Crescent Roll Snack

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and sneaky healthy, look no further than these golden, gooey Broccoli Cheddar Pinwheels. Loaded with sharp cheddar, softened cream cheese, and finely chopped broccoli, these pinwheels are baked inside flaky crescent roll dough until crispy on the outside and melty in the middle.

Perfect as a party appetizer, after-school snack, or even a vegetarian lunch, this recipe is a winner for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can make them ahead, freeze them, and reheat in minutes. Talk about easy and delicious!

In this in-depth post, we’ll cover everything from how to make them to how to store them, with variations for every taste and dietary need. Let’s roll!

🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Broccoli Cheese Crescent Pinwheels combine rich, savory flavor with a hidden veggie boost. Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy these creamy, cheesy bites.

Highlights:

• ✅ Only 8 ingredients
• ✅ Ready in 30 minutes
• ✅ Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• ✅ Customizable with different cheeses, spices, and fillings
• ✅ Sneaky way to get your family to eat more broccoli!

This is the kind of recipe that fits just about any situation—brunch table, lunchbox, potluck, or quick dinner side. They also make a great addition to your hidden vegetable recipe arsenal.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to make about 10–12 pinwheels:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or crescent dough sheet)
• 1 ½ cups finely chopped broccoli (fresh steamed or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-ons:

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan for a salty kick
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard mixed into the filling for tang

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, chop it very finely (almost minced) and microwave or steam until just tender, about 1–2 minutes. If using frozen, thaw it completely and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Pro tip: The smaller the broccoli pieces, the easier they blend into the cheesy filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Minced broccoli
• Garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper

Stir until evenly combined. You want a smooth, cheesy paste that spreads easily.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll onto a clean surface. If using precut crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form one solid sheet.

Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the dough and even out the thickness. Aim for a rectangle about 10×12 inches.

Step 4: Spread the Filling

Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Press lightly to adhere the filling to the dough.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, similar to a jelly roll. Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice the roll into ½–¾-inch thick pieces.

Place the slices cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake the Pinwheels

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pinwheels for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Don’t overbake or the cheese will harden—watch for the edges to turn lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate. Serve warm for the best melty texture.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips for Success

• Chill the log before slicing: Refrigerating the rolled dough for 10 minutes helps you make cleaner cuts.
• Pat broccoli dry: Extra water makes soggy pinwheels.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can ooze out during baking.
• Try puff pastry: For a fancier, flakier version, use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls.

🔄 Easy Variations to Try

These Broccoli Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are endlessly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make them your own:

🥓 Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Pinwheels

Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling for an extra savory bite.

🧀 Four Cheese Pinwheels

Blend cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese for a complex cheesy flavor.

🌶 Jalapeño Cheddar Pinwheels

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy twist.

🥬 Spinach & Broccoli Pinwheels

Add chopped cooked spinach for extra greens.

🥕 Veggie Explosion Pinwheels

Sneak in grated carrots or zucchini for a fiber boost—perfect for hidden veggie recipes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are perfect for:

• 🎉 Party appetizers
• 🧺 Picnic snacks
• 🧒 Lunchboxes or school snacks
• 🥣 Soup sides (especially creamy tomato or potato soup)
• 🥪 Brunch boards with fresh fruit and mini quiches

Pair with dipping sauces like:

• Ranch
• Marinara
• Spicy ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Creamy garlic dip

🥶 How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

Storing:

• Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze baked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 15–30 seconds per pinwheel
• Oven: 350°F for 5–10 minutes
• Air fryer: 375°F for 4–6 minutes for crispy results

🥗 Make-Ahead Instructions

Planning ahead? Here’s how to prep in advance:

• ✅ Make the broccoli cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
• ✅ Assemble and chill the log (unbaked) up to 24 hours before slicing and baking.
• ✅ Bake and freeze in advance, then reheat directly from frozen.

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel – Approximate)

These are relatively high in protein, especially with the cheese and cream cheese, and make a great way to sneak veggies into your day.

🧑‍👩‍👦 Kid-Friendly Meal Prep Tips

These Pinwheels for Kids are a hit at school, daycare, and playdates. Here’s how to make them even more kid-appealing:

• Use mild cheddar or mozzarella
• Serve with ketchup or ranch
• Make mini pinwheels using half-sized slices
• Let your kids help assemble them!

They also make a great “gateway” recipe to introduce picky eaters to green veggies.

🛒 Shopping & Ingredient Tips

• Cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or try white cheddar for a twist.
• Crescent dough: Pillsbury and store brands work well. Look for crescent sheets to avoid sealing seams.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen both work—just make sure to drain and dry thoroughly.

🌱 Make It Healthier

Looking for a lighter version? Try these swaps:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese
• Try whole wheat crescent rolls if available
• Replace half the cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
• Add more veggies and reduce cheese slightly

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt for clean eating without sacrificing flavor.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re whipping up a snack for hungry kids or prepping an appetizer tray for friends, Broccoli Cheddar Pinwheels are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make, rich in flavor, and packed with just enough veggies to make you feel great about eating them (or serving them to your family).

Easy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation.