Savory Asparagus Beef Pinwheels
These Savory Asparagus Beef Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that combine the tender crunch of asparagus with the rich flavors of cream cheese and savory roast beef. Ideal for lunch or as a party starter, they are easy to prepare and sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. With a creamy horseradish kick, these rolls introduce a unique flavor profile, making them a favorite for any gathering. Perfect for those moments when you crave something light yet satisfying, they can be served cold or at room temperature.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1.5 cups (for boiling asparagus)
Fresh asparagus spears
36 spears (trimmed)
Chive & onion cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) carton (softened)
Prepared horseradish
3-5 tablespoons (to taste)
Thinly sliced roast beef
2 (5 ounce) packages (pat dry with paper towels)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the trimmed asparagus spears, cover, and boil for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
2
Immediately drain the asparagus and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the asparagus again and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chive & onion cream cheese and prepared horseradish until well mixed and smooth.
4
Take the thinly sliced roast beef and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5
Lay out each slice of beef and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface. Place an asparagus spear at one end and roll the beef tightly around it, securing the spear inside.
6
Once rolled, you can slice the pinwheels into bite-sized pieces if desired or leave them whole. Refrigerate the rolls for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy these flavorful bites!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Asparagus Beef Pinwheels?
They are a light and flavorful appetizer consisting of tender asparagus spears rolled in thinly sliced roast beef with a horseradish-cream cheese spread.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: water, fresh asparagus spears, chive & onion cream cheese, prepared horseradish, and thinly sliced roast beef.
How long should I boil the asparagus?
Boil the trimmed asparagus spears for 2-3 minutes until they reach a crisp-tender consistency.
Why do I need to put the asparagus in ice water?
The ice water bath stops the cooking process immediately, which helps keep the asparagus bright green and crunchy.
What kind of cream cheese is best for these pinwheels?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce carton of chive & onion cream cheese, which provides a savory base for the spread.
How much horseradish should I add to the mixture?
You should add 3 to 5 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, depending on how much spicy kick you prefer.
What type of roast beef should I use?
Thinly sliced roast beef, such as the kind found in deli packages, works best because it is flexible enough to roll.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance. They need to be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Is it necessary to cook the roast beef?
No, the roast beef is already cooked and should be used cold from the package.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
Ensure both the blanched asparagus and the roast beef slices are patted completely dry with paper towels before assembly.
Can I use frozen asparagus for this recipe?
Fresh asparagus is recommended to achieve the proper crisp-tender texture required for the pinwheels.
What if I do not like horseradish?
You can reduce the amount of horseradish or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Can I use plain cream cheese instead of flavored?
Yes, you can use plain cream cheese, but you may want to add your own fresh chives or herbs to maintain the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that your roast beef and cream cheese brands do not contain gluten additives.
How should I store leftover pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Can these pinwheels be served warm?
These are designed to be served chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
How many asparagus spears are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires approximately 36 fresh asparagus spears.
Do I need to secure the rolls with toothpicks?
The cream cheese mixture usually acts as a glue to keep the beef rolled tightly, but you can use toothpicks if needed for serving.
Can I substitute the beef with another meat?
Thinly sliced ham or turkey are excellent alternatives if you prefer a different meat.
Why is drying the roast beef important?
Drying the beef ensures that the cream cheese mixture adheres properly and prevents the rolls from sliding apart.
Should I slice the pinwheels into smaller pieces?
You can leave them as whole spears or slice them into bite-sized rounds depending on your preference.
Is this a low-carb or keto-friendly snack?
Yes, these pinwheels are very low in carbohydrates, making them suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
Can I use white asparagus instead of green?
Yes, white asparagus can be used, though it has a milder taste and may require slightly different boiling times.
How much roast beef should I buy?
You will need two 5-ounce packages of thinly sliced roast beef.
What is a good occasion to serve these?
They are perfect for holiday parties, cocktail hours, picnics, or as a light lunch.
Can I add other spices to the cream cheese?
Yes, adding black pepper, garlic powder, or fresh dill can enhance the flavor further.
How do I trim the asparagus?
Snap or cut off the tough, woody bottom ends of the spears before you start the boiling process.
Can I use a different flavored cream cheese?
Garlic and herb or garden vegetable flavored cream cheese would also be delicious in this recipe.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese at room temperature makes it much easier to mix with the horseradish and spread on the beef.
Can I use canned asparagus spears?
Canned asparagus is usually too soft for this recipe and won't hold up well when rolled in the beef.