These Steak Pinwheels are an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or an impressive appetizer! Tender flank steak is marinated to perfection, then rolled up with a savory filling of Swiss cheese, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Baked to juicy perfection, these pinwheels are packed with rich flavors and make a stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this dish is sure to impress!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Marinade:

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup red wine
  • ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper

• For the Pinwheels:

  • 1 (2-pound) flank steak, pounded to ½-inch thickness
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup chopped onion
  • ⅓ cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Steak: Lightly pound the flank steak to even thickness. Make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface of the steak. Place in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight), turning occasionally.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the steak from the marinade, pat dry, and discard the remaining marinade.
4. Prepare the Garlic Paste: On a cutting board, sprinkle salt over the remaining minced garlic. Mash it into a paste with the flat side of a knife and spread it evenly over the steak.
5. Add the Fillings: Sprinkle the chopped onion and bread crumbs over the steak. Layer the spinach, shredded Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.
6. Roll the Steak: Starting from a short end, roll the steak tightly to enclose the filling. Secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks at 1-inch intervals.
7. Bake: Place the rolled steak seam-side down in a baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
8. Rest and Slice: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
9. Serve: Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful steak pinwheels hot, with your favorite sides!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 785mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

The Origin of Steak Pinwheels

While there is no definitive single origin for Steak Pinwheels, similar rolled meat dishes have been a part of various culinary traditions for centuries. The idea of stuffing, rolling, and cooking meat is found in Italian braciole, a dish that features thin beef rolls stuffed with cheese and herbs before being slow-cooked in sauce. French roulades and German rouladen also use similar rolling techniques with a variety of fillings. Steak Pinwheels take inspiration from these traditional recipes while incorporating modern flavors and cooking techniques.

The Art of Marination

Marination plays a crucial role in this recipe, as it enhances both the tenderness and flavor of the steak. Flank steak, being a lean cut, benefits immensely from a well-balanced marinade that contains acid, fat, and seasonings. In this recipe, the combination of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic creates a dynamic flavor profile that penetrates the meat. The acids help to break down the muscle fibers, ensuring a tender bite, while the oils and seasonings add depth and complexity.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Flank steak is the ideal choice for Steak Pinwheels due to its relatively uniform thickness and ability to absorb flavors. However, other cuts such as skirt steak or sirloin can be used as alternatives. When selecting a steak, look for a cut with even marbling and minimal connective tissue to ensure a smooth rolling process. Pounding the steak to an even thickness helps create a uniform cooking time and allows the filling to be evenly distributed.

The Perfect Filling Combination

The filling in these Steak Pinwheels is a balance of flavors and textures, each ingredient playing a specific role:

• Swiss Cheese & Parmesan: The combination of Swiss and Parmesan cheese provides a sharp, creamy, and slightly nutty taste that complements the beefy richness of the steak.
• Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a slight crunch while contributing nutritional benefits like iron and vitamins.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little bursts of concentrated sweetness and tanginess enhance the overall umami of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs & Onion: Help bind the filling together while adding subtle aromatic and textural contrasts.

Rolling and Securing the Pinwheels

One of the most crucial steps in this recipe is properly rolling and securing the steak to ensure the filling remains intact while baking. Rolling should be done tightly, starting from the shorter end of the steak to create a firm spiral. Using kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the roll at regular intervals prevents the pinwheels from unraveling during cooking.

Baking for the Best Results

Steak Pinwheels are best baked at a moderate temperature to allow for even cooking. The recommended internal temperature for medium-rare steak is 130-135°F, while medium doneness is around 140-145°F. Because of the filling, it’s important to let the steak rest after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent the cheese from spilling out prematurely when sliced.

Pairing Suggestions

To make Steak Pinwheels a complete meal, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes enhance the savory nature of the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots add a fresh and slightly caramelized contrast.
• Herbed Rice or Risotto: A subtle, buttery risotto balances the richness of the steak and cheese.
• Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the beef and umami-rich filling.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Steak Pinwheels are not only a visually impressive dish but also a versatile and flavorful option for various occasions. Whether you are looking for a unique way to serve steak at a dinner gathering or want to elevate a homemade meal, this dish delivers in both taste and presentation. Plus, it allows for customization—swap out the cheese, add mushrooms, or include different herbs to tailor the flavors to your preference.

Conclusion

Steak Pinwheels are a fantastic way to turn a simple flank steak into a gourmet masterpiece. The marinated meat absorbs deep, rich flavors, while the filling of cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. By following proper marination, rolling, and baking techniques, anyone can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether served as a main course or an appetizer, Steak Pinwheels are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests and make any meal feel like a special occasion.