Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

Pimento cheese is a true Southern delicacy. And this savory appetizer recipe takes it to the next level by encasing it in pastry. These Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious, fun, and easy-to-eat appetizer that you'll love to serve at your next party. 

Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained

salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Place the extra sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and pimentos into a large mixing bowl. 
3. Use a mixer to beat at medium speed, until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Unroll the crescent rolls, keeping the perforated sections together. Gently pinch the perforations so they stay together.
5. Spread pimento cheese evenly on top. Carefully roll the crescent roll to create a roll. 
6. Set in refrigerator for 30 minutes for easier slicing. 
7. Gently slice the roll into 1-inch long sections using a sharp knife. 
8. Place onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to not crowd the rolls or they will stick to each other while baking.
9. Bake at 350℉ for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes then remove from the pan.

Notes: 

The softer the dough is, the more these pinwheels spread during baking. Refrigerating in step 6 helps with this.

Crescent roll dough won't slice particularly evenly, even after refrigerating. (You won't have perfect circles of dough.) However, they will even out while baking.

How to Serve Pimento Cheese

If you don't want to make fancy pants baked pinwheel appetizers with this pimento cheese recipe, you could easily just make the pimento cheese portion of the recipe (steps 1-3) and serve it:

• as a dip with crackers, veggies, or chips 
• on regular sandwiches, finger (tea-sized) sandwiches, or grilled sandwiches
• as a filling for a quesadilla
• as a burger topping
• as a topping for cooked veggies or baked potatoes
• as a topping for French fries
• mixed into grits 
• mixed into macaroni and cheese

If you're throwing a party soon, check out these other appetizer recipes:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Cowboy Caviar
• Unbelievably Good Fruit Dip
• Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Chicken Salad Finger Sandwiches