Za’atar Parmesan Pinwheels

Published Dec. 21, 2022

Za’atar Parmesan Pinwheels
Julia Gartland for The New York Times
Total Time
45 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ chilling
Rating
4(372)
Comments
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These crunchy, savory snacks have the irresistible can’t-stop-eating nature of cheese straws, but with the added allure of a sprinkle of herby, sesame-flecked za’atar, a Middle Eastern seasoning mix available in large supermarkets and spice shops. Rolled into logs and sliced into pinwheels before baking, they puff into domes in the oven’s heat, turning golden, crisp and wonderfully flaky. If you can find all-butter puff pastry, it really makes a difference here, adding a rich, deep flavor and an especially bronzed color.

Featured in: 3 Simple Ways to Turn Frozen Puff Pastry Into the Ultimate Party Starter

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Ingredients

Yield:About 3½ dozen
  • cup grated Parmesan
  • tablespoons za’atar, plus more for garnish
  • teaspoon fine salt
  • Pinch of ground cayenne
  • 1(14- to 16-ounce) package puff pastry, thawed if frozen but still cold
  • All-purpose flour, for rolling (optional)
  • 1large egg, lightly beaten
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • Sesame seeds, for finishing (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (42 servings)

68 calories; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 55 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan, za’atar, salt and cayenne.

  2. Step 2

    On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the cold puff pastry into a 12-by-16-inch rectangle, about ⅛ inch thick. (If the rolling pin sticks, you can flour it very lightly.)

  3. Step 3

    Position puff pastry so the longer side is facing you. Lightly brush the egg wash across the pastry and sprinkle the za’atar-Parmesan mixture all over the egg-washed surface in an even layer, leaving a ¼-inch border on the longer side farthest from you. Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the top of the za’atar-Parmesan mixture. Save the remaining egg wash to use on the puff pastry before baking.

  4. Step 4

    Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the puff pastry in half crosswise. Starting with the half closest to you, roll the dough into a tight log; finish with the ¼-inch border seam underneath, pinching it to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.

  5. Step 5

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you can reuse the one you rolled the dough on).

  6. Step 6

    Transfer logs onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover with another piece of parchment and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.

  7. Step 7

    Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Uncover dough logs, and line another baking sheet with parchment. (You can use the one covering the logs.)

  8. Step 8

    Transfer the logs to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into ¼-inch-thick rounds. Using an offset spatula or metal spatula, place the pinwheels on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. (You might need a third baking sheet; if they don’t all fit in your oven at the same time, refrigerate one baking sheet until ready to bake.)

  9. Step 9

    Using reserved egg wash, lightly brush egg onto pinwheels and sprinkle with more za’atar, and flaky salt and sesame seeds, if you like.

  10. Step 10

    Bake pinwheels until golden brown and puffed (some will puff into domes), 20 to 30 minutes, rotating sheet pans halfway through. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These are best served warm, but will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Ratings

4 out of 5
372 user ratings
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Comments

Crosswise means to cut it parallel to the shorter side, from the side away from you to the side closest to you, so you end up with two 12 x 8 squares, with the 1/4" plain strip along the side furthest away from you on both (used to seal the pinwheel after rolling). I'm assuming you cut it to make it easier to roll the somewhat floppy dough into the pinwheel; rolling a 16" long pinwheel would be more difficult to manage. (Cutting lengthwise would be from right to left, parallel to the 16" side)

Want to try however need clarification of the recipe. The 12” x 16” pastry is cut ‘crosswise’. If 16” side is east/west and 12” side is north/south is the cut north/south OR East/west? I would appreciate your help—-

Za'atar is both an herb and a spice mixture. The herb is in the oregano family, so yes, oregano would work well as a substitute. Oregano along with white sesame seeds, sumac and salt would work for the spice blend here, which presumably is what the author is referring to. Other herbs, specifically thyme are often used, but in terms of flavor oregano is the closest substitute.

made these for a get together with friends, used with hummus and it was a hit. Did use full butter puff pastry.

These were a big hit at the block party. I didn’t have enough Parmesan cheese, so I used aged Gouda. Delish!

Delicious. Next time I wouldn't finish with flaky salt. Too salty.

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