Puff Pastry Pinwheels | Taco Roll Up Recipe

These Taco Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the ultimate party appetizer—crispy, flaky, and packed with bold taco flavor in every swirl. With seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and buttery puff pastry, this easy appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re throwing a game day bash, holiday gathering, or casual weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love Twist On Tacos

• Quick to make. With store-bought puff pastry, you can have these rolled, baked, and ready in 30 minutes.
• Flavor-packed. Taco-seasoned meat, melted cheese, and buttery pastry make every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for parties. These bite-sized pinwheels are easy to grab and go—no forks or fuss needed.
• Freezer-friendly. Make them ahead, freeze, and bake fresh whenever you need a quick appetizer.
• Versatile. Switch up the protein, cheese, or toppings to suit your taste or pantry.

Taco Puff Pastry Pinwheels are the kind of appetizer (or snack… or even dinner!) that people can’t stop raving about—and for good reason. These buttery, flaky pinwheels are loaded with all your favorite taco flavors, wrapped up in a fun and easy-to-eat swirl. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for lunch, or just treating yourself to something seriously delicious, these pinwheels hit the spot every time.

What Do Puff Pastry Pinwheels Taste Like?

These pinwheels taste like your favorite taco in buttery, flaky form. The puff pastry adds a golden, crispy texture, while the beef and taco seasoning deliver bold, savory flavor. The melted cheese brings it all together into a warm, cheesy, satisfying bite.

Ingredients To Grab

• Puff Pastry– Thawed according to package directions.
• Ground Beef– Lean ground beef keeps it from being greasy.
• Taco Sauce– Adds some moisture and a pop of flavor to the rolls.
• Taco Seasoning– Use your favorite blend or homemade.
• Water– Helps dissolve the seasoning and keeps the beef moist.
• Shredded Cheese– Melts beautifully and adds that classic taco flavor.
• Egg– For the egg wash to give it a golden finish.
• Toppings– Sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, green onions for dipping or topping.

With these simple ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from a deliciously cheesy, taco-flavored appetizer that everyone will devour!

How To Make Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Cook the taco meat. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Let cool slightly.

Assemble the pinwheel. Roll out the puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Spread the taco sauce evenly over the pastry. Then sprinkle the cooked and seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese on top.

Roll, slice, and prep. Starting at the long end, tightly roll the pastry into a log. This can be tedious with all of the fillings, but don’t give up! Use a sharp knife to slice into 6 to 8 pinwheels. Place them into a 9×13 baking dish and smoosh them back into circles (if they were flattened while cutting).

Brush and bake. Whisk the egg and brush each pinwheel with the egg wash. Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve and enjoy! Remove your taco roll ups from the baking dish and serve with your favorite toppings, dippers, and sides!

Tips And Tricks

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for making the best Taco Puff Pastry Pinwheels, every single time. These little swirls of cheesy taco goodness are super simple, but these tips will make them turn out perfectly golden, flaky, and flavorful:

• Don’t overfill. Too much filling makes them harder to roll and can cause leaks.
• Let the meat cool. Warm meat can melt the puff pastry before baking.
• Use cold pastry. Keep the pastry cold before baking to ensure the best rise and flakiness.
• Line your baking sheet. Use parchment paper to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
• Slice gently. Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to keep the pinwheels intact.

Variations

Here are some fun and flavorful variations for Taco Puff Pastry Roll Ups to keep things exciting in the kitchen! Whether you want to spice it up, make it vegetarian, or try something totally new, these twists will help you customize your pinwheels to match any craving or crowd:

• Spicy kick– Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Swap the meat– Use ground turkey, chorizo, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Add beans– A thin layer of refried beans under the meat adds extra heartiness.
• Cheese swap– Use pepper jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.
• Vegetarian version– Skip the meat and use sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans.

What To Eat With Taco Puff Pastry Pinwheels

These pinwheels are delicious on their own, but you can level up your spread with:

• Dipping sauces- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso.
• Salads– A crisp taco salad or corn and black bean salad.
• Mexican-style rice– For a more filling meal or buffet setup.
• Chips and dips– Because more crunch is never a bad idea.

How Long Do They Last?

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely! Freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until hot and crispy.

More Quick Weeknight Meals

• Char Siu Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
• Chicken Shawarma
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Puff Pastry Sausage Rolls

If you love this recipe for Puff Pastry Pinwheels as much as our family, make sure you share it with your friends on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you need something quick and easy for dinner.