If you are on the lookout for a snack that combines flaky, buttery pastry with savory, flavorful filling, you have found your winner. The Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is a delightful appetizer or party treat that brings together the creamy tang of feta, the freshness of spinach, and the melty goodness of mozzarella, all wrapped up in golden puff pastry spirals. These pinwheels are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for casual get-togethers or a cozy afternoon nibble. Once you try this Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for impressing friends and family without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a special role in delivering amazing taste, texture, and visual appeal. Freshness from the spinach, creamy tang from the feta, gooey richness from mozzarella, and the golden puff pastry come together so beautifully.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: The buttery, flaky base that holds all the flavors together and creates those irresistible layers.
- Frozen spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, it adds vibrant green color and a boost of freshness without sogginess.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for that classic salty, tangy punch that perfectly complements the spinach.
- Mozzarella cheese: Grated to bring a luscious, melty texture that balances the feta’s sharpness.
- Green onions: Chopped to introduce a mild, aromatic bite and add a slight crunch.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness while helping the filling meld together smoothly.
- Egg: Used for egg wash, it gives the pastry a beautiful shiny golden finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the pinwheels. Then roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and pliable. This step ensures that your pinwheels will bake evenly and puff up nicely to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mixing the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and well-squeezed spinach with crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season the mixture lightly with salt and pepper to taste. This mix is the heart of your pinwheels, marrying creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that will shine through every bite.
Step 3: Assembling the Pinwheels
Brush the rolled-out puff pastry evenly with egg wash for that coveted golden color and shine. Then spread the spinach and cheese filling in an even layer over the entire surface of the pastry. Rolling the layers evenly ensures that every pinwheel slice will have a perfect swirl of filling inside.
Step 4: Rolling and Slicing
Carefully roll the pastry sheet into a tight log starting from one edge, keeping the filling snug inside. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into roughly 1-inch thick pinwheels. This step is so rewarding because you get to see those beautiful spirals forming—each one a bite-sized bundle of joy!
Step 5: Preparing for Baking
Place the pinwheels spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Give each pinwheel a light brush of egg wash on top to encourage browning and a glossy finish as they bake.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the puff pastry is puffed, golden, and irresistible. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the aroma of baked pastry and cheese fills your kitchen. Let them cool slightly before serving so the filling can set just right.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and texture, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions on top right before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can elevate the flavor even more, adding a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Side Dishes
Spinach Feta Pinwheels pair wonderfully with simple dips like tzatziki or hummus, which add a creamy, cooling dimension. Serving alongside a crisp, mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal or appetizer spread that’s bursting with contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces in the center for an inviting party display. For a fun twist, thread them on skewers alternating with cherry tomatoes and olives to create eye-catching pinwheel kabobs that are as playful as they are tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Spinach Feta Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain surprisingly delicious when reheated, making them a perfect snack for busy days when you want something quick but satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time, you can freeze the sliced pinwheels before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet so they don’t touch, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time for convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps keep the pastry crisp and the filling warm and melty, bringing them back to their original deliciousness without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh spinach, just sauté it lightly until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the cheeses. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy while maintaining that vibrant spinach flavor.
What type of feta cheese works best?
Crumbled feta that is not too wet is ideal, such as Greek-style feta stored in brine. If it’s too salty, rinse and pat it dry before use. This keeps the balance of flavors just right without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian since it features no meat products. The combination of cheeses, spinach, and pastry makes it a meaty, satisfying option for vegetarians and even meat-eaters looking for a lighter snack.
Is it possible to make a vegan version?
To make the Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe vegan, you would need to substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan puff pastry. Additionally, replace the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup or olive oil for browning.
How can I make these gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, find a gluten-free puff pastry in specialty stores or make your own. Keep in mind that texture may be slightly different, but the delightful flavors will still shine through with a careful gluten-free swap.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how fun and easy it is to whip up these irresistible Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe, you have every reason to get into the kitchen and start rolling. Their beautiful golden swirls and perfect balance of savory flavors will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether for a casual snack or party platter, these pinwheels are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and savory Spinach Feta Pinwheels made with flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful blend of spinach, feta, mozzarella, and green onions. These easy-to-make pinwheels are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party treats that bake to golden perfection in just 15 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the puff pastry sheet out of the freezer and roll it out on a clean surface to prepare for filling.
- Mix the Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained spinach with crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring an even blend of flavors.
- Apply Egg Wash and Spread Filling. Lightly brush the rolled-out puff pastry with beaten egg wash to help the filling adhere and achieve a golden crust. Then spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the surface of the pastry.
- Roll and Slice. Carefully roll the pastry tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 16 even pinwheels.
- Prepare for Baking. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Brush the tops with additional egg wash to enhance color and shine when baked.
- Bake to Golden Perfection. Bake the pinwheels in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy pinwheels.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheese if desired.
- Pinwheels are best served fresh but can be reheated for a few minutes in the oven to regain crispness.
- Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to one month and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
