Cheesy Chorizo Pinwheels

Whenever I think appetizer, my mind immediately goes to dips. If you look at my archive of appetizer recipes, you'll see about 50 dips on the list! However, sometimes it's nice to serve something other than a dip, especially if people are going to be standing or walking around and eating and don't want to be bothered with carrying a drink and a plate AND trying to dip their crackers or bread or crudités in something.

These cheesy chorizo pinwheels are an ideal appetizer in that case! They can be eaten with one hand, and even in one bite. If you're hosting, you can make them ahead of time and bake them just before your guests arrive...ensuring that they'll be biting into the warm, buttery puff pastry oozing with melted cheese and spicy chorizo.

Chorizo not your thing? Stuff these with chopped bacon or crumbled spicy sausage instead! These are definitely a new go-to party food in our house, and I can't wait to try several different variations!

One Year Ago: Grilled Sourdough Flatbreads
Two Years Ago: Caramelized Onion Hummus and Black Bean & Corn Burgers
Three Years Ago: Birthday Cake Batter Ice Cream Cake and Pesto, White Bean, and Spinach Soup
Four Years Ago: Tilapia Zucchini Skillet and Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Cheesy Chorizo Pinwheels
slightly adapted from Dorian Cuisine

Ingredients:
-puff pastry (2 squares), thawed
-1/2 cup ricotta cheese
-1/2 cup shredded parmesan
-1/4 cup thinly sliced basil
-1 cup chorizo, cooked and crumbled
-freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1. Roll out one piece of puff pastry. Spread with half of the ricotta. Top with half of the shredded parmesan, half of the basil, and half of the chorizo. Sprinkle with pepper. Roll up the puff pastry as tightly as you can. (At this point, puff pastry can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in fridge for 1-2 days before slicing and baking). Cut roll into thin (about 1 cm) slices and place rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Repeat with second piece of puff pastry and remaining ingredients.
3. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and puff pastry is cooked through.