Grilled Steak Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Steak Pinwheels are easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with rich, satisfying flavor. They cook quickly and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making them ideal for everything from backyard grilling to elegant dinner parties. The spiral structure helps lock in the juices and flavors, delivering tender bites of steak with every slice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Flank steak or skirt steak (butterflied or pounded thin)
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes
• Provolone, mozzarella, or feta cheese
• Garlic (minced)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano)
• Butcher’s twine (for securing pinwheels)

Directions

1. Prepare the steak: Lay the steak flat on a cutting board. If it’s thick, butterfly or pound it to an even ½-inch thickness.
2. Season the steak: Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add the filling: Layer spinach, roasted red peppers, and cheese evenly over the surface of the steak, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
4. Roll and tie: Starting from one long end, roll the steak tightly into a log. Secure with butcher’s twine at 2-inch intervals.
5. Slice into pinwheels: Cut the rolled steak between the twine sections to create individual pinwheels.
6. Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
7. Grill the pinwheels: Place pinwheels cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the steak is nicely seared and the cheese is melted.
8. Rest and serve: Let the pinwheels rest for a few minutes before removing the twine and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people (about 2 pinwheels per person). Prep time is 15 minutes, and grill time is 8–10 minutes. Total time is approximately 25 minutes.

Variations

• Steak and blue cheese: Swap provolone for blue cheese and add caramelized onions for a bold twist.
• Bacon version: Add cooked bacon strips inside the roll for extra richness.
• Mushroom filling: Sautéed mushrooms and onions make a great earthy addition.
• Spicy pinwheels: Use pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños.
• Pesto flavor: Spread a thin layer of pesto before adding the fillings.
• Keto-friendly: Keep it low-carb by using high-fat cheese and leafy greens only.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the meat. You can also freeze raw, rolled steak (before slicing) and cook later from thawed.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best for pinwheels?

Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal because they’re thin and easy to roll.

Can I use toothpicks instead of butcher’s twine?

Toothpicks work in a pinch, but butcher’s twine holds the pinwheels more securely during grilling.

How do I keep the pinwheels from falling apart on the grill?

Make sure they’re tied tightly and grill them undisturbed for a few minutes to build a crust before flipping.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep, roll, and tie the steak up to a day in advance. Slice and grill just before serving.

Can I bake instead of grill?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, or until steak is cooked to your preferred doneness and cheese is melted.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.

What cheese melts best in steak pinwheels?

Provolone, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese melt well without being overly greasy.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add chili flakes, pepper jack cheese, or jalapeños to the filling.

How thin should I pound the steak?

Aim for about ½-inch thick for easy rolling and even cooking.

What sides go well with grilled steak pinwheels?

Grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad all pair beautifully.

Conclusion

Grilled Steak Pinwheels are an impressive and flavorful way to enjoy steak with a fun twist. With endless filling options and a short cook time, they’re perfect for both casual grilling and special occasions. Tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every spiral slice, these pinwheels are sure to become a grilling favorite.

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

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Grilled Steak Pinwheels are rolled slices of seasoned steak stuffed with cheese, herbs, and vegetables, then grilled to juicy perfection. This crowd-pleasing recipe is flavorful, visually stunning, and perfect for both casual cookouts and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (6–8 pinwheels)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak (butterflied or pounded to 1/2-inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup provolone, mozzarella, or feta cheese
• Butcher’s twine (for tying)

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Instructions

1. Lay steak flat on a cutting board. Butterfly or pound it to an even 1/2-inch thickness if needed.
2. Rub both sides with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or herbs.
3. Layer spinach, roasted red peppers, and cheese evenly over the steak, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Starting from the long side, roll the steak tightly into a log. Tie with butcher’s twine at 2-inch intervals.
5. Slice between the twine to create pinwheels.
6. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and oil the grates.
7. Place pinwheels cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until steak is seared and cheese is melted.
8. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then remove twine and serve.

Notes

• Use butcher’s twine for best hold; toothpicks can work in a pinch.
• Slice against the grain for tender bites when eating.
• Prep ahead by rolling and tying the steak up to a day in advance.
• Try different cheeses or fillings like mushrooms, onions, or pesto for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 115mg