Pork pinwheels are an impressive yet easy to make appetizer, perfect for everything from game day snacks to elegant dinner parties. These tasty spirals are made by rolling up thinly sliced pork stuffed with flavorful fillings like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto and more. While you can find pre-made options at stores like Kroger, learning how to DIY pork pinwheels at home lets you customize flavors and save money. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through my tips and tricks for crafting tender, juicy pork pinwheels using ingredients from Kroger.
Selecting the Pork
The first step is choosing the right cut of pork. For pinwheels you want a tender, lean cut that can be easily flattened and rolled up. Good options include
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Pork tenderloin – Very tender with little fat. Sold whole or pre-sliced.
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Pork loin chops – Also lean and tender, cut from the loin section.
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Pork loin roast – Buy a roast and slice yourself into cutlets,
I recommend getting 1-1.5 lbs of pork to make around 12 pinwheels. Look for packages without a lot of visible fat or sinew. Kroger’s private selection boneless pork loin fillets are perfect.
Prepping the Pork Slices
Start with pork sliced no more than 1⁄4 inch thick. This allows it to cook quickly and roll up easily.
If you bought a whole tenderloin or loin roast simply trim any excess fat or silver skin, then slice into thin cutlets. Use a sharp knife and take your time for clean cuts.
For chops or pre-cut fillets, you may need to pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan. Just cover with plastic wrap first to protect the meat.
Choose Your Filling
Now for the fun part – picking the fillings! Kroger has everything you need to create delicious stuffed pinwheels.
Some easy options include:
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Pesto and mozzarella – Classic Italian flavors
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Sun-dried tomatoes and feta – Savory Mediterranean taste
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Spinach and goat cheese – Tangy and crisp
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Caramelized onions and bacon – Smoky and sweet
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Fire roasted peppers and cheddar – Spicy and smooth
I recommend thinly slicing any bulkier fillings like spinach leaves or sundried tomatoes. This makes rolling easier.
Assemble the Pinwheels
Lay your pork slices flat and rub lightly with olive oil or mustard to help the filling stick. Spread filling evenly over each cutlet, leaving a 1⁄2 inch border.
Tightly roll up the pork starting at one end. Place seam side down on a baking sheet. For added security, use toothpicks to hold the pinwheels together.
Brush the tops lightly with oil or melted butter. Season with salt, pepper and any other spices you like.
Cook and Slice the Pinwheels
Bake the pinwheels at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the pork reaches 145°F internally. Let rest 5 minutes before removing toothpicks.
For crispier texture, pan fry over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to brown.
After cooking, slice the pinwheels into rounds to reveal the colorful filling patterns.
Serve warm or at room temperature with dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch or hot honey mustard.
Freezer Friendly Options
Make a big batch of uncooked pinwheels, then freeze for quick meals later. Place raw pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze 1-2 hours until firm. Transfer to freezer bags or containers.
Thaw in the fridge before baking or frying. Add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
Pre-made frozen Kroger options like cranberry apple pork pinwheels are another great shortcut. Just thaw and bake!
Handy Pork Pinwheel Tips
Follow these tips for success:
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Chill pork before slicing – Firms up meat for thinner cuts.
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Remove silver skin – Trim off this tough membrane before slicing.
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Pound to even thickness – Helps pork cook evenly.
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Spread filling thinly – Makes rolling easier.
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Roll up tightly – Prevents filling leakage.
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Secure with toothpicks – Holds shape while cooking.
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Cook to 145°F – Ensures safety and juiciness.
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Let rest before slicing – Seals in juices.
Elevate Your Next Gathering
Pork pinwheels are sure to impress guests with their beautiful presentation yet simple preparation. Kroger has everything you need from quality pork to creative fillings for making these tasty spirals at home. Personalize flavors to suit your taste and enjoy mouthwatering pinwheels that look and taste gourmet.