Easy French Dip Pinwheels
Easy French Dip Pinwheels are a quick, flavorful snack featuring tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and a hint of horseradish or Dijon mustard wrapped in soft tortillas. Served with warm au jus for dipping, these bite-sized pinwheels bring all the delicious comfort of a classic French dip sandwich in a convenient, shareable appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 pinwheels (depending on tortilla size and slice thickness)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian option available; can be made gluten-free with substitutions
Main Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (soft and pliable, enough for rolling)
- Thinly sliced roast beef (generous layer per tortilla)
- Swiss cheese slices (enough to cover tortillas evenly)
- Horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard (thin, even spread)
- Au jus or beef broth (warmed, for dipping)
- Butter (for toasting pinwheels)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Lay out the flour tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard on each. This adds flavor and helps hold the layers together when rolled.
- Layer the Roast Beef and Cheese: Place a generous layer of thinly sliced roast beef over the sauce, then add Swiss cheese evenly on top, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of savory meat and melty cheese.
- Roll and Chill: Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight log, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up the pinwheels, making them easier to slice evenly.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Remove from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut each roll into 1-inch pinwheels, creating bite-sized pieces ready for toasting or serving cold.
- Toast for Warm, Golden Pinwheels: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the pinwheels on both sides until golden and the cheese starts to melt, adding a crispy exterior and enhanced flavor.
- Serve with Au Jus: Warm your au jus or beef broth and pour into small dipping bowls. Serve alongside the pinwheels to dip and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose fresh tortillas for easier rolling and softer texture.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
- Chill the rolled tortillas before slicing to keep their shape and enable clean cuts.
- Toast pinwheels in butter for a flavorful, crispy exterior.
- Use quality au jus—homemade or store-bought—for the best dipping experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pinwheels
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: French dip pinwheels, roast beef snack, cheesy pinwheels, easy appetizers, au jus dipping, party snacks, quick finger food