These Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering. A creamy, savory cheese filling is spread on crescent dough, rolled, sliced and baked to golden perfection. They’re simple to make ahead so you can serve warm bites right when guests arrive.
Appetizers set the tone for a party, and these pinwheels deliver buttery pastry with a tangy, cheesy filling. While cold pinwheel sandwiches and roll-ups are common, the baked version brings a warm, flaky crust and melty cheese that guests love. If you enjoy bold flavors, the green olives add a salty, bright note — and substitutions like bacon work beautifully if you prefer.
If you’ve tried the Cheddar Green Olive Dip, this recipe uses a very similar filling tucked into crescent dough. Make the dip for a cold option and use the same filling in these pinwheels for a hot appetizer as well.
Why You’ll Love These Green Olive Pinwheels
- Easy – Just a few ingredients and straightforward steps produce a standout appetizer.
- Crowd-Pleasing – The combination of cream cheese, cheddar and green olives is bold and flavorful; fans of olives will especially appreciate it. Bacon is a delicious alternative.
- Make Ahead – Prepare the filling in advance, then roll and bake when you’re ready to serve for minimal last‑minute work.
What You’ll Need
Scroll to the recipe card below for the printable ingredient list and measurements.
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic (grated)
- Green olives (drained and chopped)
- Crescent roll sheets (or alternative dough)
How To Make Green Olive Pinwheels
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayo, shredded cheddar, grated garlic and chopped green olives. Mix until evenly blended.
- Unroll crescent dough on a large work surface and spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and use a serrated knife to cut into 1/2‑inch slices.
- Arrange the pinwheel slices face up on a lined baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
What Can I Use Instead Of Crescent Rolls
If crescent dough isn’t available, puff pastry makes a great substitute for a similarly flaky result. You can also bake homemade crescent roll dough if you prefer.
How To Store Leftover Crescent Pinwheels
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness, or microwave for a quick warm-up (the microwave will soften the crust).
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
- Baked Blue Cheese Dip
- Totchos
- Bruschetta
- Barbecue Chicken Nachos
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
Cheesy Green Olive Pinwheels
Rate Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 7 oz jar green olives, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 package crescent roll sheets
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º F.
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients except the crescent roll sheets. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Unroll crescent dough on a large cutting board and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll tightly into a log.
- Using a serrated knife, cut into 1/2-inch slices.
- Place slices face up on a lined baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 1 g
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Protein: 2 g
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Fat: 6 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**I have an ongoing relationship with STAR Fine Foods for recipe development. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts possible.