Name: French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef; 1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional); 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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If you love classic flavors and crave something irresistibly shareable, French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are about to become your new favorite party dish. This recipe wraps buttery puff pastry, tender roast beef, gooey cheese, and dreamy sautéed onions into perfect spirals, all ready for dipping into a rich au jus. Each bite hits that satisfying sweet spot between comfort and crowd-pleaser. Let’s roll up a batch — trust me, you’ll want these on repeat for every gathering!

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels lies in how a handful of accessible ingredients combine to create magic. Each element in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for taste, texture, or that essential melty factor — simple enough for weeknights, but special enough for guests!

Puff Pastry: Store-bought, thawed puff pastry gives you effortless flakiness and a beautiful golden layer.
Deli Roast Beef: Thinly sliced, high-quality roast beef is key — it cooks up tender and meaty with no fuss.
Shredded Provolone or Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that luscious, classic French dip taste.
Onion (finely chopped): Sautéed onions provide sweetness and depth that make the pinwheels irresistible.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions; good olive oil really does boost the overall flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle warmth and savory undertones throughout every bite.
Dried Thyme: This herb pairs perfectly with beef, lending a gentle earthiness.
Egg: Beaten for that beautiful golden sheen on each pinwheel.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh color and an herby garnish to finish.
Beef Broth (for the au jus): The base for your rich, dip-worthy sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce (for the au jus): Adds savory depth and classic beefy flavor.
Onion Powder (for the au jus): Reinforces that French dip flavor in every dunk.
Garlic Powder (for the au jus): A touch more savoriness, rounding out the dipping sauce.

How to Make French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any creases with a rolling pin. A smooth, even rectangle is the foundation for neat, uniform French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your finely chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft and golden-brown — this step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, which truly elevates the classic French dip flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Evenly arrange the sliced roast beef over the pastry, followed by the sautéed onions and a generous layer of shredded provolone or Swiss cheese. Finish by sprinkling on the garlic powder and dried thyme to ensure every bit of your pinwheel is loaded with savory delight.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the pastry up into a log, keeping that filling tucked in as you go. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 12 equal pieces — try to keep those spirals tight so your pinwheels hold together well during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the pinwheels flat-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg; this helps them bake to an extra-golden, crisp finish. Slide into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and beautifully browned.

Step 6: Make the Au Jus Dipping Sauce

While your pinwheels bake, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce is piping hot — perfect for serving alongside your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels.

How to Serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Garnishes

Finish with a light sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a fragrant pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the golden pastry and melty cheese. You can also offer a little freshly cracked black pepper for those who like a bit of extra bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a simple tray of fresh vegetable sticks for lighter balance. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair with thick-cut steak fries or homemade potato wedges — they’re perfect for soaking up any extra au jus!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange pinwheels on a rustic wooden board with a bowl of steaming au jus in the center for easy grabbing and dipping. For special occasions, nestle mini French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels in individual cupcake liners or ramekins, turning them into one-of-a-kind savory treats everyone will want to try.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any pinwheels left (they disappear fast!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the leftovers nearly as irresistible as the originals.

Freezing

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels freeze beautifully. Place fully baked, cooled pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are easy to reheat whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pinwheels on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. If reheating from frozen, allow an extra 3 to 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the pastry.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels in advance and bake later?

Absolutely! Assemble your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels, cover, and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead. Just brush with egg and bake fresh when you’re ready for hot, flaky spirals.

What other cheeses work in this recipe?

Gruyère, mozzarella, or even white cheddar are delicious substitutes for provolone or Swiss. Just choose a cheese that melts well and you’ll be golden.

Can I use homemade roast beef instead of deli slices?

Definitely! If you have leftover homemade roast beef, slice it thin for perfectly rich, flavor-packed French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels. The key is thin slices so everything rolls up smoothly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can swap the roast beef for sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and spinach. Omit the au jus or use a rich vegetable broth dip for a still-hearty, utterly satisfying vegetarian take.

Can I add extra flavors to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to spread a thin layer of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard on the pastry before layering the beef. You can also add caramelized onions or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a savory party snack that brings people together, you can’t go wrong with these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels. Every swirl is packed with rich flavor and that classic au jus experience, making each bite pure comfort. Don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes — and if you find yourself eager to bake them again and again!

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are a savory appetizer perfect for any gathering. They feature flaky puff pastry filled with thinly sliced roast beef, cheese, and sautéed onions, rolled into delectable bites. Served with a flavorful au jus for dipping, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Roast Beef Filling:

1/2 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Au Jus:

1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sauté onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
Prepare pinwheels: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface, layer with roast beef, sautéed onions, cheese, garlic powder, and thyme. Roll into a log, slice into pieces, and place on baking sheet.
Bake pinwheels: Brush pinwheels with beaten egg and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and puffed.
Prepare au jus: Simmer beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder in a saucepan.
Serve: Serve warm pinwheels with hot au jus for dipping.