Get ready to fall in love with Spinach Feta Pinwheels, a golden, flaky appetizer that’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Each bite offers buttery puff pastry, a creamy duo of cheeses, and tender, garlicky spinach, creating a pinwheel that’s just as perfect for parties as it is for a cozy snack at home. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply treating yourself, these pinwheels are guaranteed to impress with their inviting aroma, beautiful swirl, and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Spinach Feta Pinwheels is their simplicity—every ingredient is easy to find, yet each one plays a major role in building layers of flavor, richness, and color. Don’t skip any of these; together, they create pure magic!
- Frozen puff pastry, thawed: The secret to that irresistible flakiness—make sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the sautéed spinach and helps carry the garlic flavor.
- Garlic, minced: A must-have aromatic that infuses the filling with bold, savory depth.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Provides a pop of color and a tender, earthy base for the filling.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the spinach and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—add as much or as little as you like.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty—this is what gives Spinach Feta Pinwheels their signature flavor.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, umami boost and helps bind the filling.
- Large egg, beaten: The perfect egg wash for a shiny, golden finish on your pinwheels.
How to Make Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pinwheels won’t stick and will be easy to remove later. This simple prep step sets you up for success and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it brown. Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring often, until it wilts down and deepens in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a little zing. Take the skillet off the heat and let the spinach cool slightly, so it won’t melt the pastry later.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, aiming for about 10 by 12 inches. This gives you the perfect canvas for spreading the spinach mixture and ensures you’ll get enough swirls in every pinwheel.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling
Spread the cooled spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a half-inch border all around so the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheeses over the spinach, making sure every bite will have a creamy, cheesy center.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the pastry up tightly into a log. When you reach the end, brush the edge with a little of the beaten egg to help seal the seam. Now, use a sharp knife to slice the log into half-inch thick rounds. Place each pinwheel, cut-side up, onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them for puffing up.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining egg wash—this is what gives them that gorgeous golden shine. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and beautifully golden. Let them cool just slightly before serving, as the filling will be hot and melty.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh spinach leaves on top makes these Spinach Feta Pinwheels look even more inviting. For a pop of color, try a dusting of paprika or a scatter of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp Greek salad, a bowl of marinated olives, or a simple tomato-cucumber medley. They’re also wonderful alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or as part of a larger appetizer spread for gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the pinwheels on a wooden board for a rustic look, or arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter for a festive centerpiece. For cocktail parties, serve them warm on toothpicks or mini skewers—Spinach Feta Pinwheels are always a hit, no matter how you present them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Spinach Feta Pinwheels (which is a big “if”!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days and make a fantastic quick snack or lunchbox treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked pinwheel slices on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Whenever you crave Spinach Feta Pinwheels, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you’re set!
Reheating
To refresh leftover pinwheels, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy—an oven or toaster oven is definitely your friend here.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw about 10 ounces of frozen spinach, squeeze out as much water as you can, and use it in place of the fresh spinach. It’s a great shortcut and works beautifully in Spinach Feta Pinwheels.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’d like to experiment, try adding ricotta, goat cheese, or even shredded mozzarella for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep the feta for that classic tang!
How do I keep the pinwheels from unraveling while baking?
Make sure to roll the pastry tightly and brush the seam with egg wash before sealing. Placing the pinwheels seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps them stay intact during baking.
Can I prepare Spinach Feta Pinwheels in advance?
Yes! Prepare the log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them ideal for parties or meal prepping ahead of time.
Are Spinach Feta Pinwheels good served cold?
They’re best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature or even chilled, making them a versatile option for lunchboxes, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Spinach Feta Pinwheels—they’re truly one of those recipes that makes every occasion feel a little more special. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat just for you, the combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach is sure to win everyone over. Give them a whirl, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite appetizer!
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Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, feta, and Parmesan cheese. These golden-brown, bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or a flavorful starter that’s vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pinwheels bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, which takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a slight kick. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool slightly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle to create a base for the filling.
- Assemble Filling: Evenly spread the cooled spinach mixture over the puff pastry, making sure to leave a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta and grated Parmesan cheeses over the spinach layer to add creamy, tangy flavors.
- Roll and Slice: Beginning at the longer side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Brush the edge of the pastry with a little beaten egg to seal it. Next, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving to let the filling set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Notes
- You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time by refrigerating the rolled log until ready to slice and bake, making for easy entertaining.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives into the spinach filling.
- Ensure the spinach mixture is not too wet to prevent soggy pastry; drain excess moisture if necessary.
- Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for crispy results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
