Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
If you are searching for the perfect appetizer that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a savory, cheesy filling, this Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe will be your new go-to favorite. Bursting with vibrant green spinach and creamy feta, complemented by mozzarella’s gooey richness, these pinwheels are as delightful to the eyes as they are to the palate. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want a delicious snack, these pinwheels bring warmth and excitement to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in creating perfect layers of flavor and texture. From the crisp puff pastry to the fresh-tasting spinach and tangy feta, each component shines in harmony.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: This provides the light, flaky, and buttery base that makes the pinwheels irresistibly crisp.
- Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Using spinach keeps this filling fresh and colorful while adding a subtle earthiness.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Feta introduces a tangy creaminess that balances beautifully with the spinach.
- Mozzarella cheese, grated: Adds a milky, melty texture that complements the crumbly feta and makes the filling luscious.
- Green onions, chopped: These bring a mild sharpness and a pop of green freshness to brighten the flavor.
- Olive oil: Used subtly to enhance richness and help bind the filling ingredients together.
- Egg for egg wash: Brushing this on the pastry ensures an extra golden and shiny finish after baking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the filling.
How to Make Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your pinwheels are assembled. While the oven heats, roll out the sheet of frozen puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases and get a nice even thickness. This step is key to achieving those signature crisp and flaky layers.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Combine the thawed and well-squeezed spinach with the crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions in a bowl. Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly so all the flavors mingle evenly without crushing the cheeses. This mixture will create the deliciously rich and colorful heart of your pinwheels.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Brush the rolled-out puff pastry evenly with a beaten egg, which not only helps the filling stick but gives the pastry a golden glow when baked. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture across the entire surface of the pastry in one even layer, ensuring every bite will have a perfect balance of filling.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet up tightly from one edge, making a firm but gentle roll to avoid squishing the filling out. Once rolled into a log shape, use a sharp knife to slice it into approximately 1-inch thick pinwheels. This rolling and slicing technique is what gives these treats their charming spiral look.
Step 5: Bake Your Pinwheels
Place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced out to allow puffing during baking. Brush the tops with more egg wash for that perfect browning. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your pinwheels are beautifully golden and puffed up — that’s when you know they’re ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of flaky sea salt right after baking can add a fresh touch to these pinwheels. A few lemon zest curls can bring an uplifting brightness that pairs wonderfully with the hearty filling.
Side Dishes
Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a simple bowl of soup like tomato basil or roasted red pepper. These sides help balance the richness of the pinwheels and create a satisfying meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter to make an inviting centerpiece. For parties, serve them with small ramekins of tzatziki, hummus, or a roasted red pepper dip—adding visually appealing colors and extra layers of flavor. You can even skewer a couple of pinwheels on toothpicks for a fun bite-sized snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their flaky texture or flavorful filling.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked pinwheels by arranging the sliced pieces on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes for a convenient snack ready whenever you crave these tasty treats.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the puff pastry’s crispiness beautifully—avoid microwaving as it tends to make pastry soggy and chewy instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Just be sure to cook and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from fresh spinach to avoid soggy pastry. Sauté it lightly and let it cool before mixing with the cheeses.
Is it possible to make these pinwheels vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives and use a flax egg or plant-based milk for the egg wash. Look for a vegan puff pastry to keep it completely plant-based.
How long can I keep the pinwheels before baking?
You can prepare and slice the pinwheels a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate them until baking. Just let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before popping them in the oven.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Some people like tossing in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even cooked mushrooms for extra flavor. Just be careful not to overload the filling, which can affect the baking.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm on a large platter with dipping sauces nearby and garnished with fresh herbs. Their hand-held size makes them perfect finger food for mingling guests.
Final Thoughts
If you have been looking for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer that feels special yet requires minimal fuss, this Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of flaky pastry, savory cheeses, and fresh spinach creates a flavor party that’s hard to beat. Give it a try, and I promise these pinwheels will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection to share with friends and family over and over again.
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Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flaky Spinach Feta Pinwheels made with puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, mozzarella, and green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden-baked pinwheels are easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
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
Additional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet on a clean surface to prepare it for filling.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Brush the surface of the puff pastry sheet lightly with the egg wash made by beating the egg. Then, spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Roll and Slice: Tightly roll up the pastry sheet starting from one edge to form a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into pinwheel-shaped pieces approximately 1 inch thick.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with more egg wash to promote golden browning.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the thawed spinach to avoid soggy pinwheels.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar for variation.
- For a crisper base, chill the rolled pinwheels in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or a snack alongside a fresh salad.
- Pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen with an additional 5 minutes of cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
