
These wonderfully crispy puff pastry pinwheels with tender smoked salmon and creamy cream cheese are my absolute secret weapon for spontaneous guests. The combination of buttery puff pastry, savory salmon, and fresh herbs creates a flavor that delights everyone. In my family, they have long since become a classic. Delicious salmon pinwheels from puff pastry - a simple recipe.
Since I first baked these pinwheels for a family celebration, I am regularly asked for the recipe. The crispy texture of the puff pastry combined with the creamy filling makes them irresistible. Crispy salmon pinwheels for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for Salmon Pinwheels and Their Selection
- Puff pastry: Best from the refrigerated section - butter puff pastry gives the crispiest texture
- Smoked salmon: Quality is crucial here - look for tender, thin slices
- Cream cheese: Room temperature makes it more spreadable - feel free to refine with horseradish
- Fresh herbs: Dill is classic, but chives also add a great note
Detailed Step by Step Guide for Salmon Pinwheels
- Dough preparation
- Remove puff pastry from the refrigerator 10 minutes before processing
- Carefully unroll and spread on a floured surface
- Straighten edges for uniform pinwheels
- Apply filling
- Spread cream cheese thinly and evenly with a palette knife
- Leave a 1cm wide edge free
- Tear salmon into small pieces and distribute overlapping
- Rolling and cutting
- Carefully and firmly roll up the dough from the long side
- Place roll with the seam facing down
- Cut into 2cm thick slices with a sharp knife

I'm particularly enthusiastic about the versatility - my family loves them both as a snack in between and as an appetizer for a festive menu. Versatile salmon pinwheels.
Perfect Temperature and Timing for Salmon Pinwheels
The right oven temperature is crucial for success. Too low temperatures don't allow the puff pastry to rise properly, too high burn the top. After years of experience, I've found that 200°C convection is optimal. Perfectly baked salmon pinwheels.
Creative Variations for Salmon Pinwheels
Over time, I have developed different versions:
With spinach and feta for vegetarians
With pesto and dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flavor
With herb cream cheese and ham as an alternative
Creative salmon pinwheel variations.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments for Salmon Pinwheels
A light lemon-dill sauce pairs perfectly. I like to serve the pinwheels on a bed of arugula, garnished with cherry tomatoes and fine herbs. Salmon pinwheels serving suggestions.
After many years of experimenting, I can say that these salmon pinwheels are among my absolute favorite recipes. They remind me of my first garden party, where they were the absolute hit. Popular salmon pinwheels.

Storage and Shelf Life of Salmon Pinwheels
The finished pinwheels keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I put them in the oven at 160°C for 5 minutes - this makes them crispy again. Storing salmon pinwheels.
Additional Notes on Salmon Pinwheels
The quality of the smoked salmon makes a big difference. I prefer to use Norwegian salmon with its characteristically tender texture. The light smoky note harmonizes perfectly with the buttery puff pastry. High-quality salmon pinwheels.
The Perfect Party Preparation for Salmon Pinwheels
You can wonderfully prepare the pinwheels the evening before and bake them the next day. This saves time and stress when guests arrive. The smell of freshly baked salmon pinwheels is, by the way, the best welcome greeting I know. Preparing salmon pinwheels for the party.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pre-bake the pinwheels?
- Yes, you can bake them the day before and reheat for 5 minutes at 350°F just before serving.
- → What's the best way to store the pinwheels?
- In an airtight container in the refrigerator, they keep for 2-3 days. Briefly reheat before serving.
- → Can I freeze them?
- The unbaked pinwheels can be frozen. Let them thaw before baking and brush with egg.
- → Which herbs work best?
- Dill is classic with salmon, but chives or parsley also taste very good.
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from tearing when rolling?
- Let the puff pastry rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before using and roll it out carefully.