If you’re looking to wow your guests with a party snack that brings big flavor and serious crowd-pleasing energy, these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels check every box! Imagine everything you love about the classic French dip—melty cheese, savory roast beef, and a tangy au jus for dipping—hugged by flaky, golden puff pastry. They’re warm, cheesy, ridiculously easy to make, and every bite packs that addictive, deli-style magic. French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are destined to become your new go-to for game days, holidays, or whenever you simply crave something irresistible and shareable!

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels is wonderfully straightforward, and each ingredient plays a starring role in taste and texture. From buttery puff pastry to zippy mustard, every element layers in flavor for that perfect bite.

Puff pastry sheet, thawed: The base of your pinwheels, offering buttery flakiness that puffs up golden and crisp in the oven.
Deli roast beef, thinly sliced (½ pound): Go for quality beef from the deli counter—its bold, meaty flavor is the star of this dish.
Shredded provolone or Swiss cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully and adds classic French dip creaminess; pick your favorite or blend both!
Prepared horseradish (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a punchy, peppery zing; skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A essential pop of tang that brightens up the richness of the roast beef and cheese.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Subtle, savory depth that ties the filling together.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, lending a gentle sweetness to the pinwheels.
Egg, beaten (1): Brushed over the tops for a gloriously shiny, golden crust.
Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled over at the end for a fresh burst of color and a bit of herby lift.
Beef broth (1 cup): The savory backbone of the au jus dipping sauce—choose a rich, good-quality broth if you can.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and that signature umami punch to the au jus.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon, for au jus): Infuses the dipping sauce with aromatic, garlicky goodness.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon, for au jus): Balances flavors in the dipping sauce for a true French dip experience.
Salt and pepper, to taste: The final step in seasoning—adjust to make the au jus just right for dipping.

How to Make French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will keep your pinwheels from sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Give yourself a bit of space to assemble, because once you start rolling, you’ll want to move quickly.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry into a rectangle roughly 10×12 inches. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but keeping the pastry as even as possible helps your pinwheels bake uniformly.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard right to the edges of the pastry (and add the optional horseradish for extra zing). Lay out the roast beef slices so they cover the whole surface, followed by an even sprinkle of shredded cheese. Dust with garlic powder and onion powder for that irresistible savory depth.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Pinwheels

Starting with one long edge, carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch pieces—aim for about 12 pinwheels. Set them cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each for expansion.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg for that glossy, golden finish. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden while the cheese is bubbling irresistibly.

Step 6: Make the Au Jus Dipping Sauce

While the pinwheels bake, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors meld. You want the sauce hot, savory, and ready to dunk!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Arrange the freshly baked French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels on a platter and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a bright finish. Pour the warm au jus into small bowls for dipping, and serve right away while everything is hot and melty.

How to Serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished pinwheels with freshly chopped parsley for an eye-catching pop of green. For an added restaurant-style touch, a dusting of flaky sea salt just after baking can boost both flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of extra horseradish or a tiny dollop of Dijon on the side adds a punch of color and kick.

Side Dishes

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are hearty enough to shine solo but also play nicely with fresh side salads—think a crisp greens salad with vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. For parties, add a board with marinated olives or a light soup like French onion. They’re especially good alongside roasted vegetables if you’re making dinner out of finger foods!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, serve French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels on a rustic wooden board with mini ramekins of steaming au jus. Stagger the pinwheels in a spiral for an artful presentation, or offer a trio of dipping sauces (think extra au jus, mustard, and horseradish cream) for guests to customize their experience. For a cozy night in, simply pile them onto a warm plate next to your favorite dipping bowl and enjoy every irresistible, cheesy swirl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Pop cooled pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the au jus in a separate jar or airtight container and reheat before serving, so every dip is hot and delicious without making the pastry soggy.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, freeze unbaked pinwheels on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 400°F for a few extra minutes. Baked pinwheels also freeze well—just cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment. Defrost overnight and rewarm in the oven for best results.

Reheating

For that “just baked” magic, reheat pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Resist microwaving, as it can soften the delicate pastry. The au jus should be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot but not boiling.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of provolone or Swiss?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of sharp cheddar will melt well and deliver deliciously different spins. Just avoid cheeses that release a lot of oil.

Do French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels work with crescent roll dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough makes a great substitute for puff pastry if you want a softer, breadier texture. Simply unroll, layer the fillings, roll up, and slice as you would with puff pastry.

Can I add extra things to the filling?

Definitely! Sautéed onions, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all add amazing flavor and even more of that classic deli flair. Just be sure fillings aren’t too wet, as moisture can make the pastry soggy.

Is it possible to make French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the unbaked pinwheels, cover them tightly, and store in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. Bake fresh just before serving for the flakiest results.

What’s the secret to perfect, flaky pastry every time?

Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to roll and work quickly with cold hands if possible! Chilling the assembled pinwheels before baking helps that buttery dough “puff” beautifully in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack that delivers serious flavor and fun in every bite, you have to try making these French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels. They’re easy, impressive, and positively addictive—perfect for sharing with family or friends, or just treating yourself. Get ready to fall for this irresistible take on a classic!

French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These French Dip Roast Beef Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring savory roast beef, melted cheese, and a hint of tangy mustard, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Served with a rich au jus dipping sauce, these pinwheels are perfect for parties or as a tasty 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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 puff pastry and layer with mustard, horseradish, roast beef, and cheese. Roll up and slice into pieces. Place on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
Make the au jus sauce: Simmer beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
Serve: Serve the pinwheels with the au jus sauce on the side. Garnish with parsley if desired.