© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🥦🧀 Easy Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels for Toddler Meals: A Cheesy Vegetable Snack
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delightful and nutritious snack for your little one, look no further than these Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels. Perfectly rolled with tender broccoli and melty cheese, they are an excellent choice for easy toddler meals and makes for a versatile, cheesy vegetable snack. These pinwheels are a fun way to encourage kids to enjoy their greens, combining layers of flavor with a pleasingly crispy exterior.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or snack emergencies
- One-bowl preparation—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor
- Healthy and kid-friendly ingredients—packed with greens and cheese
- Great for freezing—make ahead for quick snacks or lunchboxes
3. Ingredient Notes
For this cheesy vegetable snack, selecting high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. Use fresh, crisp broccoli florets to ensure vibrant color and tender bites. Cheddar or mozzarella cheese works beautifully, providing meltiness and flavor—opt for organic or block cheese and grate it yourself for the best texture. A good flaky pastry or puff pastry adds the perfect buttery crunch, and you can find excellent pre-made options to save time. Season with a touch of garlic powder or a hint of nutmeg to enhance the savory notes.
Pro tip: Opt for organic broccoli and cheese when possible; these ingredients offer cleaner taste and added nutritional benefits.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To craft these delightful pinwheels effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer is perfect for baking or crisping the pinwheels evenly without added oil, giving you that golden, crispy finish. A sturdy T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures easy rolling and clean-up. Use a sharp EUHOMY Portable Rapid Ice Maker (or any reliable freezer space) to keep ingredients cold and fresh during prep.
5. How to Make Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels
Preparing the Filling
Start by steaming fresh broccoli until tender but still bright green—this takes about 5 minutes. Drain well and chop finely. In a bowl, combine the broccoli with shredded cheese, a pinch of garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated—your filling should be cheesy and fragrant.
Assembling the Pinwheels
Roll out your pre-made puff pastry or flaky dough on a floured surface. Spread the broccoli-cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from one edge to the other, like a jelly roll. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels, placing them on a lined baking sheet. You should see beautiful spirals with generous layers of filling.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy at the edges. The aroma of melted cheese and toasted dough will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. For extra crispiness, you can bake these in your air fryer for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use cold dough and chilled filling ingredients to ensure the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.
- Seal the edges well when rolling to prevent filling from leaking out.
- Decorate the tops with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or grated cheese before baking for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Allow the pinwheels to rest for a few minutes after baking to help set the layers before serving.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If your toddler has a dairy allergy, substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese options or omit it altogether. For a different veggie twist, try using spinach, grated carrot, or finely chopped bell peppers mixed with the broccoli. You can also make these pinwheels vegetarian by adding chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until crispy. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the baking time.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble them and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. For the best texture, bake them fresh before serving.
Are these suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked pinwheels on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Can I make these vegetarian?
They’re naturally vegetarian! Simply omit any meat ingredients. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or grated carrots for variety.
10. Conclusion
These Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are a wholesome, cheesy treat perfect for easy toddler meals. With their delightful layers of melted cheese and crisp pastry, they’re sure to become a favorite snack you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re serving them at a playdate or packing them in lunchboxes, these pinwheels offer nutritious, cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
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Easy Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels for Toddler Meals
A simple, cheesy vegetable pinwheel recipe that is perfect for toddlers. Crispy, flaky, with a cheesy broccoli filling, great for lunch or snacks.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle.
- Spread the broccoli mixture evenly over the pastry, then roll up tightly from the short side to form a log.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- You can prepare these pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
