If you love all the flavors of a classic French dip sandwich but crave a party-ready twist, these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels will absolutely steal the show. Tender roast beef, creamy cheese, and zesty mustard are all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry, then served with a rich au jus dipping sauce that’s so good you’ll want to dunk everything in sight. This recipe is blissfully simple, full of comforting flavor, and makes a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering (or a cozy snack night).

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels require only a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one brings something special to the dish. From the buttery puff pastry to the savory roast beef and punchy horseradish, every component builds the irresistible melody of flavors and textures you love in a French dip.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The foundation for your pinwheels, creating perfectly crisp, airy layers.
½ pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced: Opt for good-quality roast beef for the best flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese: Provides creaminess and that trademark pull in every bite – either cheese works beautifully.
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional): Adds a gentle kick and depth, but leave it out if you prefer a milder pinwheel.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a hint of tangy richness that brightens up the filling.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers subtle background flavor for a savory base.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning, making every bite harmonious.
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the pinwheels their gorgeous golden, glossy finish.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh, colorful touch right before serving.
Au Jus Dipping Sauce:

1 cup beef broth: Forms the soulfully savory base of the dip.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami depth and a dash of sweetness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the richness of the broth.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds nuanced flavor and aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste: Balances all the flavors in your homemade au jus.

How to Make French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pastry

Start by getting your oven toasty and ready—preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and guarantee those pinwheels don’t stick. Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a 10×12-inch rectangle for perfectly even pinwheels.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor

It’s time to paint your flavor canvas! Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard over the pastry, and if you’re feeling bold, follow with a swipe of prepared horseradish. Sprinkle garlic and onion powders evenly across the surface. Next, layer on the thin-sliced roast beef, covering every corner, then scatter the shredded cheese across the entire pastry. This guarantees you get gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite of your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

With all your luscious layers in place, start at the long edge and carefully roll the pastry up into a tight, neat log. Take your time—this step is key for beautiful spirals. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch pinwheels. You’ll get about 12 gorgeous rounds ready for baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on your lined baking sheet, making sure there’s a bit of space between them to let that heat do its magic. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that glorious golden shine once baked. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pinwheels puff up and turn irresistibly golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Au Jus

While the pinwheels bake, whip up your dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Set it over medium heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes—just enough to blend all those flavors together into a deeply savory dipping sauce for your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your pinwheels are puffed and golden, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve them warm with bowls of steaming au jus for the ultimate French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels experience!

How to Serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley makes every pinwheel look vibrant and festive, and the little bit of herbal freshness balances the rich beef and cheese. You can also try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven or even a few thinly sliced scallions for an extra pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

To round out your spread, pair your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels with classic sides like a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or roasted baby potatoes. These pinwheels are also fantastic served alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a punchy coleslaw, which brighten up each savory bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, display your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels on a large wooden board with bowls of au jus nestled among the pinwheels for easy dipping. For a party, add a few extra dippers like grainy mustard, horseradish sauce, or even a creamy cheese dip for variation. Or, arrange toothpicks in each pinwheel for easy grabbing—your guests won’t be able to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days, and they make fabulous snacks or lunchbox treats the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked, sliced pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and stash them in the freezer for up to one month. Bake from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—so you can have French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, place pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy, and the flakiness of these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels is too good to miss!

FAQs

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?

Absolutely! Crescent roll dough makes a softer, more bread-like pinwheel but still tastes fantastic. It’s a great alternative if you prefer a more pillowy bite or just want to use what you have on hand.

Is there a vegetarian version of French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels?

You can certainly swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and extra cheese for the roast beef to create a vegetarian twist. Keep the seasonings and au jus (using vegetable broth) for that same delicious dip experience.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Yes! Assemble and slice the pinwheels, lay them on a tray, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Just bake fresh when guests arrive so they’re hot and flaky for dipping.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Provolone and Swiss both melt beautifully and have classic flavor, but you can experiment—smoked gouda or even mozzarella would be tasty alternatives for your French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels adventure.

Is the horseradish necessary?

Horseradish is optional and gives a zippy heat that echoes a traditional French dip, but you can leave it out for a milder, family-friendly version. If you like a little extra excitement, keep it in!

Final Thoughts

These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are warm, cheesy, and built for sharing, making them a must-try for both relaxed evenings and stylish parties. Trust me, once you experience the flaky pastry and swoon-worthy au jus in every bite, you’ll be finding excuses to make them again and again!

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are a savory and satisfying appetizer featuring deli roast beef, cheese, and a flavorful au jus dipping sauce, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or as a delicious snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry Pinwheels:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
½ pound deli roast beef, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (optional)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Au Jus Dipping Sauce:

1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the pinwheels: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Spread Dijon mustard and horseradish over the surface, then layer roast beef and cheese. Roll up tightly into a log, slice into 1-inch pieces, and place cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Make the au jus: While baking, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Serve: Serve pinwheels warm with au jus dipping sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.