Steak & Kraut Pinwheels: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer with Caramelized Onions and Zesty Horseradish Cream Sauce
As the festive season rapidly approaches, the calendar pages seem to turn faster, bringing with them a flurry of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The eternal question arises: What truly special dish will you serve your cherished guests this year? While beloved signature recipes hold a special place in our hearts and traditions, isn’t it exciting to introduce something new and unforgettable to the menu? These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels are not just another appetizer; they are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, promising to elevate any occasion. Served warm, they make an ideal party starter or a satisfying light lunch when paired with a fresh, crisp tossed salad.
This recipe was developed for and sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My unwavering affection for their high-quality sauerkraut and the opinions expressed here are, as always, entirely my own.
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Imagine this: your family eagerly devouring every last pinwheel, and your friends clamoring for the recipe, desperate to recreate the magic at home. This is precisely the reaction every host dreams of when serving a dish at a party! No one wants to be left with a full plate of untouched appetizers or a half-eaten bowl of dip at the end of the night. We crave that genuine enthusiasm, the excited compliments, and the ultimate compliment of all – guests asking for the recipe so they can share it with their own loved ones.
This desire for a universally loved dish reminds me of a delightful Christmas party I attended a few years ago, hosted by a friend’s mom. The unique concept was that every guest would bring an appetizer, and at the end of the evening, we’d vote for our favorites, with prizes for the top three. I knew exactly what I needed to bring. That summer, my nephew’s girlfriend had introduced us to a phenomenal dip at a pool party. She jokingly called it “Crack Dip,” and from the very first taste, I understood why. While the internet is teeming with recipes bearing that catchy name, I couldn’t resist calling it the same. That is, until it was crowned the undisputed best appetizer at the party, earning me first place! Since then, that memorable creation has proudly been known as the {Award Winning} Crack Dip. These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels are designed to elicit that same level of excitement and acclaim, offering a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from the usual party fare.
My culinary journey with Frank’s Kraut extends back several years, a partnership I deeply value. Over this time, I’ve had the pleasure of developing an array of innovative and delicious sauerkraut recipes for them. From savory grilling recipes and comforting soups to vibrant salads, delightful appetizers, and even a surprising cake – the versatility of sauerkraut truly knows no bounds! And let’s not forget the mind-blowing Reuben recipes that have become family favorites. My love affair with Frank’s Kraut isn’t just a matter of years; it’s a connection that spans decades. Growing up, it was the only brand of sauerkraut ever found in our pantry, a testament to its unparalleled quality and authentic flavor. Coming from a heritage rich in Polish and German culinary traditions, that truly speaks volumes about Frank’s Kraut’s enduring appeal and superiority.
Embrace the Tangy Goodness: Why You’ll Love Sauerkraut!
Sauerkraut, a fermented food rich in probiotics and vitamins, offers a distinctive tangy flavor that can transform a dish. It’s not just for classic German fare; its bright acidity and unique texture make it an incredible addition to a wide range of recipes, from hearty mains to light appetizers like these pinwheels. It adds a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and intriguing, making everyday meals extraordinary.
Discover a world of delicious possibilities by following Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels. You’ll find an abundance of inspiring recipes and creative ways to incorporate this fantastic ingredient into your cooking all year long. Stay connected with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for everything sauerkraut!
Key Ingredients for Steak & Kraut Pinwheels with Caramelized Onions and White Cheddar Cheese:
Crafting these delectable pinwheels involves a careful selection of ingredients that perfectly balance savory, sweet, and tangy notes. Each component plays a vital role in creating a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly satisfying.
- Thinly Cut Sandwich Steak: This forms the hearty, savory core of our pinwheels, providing a robust flavor that stands up to the other bold ingredients. Its thin cut ensures it cooks quickly and rolls easily.
- Frank’s Kraut: The star ingredient, offering its signature tangy, slightly sour crunch. Its fermentation also introduces beneficial probiotics, making this dish not just delicious but also good for you. Draining it well is key to avoid excess moisture.
- Sweet Onions: Caramelized to a deep, golden sweetness, these onions provide a luscious, umami-rich counterpoint to the kraut’s tang, adding depth and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Butter: Essential for perfectly caramelizing the onions, butter adds richness and a golden hue.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes to the creamy base of our horseradish sauce, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a luxurious, tangy spread that binds the ingredients and adds a delightful creaminess to each bite.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Shredded and generously sprinkled, this sharp, melty cheese oozes throughout the pinwheels, adding a fantastic salty, savory note and a wonderful gooey texture.
- Horseradish Sauce: This ingredient is crucial for adding a spicy, zesty kick that brightens the entire flavor profile and complements the steak and sauerkraut beautifully.
- Fresh Chives: Finely chopped, chives introduce a mild oniony freshness and a vibrant green color, enhancing both the taste and presentation.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The ultimate convenience, providing a perfect, fluffy yet crispy wrapper for our delicious filling. It’s easy to roll out and bakes up beautifully.
How To Create Irresistible Steak & Kraut Pinwheels:
Making these pinwheels is a straightforward and enjoyable process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious appetizer:
- Prepare Your Workspace and Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface or a large cutting board, shaping it into a neat rectangle. This provides a clean canvas for your delicious fillings.
- Craft the Creamy Horseradish Spread: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, zesty horseradish sauce, creamy mayonnaise, and finely chopped fresh chives. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and smooth. This flavorful spread will form the base layer of your pinwheels, adding a rich, tangy foundation.
- Sauté the Savory Steak: In a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly brown your thinly sliced steak strips. Season generously with salt and pepper as it cooks. You want it cooked through but still tender, which should take only about 3-5 minutes due to its thinness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions and Combine with Kraut: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden brown and beautifully caramelized—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. The caramelization process brings out their natural sweetness, adding incredible depth. Once caramelized, stir in the well-drained Frank’s Kraut and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the mixture from the pan.
- Assemble Your Pinwheels: Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the pizza dough, leaving a small border along all edges. Next, uniformly distribute the cooked steak, followed by the caramelized onion and kraut mixture. Finally, sprinkle generously with the shredded white cheddar cheese.
- Roll with Precision: Starting from one of the long ends of the rectangle, carefully and tightly roll the dough. As you roll, gently stretch the dough at the edges to ensure a secure and neat spiral. This tight roll is crucial for holding the fillings in place and creating beautiful pinwheel shapes.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into slices approximately 3/4 inch thick. Each slice should reveal a stunning spiral of filling.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the sliced pinwheels flat on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17-20 minutes, or until the dough is puffed, golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: These Steak & Kraut Pinwheels are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven, when the flavors are most vibrant and the cheese is wonderfully gooey.
The result? A perfectly baked dough that’s wonderfully fluffy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside. Each bite bursts with a harmonious blend of savory steak, sweet caramelized onions, tangy kraut, and gooey, melty white cheddar cheese, all tied together with a zesty horseradish kick. What’s not to love about such a dynamic and delicious appetizer?
If you’re as passionate about sauerkraut as we are, then you’re in for a treat! The versatility of this tangy ingredient truly shines in a wide array of appetizers. Here are some of my other favorite sauerkraut-infused recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests:
So, this holiday season, or for your next gathering, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these exquisite Steak & Kraut Pinwheels a try. They are sure to impress your guests, delight your family, and bring a unique flair to your table. When you do, please come back and share your thoughts! I absolutely love hearing about your culinary experiences and how these recipes become part of your traditions.
Are you a true sauerkraut enthusiast, eager to learn more about this incredible fermented food? Delve into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about kraut! Discover its fascinating origins, the traditional methods of its creation, and explore a treasure trove of additional sauerkraut recipes in this comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut.
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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
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Line a cookie sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt your butter. Add thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to caramelize to a rich golden brown, which will take approximately 8-10 minutes. The onions will become beautifully browned and fragrant, indicating their sweet transformation.
- Add the well-drained sauerkraut to the caramelized onions and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavors to marry. Remove this mixture from the pan.
- Add your thinly sliced steak, cut into strips, to the same skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook until done, about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s nicely browned. Remove the cooked steak from the pan.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, and fresh chives until smooth and well combined.
- Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean cutting board or lightly floured surface and gently roll it out into a rectangular shape.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the dough, making sure to leave a small border uncovered along the edges.
- Generously sprinkle the prepared steak and the onion-kraut mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top everything with a generous layer of shredded white cheddar cheese.
- Carefully roll the dough from one of the long sides, making sure to keep the roll tight and stretching the end piece to firmly seal it.
- With a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into slices, approximately 3/4″ thick, revealing beautiful spirals.
- Arrange the pinwheel slices on your prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 17-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve these delectable pinwheels hot, right out of the oven, to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.