Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Delight your guests with these irresistible Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Pinwheels! Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a simple weeknight snack, these bite-sized appetizers combine the tangy crunch of dill pickles with creamy, flavorful cream cheese spread. Each roll is packed with flavor and easy to prepare, making it a delicious addition to any platter. Chill them overnight for the best flavor, and watch them disappear at your next event!
100
Servings
20
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
20 slices (edges trimmed)
dill pickle spears
20 (whole)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
mayonnaise
1/4 cup (to soften cream cheese)
onion juice
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Instructions
1
Begin by softening the cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Gradually add mayonnaise to the cream cheese until you reach your desired creaminess—about 1/4 cup is a good starting point, but adjust according to your preference.
2
Add 1 teaspoon of onion juice to the cream cheese mixture for flavor and mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Take a slice of trimmed bread and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over it, covering the entire surface evenly.
4
Place a dill pickle spear at one edge of the bread slice and carefully roll it up jelly roll style, ensuring the pickle is wrapped tightly within the bread.
5
Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices and pickle spears.
6
Once all the rolls are prepared, tightly wrap each one in wax paper to maintain their shape and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
When you're ready to serve, remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 5 equal pieces, creating bite-sized pinwheels.
Nutrition Information
1.2g
Fat
1.6g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Pinwheels?
Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Pinwheels are bite-sized appetizers made by spreading a creamy cheese mixture onto trimmed bread, rolling it around a dill pickle spear, and slicing it into small rounds.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 100 pinwheels, calculated from 20 bread rolls sliced into 5 pieces each.
Why do I need to refrigerate the rolls overnight?
Chilling overnight allows the bread to set and the flavors to meld, making the rolls much easier to slice into clean, uniform pinwheels.
What is onion juice and where can I find it?
Onion juice is the liquid extracted from onions. It can usually be found in the spice or condiment aisle of grocery stores, or made at home by grating an onion and straining the pulp.
Can I substitute onion juice with onion powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of onion juice with approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
What is the best way to slice the pinwheels?
Use a very sharp knife, such as a serrated knife or a sharp chef's knife, and use a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the soft bread.
Can I use tortillas instead of bread?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for bread, though the texture and traditional appearance of the appetizer will change.
How many calories are in one pinwheel?
Each pinwheel contains approximately 20 calories.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, these are an ideal make-ahead appetizer as they require overnight refrigeration to set properly.
Should I pat the pickles dry before rolling?
Yes, patting the dill pickle spears dry with a paper towel helps prevent the cream cheese and bread from becoming too soggy.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or Neufchatel cheese can be used, though the texture may be slightly less creamy than full-fat cream cheese.
How long do these stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The pinwheels are best when eaten within 24 to 48 hours but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the bread and pickles will degrade significantly upon thawing.
Is the mayonnaise necessary for the recipe?
Mayonnaise is used to soften the cream cheese and add flavor; however, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding a thin slice of deli ham or dried beef before rolling the pickle is a popular and delicious variation.
Are these pinwheels gluten-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free because of the bread, but you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or tortillas.
What kind of bread works best?
Soft white bread is typically used because it is easy to roll without cracking, but wheat or multi-grain bread also works if the crusts are removed.
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
Yes, if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, you can substitute sweet pickle spears for the dill pickles.
What should I do with the bread crusts?
You can discard them, or better yet, save them to make homemade breadcrumbs or croutons.
Can I add fresh herbs to the cream cheese mixture?
Absolutely. Fresh dill, chives, or parsley are excellent additions to the cream cheese spread for extra flavor.
Do I need to peel the pickles?
No, the skin of the dill pickle provides the characteristic crunch and color for the pinwheel.
Can I use whipped cream cheese?
Yes, whipped cream cheese can be used and will be even easier to blend with the mayonnaise and onion juice.
How do I prevent the bread from cracking when I roll it?
Using fresh, soft bread is key. If the bread is slightly dry, you can briefly press it with a rolling pin to make it more pliable.
Why use wax paper for wrapping?
Wax paper helps the rolls maintain their cylindrical shape and prevents the bread from drying out in the fridge.
Can I use plastic wrap instead of wax paper?
Yes, plastic wrap is an excellent alternative for tightly sealing the rolls during the refrigeration process.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, many children enjoy the combination of bread, cream cheese, and pickles, making it a great party snack for all ages.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each pinwheel contains approximately 1.2g of fat.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with other finger foods like vegetable crudités, cheese platters, and deli meats.
Can I use garlic juice instead of onion juice?
Yes, garlic juice or a small amount of garlic powder can be used if you prefer a garlic-forward flavor.
Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yes, softening the cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture when combined with the mayonnaise.