If you’re searching for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, this Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around a savory filling of tender spinach, tangy feta, and melty mozzarella, all topped with a gorgeous golden crust. These pinwheels are irresistibly delicious and perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or whenever you want a savory treat that feels special but comes together with surprising ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these pinwheels lies in the simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing the dish together — from the flakiness of the puff pastry to the lusciousness of the cheese blend, and the fresh punch from green onions.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: Provides that iconic flaky and buttery texture that makes these pinwheels so irresistible.
- Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Adds vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor while keeping the filling moist but not soggy.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Delivers a salty tang that beautifully contrasts with the creamy mozzarella.
- Mozzarella cheese (grated): Melts perfectly for a gooey, luscious texture inside each pinwheel.
- Green onions (chopped): Bring a touch of sharpness and freshness to brighten every bite.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the spinach filling flavorful and slightly silky.
- Egg: Used for an egg wash to create a stunning golden, glossy finish on the puff pastry.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t be shy to adjust these to your taste.
How to Make Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, roll out your frozen puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth out creases and ensure an even thickness. This will help the pinwheels bake evenly and puff up beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach with crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Drizzle in the olive oil and give everything a good mix. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper — this is where your filling really gains its bold, balanced flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Lightly brush the entire puff pastry sheet with the beaten egg (this egg wash will act like glue and give your pastry that perfect golden sheen). Then, spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the puff pastry, making sure to reach all the edges so every bite is full of flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Now, gently but tightly roll the pastry sheet from one edge to the other, forming a compact log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into even pinwheels, about one-inch thick, to ensure each piece bakes uniformly and looks lovely.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pinwheels, cut side up, onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops once again with egg wash — this second coating helps create that irresistible golden crust. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of warm pinwheels adds a fresh herbal note and gorgeous color contrast that makes these treats pop on the plate. A tiny drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few flakes of chili can also elevate the flavor if you want a little kick.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp salad for a balanced snack or light meal. Try a fresh Greek salad or a zesty cucumber-tomato salad to complement the creamy cheeses and flaky pastry. You could also serve with a cool cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing bite alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe on a beautiful platter lined with leafy greens and edible flowers to make a stunning centerpiece. You can also thread them onto cocktail sticks for easy handling or serve them alongside colorful roasted veggies for a vibrant spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them covered ensures the pastry stays as flaky as possible, though reheated pinwheels are best eaten within this timeframe to maintain their delicious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these pinwheels before baking. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that flaky, buttery texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, be sure to sauté it briefly and squeeze out all the excess moisture to keep your filling from becoming watery.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, focusing on cheese and spinach without any meat products.
Can I substitute feta cheese for another cheese?
Feta provides a unique tangy flavor, but goat cheese or ricotta are delicious alternatives that keep that creamy, slightly tangy profile.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Make sure to squeeze the spinach very dry and brush the pastry with egg wash before spreading the filling. These steps help keep the pastry from soaking up too much moisture.
Can I make these pinwheels vegan?
For a vegan version, use a plant-based puff pastry, replace the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives, and use a non-dairy milk or flax egg for the egg wash.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how simple ingredients—spinach, feta, puff pastry—come together in this Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe to create a treat that feels so indulgent yet is easy to prepare. Whether you’re entertaining guests, packing a picnic, or simply indulging yourself, these pinwheels are sure to become a fast favorite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your plate!
Print
Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and flaky spinach feta pinwheels featuring a crispy puff pastry filled with a savory blend of spinach, feta, mozzarella, and green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden pinwheels are easy to prepare and bake to perfection in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
Filling
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pinwheels.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach with crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth it. Then, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the surface with the egg wash made from beaten egg, which will help give the pastry a golden shine.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the egg-washed pastry sheet. Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape to encase the filling evenly.
- Slice Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry log into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheel pieces. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Final Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining egg wash to promote browning and a glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the thawed spinach as possible to prevent soggy pastry.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure that the cheeses used do not contain animal-based rennet.
- Egg wash can be substituted with milk or cream for a less shiny finish if preferred.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack alongside a fresh salad.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen; bake them directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
