These are the easiest Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels that are seriously yummy and also are ready in less than 20 minutes! Use fresh or frozen broccoli and store-bought or homemade dough for this easy toddler meal.
We’re big fans of Taco Roll-Ups, Pizza Pinwheels, Pizza Rolls, Sandwich Roll-Ups, and anything in a silly spiral shape, which means we love making Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels. And this pinwheels recipe, which has broccoli and cheddar cheese in the mix, is one of our favorites. The texture is super tender, the flavors are rich yet subtle, and the method is so darn easy.
You can make this easy dinner recipe for your family or try it as a kids lunch in under 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s easy to use nondairy cheeses to make this dairy-free as needed; you can pair it with a dip or sauce that your kids like; and you can even pack them in a thermos as a hot lunch Idea for preschool or school.
But my favorite thing about this Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels recipe might be that they store so well. I can make extras and stash them into the freezer to warm through for a quick meal whenever we need it!
(You may also like Ham and Cheese Pinwheels, Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough, Wraps for Kids, and my Top Ten Lunchbox Ideas.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy toddler meal so you know what to have on hand and ready to go.
- Refrigerated crescent dough (or pizza dough): To make this super easy, I like to use crescent dough from the store. You can also use purchased or homemade pizza dough. The main difference is how long it takes to prep the dough. They bake similarly.
- Cream cheese: A thin layer of cream cheese over the dough adds moisture and richness to the pinwheels.
- Cheddar cheese: I like to use shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe for the cheesy texture.
- Broccoli: Lightly cooked broccoli, either the steam-in-the-bag variety or any leftover cooked broccoli, works here.
- Spices or herbs such as dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, or even pizza seasoning to add additional flavor as you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the times and amounts.
Step 1. Spread the crescent dough out on a clean cutting board lined with parchment paper. Evenly spread on the fillings.
Step 2. Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use the parchment paper to help you as you go.
Step 3. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds. (It’s okay if they’re not 100% even.)
Step 4. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake until puffed up and golden brown. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you assemble the Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels on a piece of parchment paper, you can use that to help you easily roll tight pinwheels. You can always tighten the dough as you transfer the slices to the baking sheet pan.
You can make them a few different ways, but this Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheel recipe is made with crescent roll dough (or pizza dough), cheeses, and broccoli.
I like to store leftovers in the fridge or you can make a whole batch ahead of time and let cool, then freeze until ready to warm through.
How to Store
Once cooled, you can store the Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer at 325 degrees F.
You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze as a freezer meal for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15-second increments in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- Use store-bought crescent dough, Whole Wheat Pizza Dough, or store-bought pizza dough.
- Use steam-in-the-bag frozen broccoli and prepare it according to package directions. Or use any leftover cooked broccoli that you have on hand.
- Let the pinwheels cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
- Serve this as dinner, lunch, a snack, or an appetizer.
- Offer with a dip such as salsa, ranch, or another dressing or dip your kids like.
- Serve with fresh fruit or simple sides such as a Green Smoothie for Kids, Baked Pears, Fruit Cups, Strawberry Juice, or Vanilla Milk.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Broccoli and Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 8 -ounce tube refrigerated crescent dough (or pizza dough)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup minced cooked broccoli
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the crescent dough out on a clean cutting board lined with parchment paper.
- Evenly spread on the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and broccoli.
- Starting at one end, roll up lengthwise. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch rounds.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Equipment
Notes
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- Once cooled, you can store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on a heat-safe plate in the microwave or for 2-3 minutes in an air fryer at 325 degrees F. You can also place the cooled pinwheels into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Freeze for up to 6 months. To warm from frozen, place on a heat-safe plate and warm in 15 second increments in the microwave.
- Use store-bought crescent dough, homemade pizza dough, or store-bought pizza dough.
-
- Use steam-in-the-bag frozen broccoli and prepare it according to package directions. Or use any leftover cooked broccoli that you have on hand.
-
- Let the pinwheels cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate to let the cheese cool briefly.
-
- Serve this as dinner, lunch, a snack, or an appetizer.
-
- Offer with a dip such as salsa, ranch, or another dressing or dip your kids like.
I used fresh broccoli (cut up fine in a food processor) and seasoned with 21 Seasoning Salute (Trader Joe’s). Delish!
What would be a good substitute for cream cheese? Or can I omit it? My toddler is sensitive to cream cheese but hard cheeses are fine. Would love to try this out.
You can omit it!
I’ve made these twice already and they’ve been a huge hit with my four year old. I served them alongside your homemade hamburger helper the other night and my husband, son and I all loved the combination. It felt like a hearty, comforting and healthy meal. Thank you, Amy, for so many recipes my entire family loves!
I’m so glad!