Delight your taste buds and impress guests with this Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, a fantastic combination of flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with savory spinach, tangy feta, and melty mozzarella. These pinwheels are not only visually appealing with their beautiful spiral design but also bursting with flavors that perfectly balance freshness and richness. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer or a cozy snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for home cooks to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe irresistible. Each component plays an essential role—from the puff pastry’s light, flaky texture to the flavorful blend of cheeses and spinach that makes each bite savory and satisfying.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: The golden, flaky base that brings everything together with buttery layers.
- Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): Adds vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness while being moisture-controlled to keep the pinwheels crisp.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Offers a salty and tangy punch that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese (grated): Melts smoothly to add creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Green onions (chopped): Bring a fresh, slightly sharp note to brighten the overall taste.
- Olive oil: Helps bind the filling and boosts flavor richness.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a glossy golden finish on the puff pastry pinwheels once baked.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all flavors.
How to Make Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet gently on a clean surface to smooth any folds and give you that perfect even base for the filling. This step ensures your pinwheels bake into beautifully puffed spirals every time.
Step 2: Mix the Savory Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach with crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season this mixture generously with salt and pepper, and drizzle in the olive oil to marry the flavors. This blend is the heart of the Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, creating layers of fresh and creamy tastes that work harmoniously.
Step 3: Assemble and Roll
Take your rolled-out puff pastry and brush it all over with the egg wash—this helps the filling stick and adds that dazzling golden sheen after baking. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly on top, then carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. The tighter you roll, the more defined your pinwheel spirals will be.
Step 4: Slice and Prepare for Baking
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 16 pinwheels. Lay them meticulously on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving each piece enough space to puff and crisp during baking. Brush the tops with more egg wash to lock in the impressive color and shine.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown puff pastry that’s crisp and rising nicely, signaling your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of dill adds that extra pop of green and subtle herbaceous flavor. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right after baking can enhance the overall taste, balancing the creamy filling with just a hint of crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these pinwheels alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Alternatively, a bowl of tomato soup complements the rich, cheesy filling beautifully, making for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe around a beautifully garnished cheese board for an elegant appetizer spread. You can also skewer each pinwheel with a colorful toothpick, making them perfect finger foods for parties or casual gatherings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancy twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness without worrying about waste. Just remember they might lose some of their crispness over time, but the flavors remain fantastic.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked rolled and sliced pinwheels by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This trick is a lifesaver for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring back that flaky crispness, reheat leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the puff pastry soggy. This way, your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe tastes almost as good the second time around!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and squeeze out any excess moisture from the fresh spinach to avoid soggy pinwheels.
What can I substitute feta cheese with?
If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy alternative that still pairs wonderfully with spinach.
Can these pinwheels be made vegan?
Yes, by using vegan puff pastry, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and an egg substitute for the wash, you can enjoy a vegan version of this recipe.
How long do these pinwheels keep after baking?
They are best enjoyed within three days if stored properly in the fridge, but freezing is also a great option for longer storage.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Sure! Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even some cooked mushrooms can add exciting variation to your Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is one of those dishes that shines whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together or a festive celebration. The harmonious blend of flaky pastry, hearty spinach, and rich cheeses always delights. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to appetizer or snack that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flaky Spinach Feta Pinwheels featuring a savory blend of spinach, feta, and mozzarella cheeses wrapped in golden puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these pinwheels offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors with a crispy, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Puff 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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pinwheels perfectly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet on a clean surface to smooth out any creases and to make it easier to spread the filling evenly.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the thawed and drained spinach with crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season the mixture well with salt and pepper to taste.
- Apply Egg Wash and Spread Filling: Brush the rolled-out puff pastry evenly with the egg wash to help the filling stick and give a beautiful glaze after baking. Then, spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the entire sheet of pastry.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry sheet tightly from one edge to the other to form a log. Slice this log into pinwheels about 1 inch thick to ensure even baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Brush the tops gently with more egg wash to enhance browning and shine.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen; just sauté it briefly and drain excess moisture before mixing with cheeses.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled pastry to maintain clean edges and prevent squashing the pinwheels.
- These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them great for parties or snacks.
- For a vegetarian option, be sure the cheeses used are free of animal rennet.
- Pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking; just increase baking time by a few minutes when baking from frozen.
