How to Cook Delicious Pork Pinwheels Using Kroger Brand Pork

Pork pinwheels are an easy yet impressive appetizer, snack, or meal that can be made using ingredients from your local Kroger store. With a few simple steps, you can have a beautiful entrée ready in under an hour. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make tasty pork pinwheels using Kroger brand pork.

Selecting the Right Kroger Pork

The first step is choosing the right cut of pork from Kroger. The best options are:

• Boneless pork loin roast
• Boneless pork sirloin roast
• Boneless center cut pork chops

These cuts are lean yet tender and easy to slice. Aim for a roast or pork chops around 1-1.5 lbs to yield enough for pinwheels. The Kroger Private Selection line has high-quality and flavorful pork ideal for pinwheels.

Prepping the Pork for Rolling

Once you have the right Kroger pork. prep it by

• Placing on a cutting board and slicing horizontally through the center. Avoid cutting all the way through.
• Laying the pork flat and pounding to a 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet. Be gentle to keep the pork intact.
• Seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices as desired.
• Spreading one side evenly with your choice of filling (see below).

Delectable Fillings for Kroger Pork Pinwheels

One of the best parts of making pork pinwheels is choosing fun, flavorful fillings Here are some top options to use with Kroger pork

• Pesto and mozzarella
• Sun-dried tomatoes and feta
• Baby spinach and goat cheese
• Caramelized onions and gorgonzola
• Apple slices and brie
• Sauerkraut and swiss cheese

Get creative and use your favorite flavors to make each batch of pinwheels unique. The Kroger Private Selection pesto or artisan cheeses work great.

Rolling and Securing the Perfect Pork Pinwheels

Once your pork is pounded, seasoned, and filled, carefully roll it up from one side into a tight log shape. Secure the roll using:

• Kitchen twine tied at 1-2 inch intervals
• Toothpicks spaced evenly throughout (remove before serving)

Make sure the roll is compact so the filling doesn’t leak out. Chill for at least 30 minutes before cooking so it sets properly.

Cooking Methods for Kroger Pork Pinwheels

You can cook Kroger pork pinwheels using various methods:

• Oven – Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes until 145°F internal temperature.
• Grill – Medium heat for 12-18 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Stovetop – Pan sear on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to brown.

No matter which cooking method you choose, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches a safe 145°F internal temperature.

Serving Suggestions for Pork Pinwheels

The fun doesn’t stop when the pinwheels come out of the oven. You can serve them:

• As an appetizer cut into bite-sized pieces
• As a main course with roasted veggies and rice
• On mini buns for slider sandwiches
• Added to a salad for a protein packed meal

They also pair well with various sauces like barbecue, teriyaki, sweet and sour, or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips for Making the Best Kroger Pork Pinwheels

Follow these tips for pork pinwheel success:

• Choose fattier pork cuts like shoulder for more flavor and moisture.
• Let the cooked pinwheels rest for 5 minutes before slicing for better juice retention.
• Chill the rolled pinwheels thoroughly so they hold their shape during cooking.
• Cook quickly at a high temp to prevent doughy centers.
• Slice on the diagonal for the prettiest presentation.

With quality Kroger pork, creative fillings, and proper cooking, you’ll have restaurant-worthy pinwheels ready in no time. This impressive yet easy appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.