Description
These easy Steak Pinwheels are juicy, flavorful, and fun-to-eat bite-sized rolls made with tender steak and vibrant fillings. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, they combine a savory blend of cream cheese, fresh herbs, spinach, and melted cheese rolled inside thinly pounded steak, then seared to a golden finish. Customizable, kid-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes, Steak Pinwheels deliver a satisfying and delicious meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or top round, thinly sliced and trimmed of excess fat
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme), minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup fresh spinach or baby arugula
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Feta or blue cheese (as cheese alternative)
- Sliced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes (for filling add-ins)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for extra spice)
- Fresh cilantro, basil, or chives (alternative herbs)
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Start with a thin flank steak or top round, trimming any excess fat. Lay it out flat on a clean surface and gently pound it with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness, which helps with rolling and cooking.
- Layer the Filling: Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese evenly over the steak. Sprinkle the minced fresh herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder on top. Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula and then sprinkle with shredded cheese for rich flavor.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll the steak tightly from one end to the other, forming a spiral. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the roll so it holds its shape during cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pinwheels seam side down and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly. Cooking times may vary based on steak thickness.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from heat and let the roll rest for a few minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pinwheels. This resting period helps keep the juices locked in, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife for easy slicing without crushing the roll.
- Don’t overfill to allow rolling without cracking the steak.
- Always rest the meat after cooking to preserve juices.
- Secure the roll tightly with strong kitchen twine to maintain shape while cooking.
- Experiment with herbs and spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (4 pinwheels)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: steak pinwheels, steak roll-ups, beef pinwheels, easy steak dinner, gluten free appetizer, quick weeknight meal, finger food, savory pinwheels