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Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels 🥦🧀
These broccoli cheese pinwheels are cheesy, flaky, and packed with broccoli in a fun swirl shape little ones love. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, warm snacks, quick sides, or easy make-ahead meals.
If you’re looking for an easy toddler snack or lunch that’s both tasty and veggie-packed, these pinwheels are such a fun option. The bread and cheese make broccoli feel a lot more familiar and approachable for little ones.
Why You’ll Love These
- Fun swirl shape that makes mealtime more exciting
- A gentle way to introduce broccoli
- Perfect size for little hands
- Great for lunchboxes, snacks, or a quick side
- Freezer-friendly and handy for busy days
What You Will Need
- 1 cup steamed broccoli, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 can crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
How to Make
- Steam the broccoli until tender, then chop into small pieces.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the cream cheese over the dough in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped broccoli over the cream cheese.
- Add the cheddar cheese over the top.
- Carefully roll up the dough from one end to the other.
- Slice into pinwheels with a sharp knife.
- Place onto the tray with a little space between each one.
- Gently pinch the roll if needed to keep it from opening.
- Bake at 350°F until golden and flaky, about 15 minutes.
Step by Step
- Begin by steaming your broccoli. If using frozen broccoli, microwave steaming works well.
- Once soft, chop the broccoli into small bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent dough onto the prepared tray.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese across the dough.
- Sprinkle the chopped broccoli evenly over the cream cheese.
- Top with cheddar cheese.
- Roll the dough up carefully into a log.
- Slice into pinwheels and place on the lined tray.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
Substitutions
- Cream cheese: swap with ricotta or a dairy-free alternative
- Cheddar cheese: mozzarella, colby jack, or plant-based cheese also work
- Broccoli: finely chopped spinach or kale can be used too
- Crescent roll dough: puff pastry or tortilla wraps can work in a pinch, though the texture will be different
Storage
- Let them cool completely before storing
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to 2 months
- Reheat in 30-second microwave increments until warmed through
Baby & Toddler Serving Note
Best suited for 12 months+ due to the flaky dough, cheese filling, and overall texture of the finished pinwheels. For younger toddlers, serve soft pieces in an age-appropriate size and always ensure the centre is fully cooked and cooled before offering.
Cheesy, flaky, and packed with broccoli, these pinwheels are a fun way to make veggies feel more familiar and exciting for little ones.