Savory Steak & Kraut Pinwheels with Caramelized Onions and Sharp White Cheddar: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer
Steak & Kraut Pinwheels are a delightful twist on classic appetizers, featuring tender, thinly sliced steak, tangy sauerkraut, and sweet caramelized onions, all nestled within a warm pizza dough embrace, complemented by a zesty horseradish cream sauce.
As the holiday season swiftly approaches, the thought of upcoming family gatherings and festive parties fills the air. With weekends soon to be packed with celebrations, the perennial question arises: What delicious treats will you serve your cherished guests? While signature dishes and time-honored traditions are wonderful, there’s an undeniable joy in introducing a fresh, exciting appetizer that truly stands out. These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels offer a mouthwatering warm appetizer option, perfectly suited for holiday entertaining. Beyond being a crowd-pleasing starter, they also make a fantastic light lunch when paired with a fresh tossed salad, offering versatility and incredible flavor.
This innovative recipe was meticulously developed for and proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My unwavering affection for their superb sauerkraut, a staple in my kitchen for decades, and all opinions expressed here are, as always, entirely my own.
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Imagine serving an appetizer that vanishes from the platter almost as quickly as you set it down. These delectable pinwheels are precisely that kind of dish. Your family will eagerly devour them, and your friends will undoubtedly be clamoring for the recipe, impressed by their unique flavor and effortless charm. Isn’t that the ultimate goal when preparing a dish for any gathering or party? We all hope our culinary creations will be a smashing success, leaving no leftovers and inspiring enthusiastic requests for the recipe so others can recreate the magic in their own homes. These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels are designed to be that rave-worthy sensation.
I recall a festive Christmas party a few years back where guests were encouraged to bring an appetizer, with the top three winning prizes based on votes. That evening, I brought a dip that became an instant hit. It was so popular, it was affectionately dubbed “Crack Dip” (a name I later refined to “{Award Winning} Crack Dip” after it secured first place!). The experience highlighted the pure joy of sharing a truly beloved recipe, one that leaves a lasting impression and becomes a cherished part of future celebrations. These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels carry that same promise – they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone talking and asking for your secret.
My enduring relationship with Frank’s Kraut stretches back not just a few years, but decades. It’s truly a generational staple in my family. I’ve had the pleasure of developing a diverse array of recipes for them, showcasing sauerkraut’s incredible versatility. From vibrant grilling recipes and comforting soups to refreshing salads, inventive appetizers, and even a surprisingly delicious cake – Frank’s Kraut always brings a unique depth of flavor. And let’s not forget the mind-blowing Reuben recipes that perfectly highlight its tangy goodness. Coming from a heritage rich in Polish and German culinary traditions, I can attest that Frank’s Kraut is the only sauerkraut my family has ever eaten, a testament to its consistent quality and authentic taste. It’s this deep-rooted appreciation for exceptional sauerkraut that makes these pinwheels so special.
A Fan of Sauerkraut?
Discover an abundance of mouth-watering recipes throughout the year by following Frank’s Kraut on their vibrant social media channels. Don’t miss out on all things sauerkraut! Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for endless culinary inspiration.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Steak & Kraut Pinwheels with Caramelized Onions and White Cheddar Cheese:
Crafting these savory pinwheels requires a balanced selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully:
- One tube of convenient refrigerated pizza dough
- Premium Frank’s Kraut, well-drained for optimal flavor and texture
- Sweet onions, thinly sliced for perfect caramelization
- High-quality butter, creamy mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese
- Zesty horseradish sauce for that perfect kick
- Fresh chives, finely chopped to add a subtle oniony freshness
- Thinly cut sandwich steak, quickly cooked for tender results
- Sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for superior melt and taste
Effortless Steps to Prepare Your Own Steak & Kraut Pinwheels:
- Begin by unrolling your refrigerated pizza dough and gently stretching it into a neat rectangular shape on a prepared surface.
- Next, generously spread the creamy, flavorful sauce – a delightful blend of softened cream cheese, piquant horseradish sauce, smooth mayonnaise, and fresh chives – evenly over the dough.
- Layer the dough with thinly sliced steak, which has been perfectly browned and seasoned with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Follow with a layer of the beautifully caramelized onions and a generous amount of well-drained Frank’s Kraut, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes.
- Crown your masterpiece with a liberal sprinkle of shredded white cheddar cheese, promising a rich, gooey melt.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long end, taking extra care to gently stretch and seal the end piece tightly to secure all the delicious filling inside.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into uniform pinwheels, approximately 3/4 inch wide.
- Finally, arrange these savory pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and gloriously bubbly.
Once baked, the pizza dough transforms, becoming wonderfully fluffy on the inside with a satisfyingly crispy golden exterior. Each bite bursts with an explosion of savory flavors – the tender steak, the sweet caramelized onions, the tangy sauerkraut, all beautifully complemented by the zesty horseradish cream and oozing, melty white cheddar cheese. It’s an irresistible combination that truly exemplifies comfort food in appetizer form. What’s not to absolutely adore about such a perfect blend of textures and tastes?
If you’re as passionate about sauerkraut as my family and I are, you’ll be thrilled to explore the diverse assortment of appetizers I’ve crafted, all featuring that delightful tangy goodness stirred right in. Sauerkraut’s unique flavor profile adds a fantastic dimension to a wide range of dishes, making it far more versatile than many realize. From savory bites to hearty snacks, there’s a sauerkraut appetizer for every occasion and palate.
So, as you plan your next gathering or simply seek a sensational new recipe to delight your household, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these beautiful Steak & Kraut Pinwheels a try. They are not only easy to prepare but are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your family’s cravings for something truly special. Once you’ve experienced their incredible flavor, please do come back and share your thoughts. I absolutely love hearing from you and learning about your culinary adventures!
Are you a true enthusiast of sauerkraut? Delve deeper into the fascinating world of kraut with our comprehensive resource! Discover its rich origins, the traditional process of how it’s made, and uncover a treasure trove of incredible sauerkraut recipes in this Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut. Expand your kraut knowledge and culinary repertoire today!
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Print Recipe
Steak & Kraut Pinwheels with Caramelized Onions and White Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 large sweet onion sliced thin
- 1/2 heaping cup Frank’s Kraut, drained
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 heaping cup thinly sliced steak, i.e. sandwich steak
- 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 Tablespoon horseradish sauce
- 1 Tablespoon mayo
- 2 teaspoons chives
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a large cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat (like a Silpat) or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become beautifully golden brown and deeply caramelized, releasing a wonderfully fragrant aroma. This typically takes about 8 minutes or so.
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Once the onions are caramelized, add the drained Frank’s Kraut to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the kraut and onion mixture from the pan and set aside.
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Return the skillet to the heat. Add your thinly sliced sandwich steak, cut into small strips if desired. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the steak until it’s done to your preference, about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s lightly browned. Remove the cooked steak from the pan.
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In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, rich mayonnaise, zesty horseradish sauce, and finely chopped chives. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly combined to create your flavorful spread.
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On a clean cutting board or a lightly floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out into an even rectangular shape.
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Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges. This helps with sealing the roll later.
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Generously sprinkle the cooked steak, the flavorful caramelized onions, and the tangy kraut over the cream cheese spread. Distribute evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
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Now, sprinkle the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese evenly over all the fillings.
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Starting from the long side of the rectangle, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log. Gently stretch the edges as you roll to ensure a secure seal that keeps all the delicious fillings tucked inside.
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Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into individual pinwheels, each about 3/4 inch thick. This will yield approximately 16 pieces.
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Arrange the pinwheels on your prepared cookie sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for about 17 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
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Serve these delightful Steak & Kraut Pinwheels hot from the oven and enjoy immediately!