Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels – 5 Bold Reasons You’ll Love This Juicy Dinner

By:

Sarah

May 10, 2025

Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels on a wooden board

If you want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels. This dish blends the bold flavor of marinated flank steak with the creamy richness of garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, rolled into beautiful spirals that slice like a dream.

These steak pinwheels aren’t just pretty — they’re packed with flavor, cook quickly, and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re planning a date-night dinner or a weekend family feast, this recipe delivers elegance with simplicity.

Table of Contents

What Are Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels?

Pinwheels are rolled cuts of meat filled with flavorful ingredients, then sliced into rounds before cooking. Our take uses flank steak — a lean, long cut that rolls beautifully — paired with a creamy garlic-Parmesan filling.

Once sliced and cooked, you get spirals of juicy steak, melted cheese, and savory herbs in every bite. They’re ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, alongside roasted veggies, or even as a party appetizer.

These pinwheels offer:

Quick cook time
Big flavor payoff
Beautiful presentation
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly prep

Why Flank Steak Is the Best Choice

Flank steak is the top choice for pinwheels for several reasons:

It’s wide and flat, perfect for rolling
It’s lean but still flavorful
It holds marinades well
It’s affordable and easy to find

Once butterflied and pounded thin, flank steak becomes pliable enough to roll around a filling. You can substitute skirt steak or top sirloin in a pinch, but flank is ideal.

How to Butterfly and Tenderize Flank Steak

This step makes all the difference:

🧂 Step 1: Butterfly the Steak

Place the steak on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the center, stopping just before you cut all the way through. Open it like a book.

🔨 Step 2: Pound It Even

Place plastic wrap over the meat. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to about ½ inch thick. This makes it easier to roll and ensures even cooking.

Butterflying and pounding tenderizes the steak and ensures the filling spreads evenly without tearing the meat.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels

For the Steak:

1.5–2 lb flank steak
Salt & pepper
Olive oil (for searing)

For the Garlic Parmesan Filling:

4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: baby spinach, red pepper strips, or provolone slices

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels — All you need to make garlic-parmesan steak pinwheels

How to Assemble the Pinwheels

1. Prep the Steak

Butterfly and pound the steak as described above. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and seasoning into a spreadable paste.

3. Spread and Roll

Spread the garlic-parmesan mixture evenly over the steak. Add optional ingredients like spinach or provolone if desired. Roll tightly from one end, like a jelly roll.

4. Tie and Slice

Use kitchen twine to tie every 1.5 inches along the roll. Slice between the ties to create pinwheels.

Spreading garlic Parmesan filling on flank steak — Spread, roll, and slice — simple steps for pinwheel success

5. Sear and Finish

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear pinwheels on each side (about 2 minutes per side). Then transfer to a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.

Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels served with mashed potatoes — The perfect dinner plate — juicy steak with creamy sides

How Many People Does a 2-Pound Flank Steak Serve?

A 2-pound flank steak typically makes 8–10 pinwheels. Depending on sides:

As a main: 4–5 servings
As part of a buffet or smaller plate: 6–8 servings

You can scale up easily for larger groups or use half the recipe for smaller meals.

Flavor Variations to Try

This dish is flexible. Switch it up with these ideas:

Italian: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
Tex-Mex: Use pepper jack cheese and roasted poblano strips
Mushroom & Swiss: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese
Pesto & Mozzarella: Swap garlic butter for pesto and use mozzarella slices
Blue Cheese Spinach: Mix blue cheese into the filling and add wilted spinach

Each version gives you a new twist without changing the core recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Steak Pinwheels

Pinwheels are rich, so lighter or balanced sides pair well. Consider:

🍽 Starches:

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Herb rice pilaf
Creamy polenta
Baked sweet potatoes

🥗 Vegetables:

Grilled asparagus
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Sautéed green beans
Balsamic-glazed carrots

🍞 Bread & Extras:

Cheesy garlic bread
Toasted focaccia
Caesar salad or spinach salad

And for dessert? Try our Peach Cobbler Cheesecake for a Southern finish!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Pinwheels are great for prepping ahead:

🧊 Make-Ahead:

Prepare the rolled and tied steak
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours
Slice and cook when ready

❄️ Freezing:

Wrap rolled steak tightly in plastic, then foil
Freeze for up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in fridge before slicing and cooking

🔥 Reheating:

Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes
Avoid microwaving — it can toughen the meat
Cover with foil when reheating to retain moisture

Leftovers? Toss them in a sandwich or wrap the next day!

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels

❓ What’s the best steak for pinwheels?

Flank steak — it’s lean, wide, and easy to roll after pounding thin.

❓ How many people will a 2 lb steak feed?

4–5 as a main dish, or up to 8 in smaller portions.

❓ What should I serve with steak pinwheels?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salad, and garlic bread.

❓ Does flank steak get more tender with longer cooking?

No — overcooking makes it tough. Sear and roast briefly, then slice against the grain.

✅ Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Flank Steak Pinwheels are the kind of meal that wows with presentation and taste — yet comes together with minimal effort. Packed with flavor from fresh garlic, buttery Parmesan, and herbs, each juicy spiral makes for a perfectly portioned bite of savory perfection.

Make them for a romantic dinner, a weekend gathering, or as your new go-to comfort food. The recipe is flexible, prep-friendly, and guaranteed to impress — even if it’s just dinner for one.

👉 For more bold, family-approved recipes, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest or try our Slow Cooker Beef Stew for your next cozy meal.