When you need a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, Spinach Feta Pinwheels are the perfect choice. These flaky, golden pinwheels are filled with a savory blend of spinach, feta, and mozzarella, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday spread, or just looking for a satisfying snack, these pinwheels will impress every time.
The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of crispy, cheesy pinwheels ready in no time. Let’s dive into this flavorful and elegant appetizer, explore variations, and learn tips to perfect this dish every time.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy: The flaky puff pastry combined with melted cheese creates the perfect texture.
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, game nights, brunches, or tea-time snacks.
- Customizable: You can add different ingredients to make it your own.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A satisfying appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients for Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Here’s what you need to make these flaky, cheesy pinwheels:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Egg, whisked with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash) | 1 |
Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup |
Mozzarella cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
Green onion, chopped | 1 |
Garlic salt | ½ tsp |
Fresh nutmeg, grated | A few grates |
Frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry | 10 oz |
Puff pastry sheet, defrosted | 1 |
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Mixture
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Grated mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onion
- Garlic salt
- A few grates of fresh nutmeg
- Add the defrosted and well-drained spinach to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pinwheels
- Starting from the longer edge, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk an egg with 1 tbsp of water.
- Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops and sides of the pinwheels.
- This step ensures they bake to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Transfer the pinwheels to a serving platter.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dips.
Tips for the Best Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Use High-Quality Puff Pastry: Look for a butter-based pastry like Dufour for the best flavor and flakiness.
- Drain the Spinach Well: Excess water can make the filling soggy, so squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Roll the Dough Tightly: This helps keep the pinwheels intact while baking.
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the rolled dough for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It gives the pinwheels a golden-brown sheen and enhances crispiness.
Delicious Variations to Try
Make It Spicy
- Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Add More Cheese
- Mix in grated Parmesan or Gruyère for extra cheesiness.
Make It Vegan
- Use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute vegan feta and mozzarella.
- Replace the egg wash with olive oil or plant-based milk.
Use Different Herbs
- Swap garlic salt for fresh minced garlic and a pinch of dried oregano or thyme.
What to Serve with Spinach Feta Pinwheels
These savory pinwheels pair perfectly with:
- Tzatziki sauce – A cool, garlicky dip to balance the richness.
- Hummus – A protein-packed, creamy option.
- Marinara sauce – A tangy dip for added flavor.
- Greek salad – A fresh, light side dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Carbs | 15g |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 310mg |
(Values may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Spinach Feta Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pinwheels up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze unbaked pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen (add 5 extra minutes to baking time).
4. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Sauté 2 cups of fresh spinach in olive oil until wilted, then chop and use as directed.
5. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free puff pastry, which is available in many stores.
Final Thoughts: A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Whether you’re serving them for a party, brunch, or a cozy snack, Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a guaranteed hit. Their flaky texture, cheesy filling, and savory flavors make them an irresistible appetizer that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why not try this delicious recipe today? Your guests (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Spinach Feta Pinwheels: A Delightful and Easy Appetizer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 pinwheels 1x
Description
These Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a flaky, cheesy, and savory appetizer that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Made with buttery puff pastry, a creamy spinach-feta filling, and a hint of spice, they are perfect for parties, brunch, or a quick snack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
- 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 green onion, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- A few grates of fresh nutmeg
- 1 (10-ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Make the Spinach Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Grated mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onion
- Garlic salt
- A few grates of fresh nutmeg
- Add the defrosted and well-drained spinach.
- Mix until fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a 12×10-inch rectangle.
- Spread the spinach-cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
-
Roll and Slice the Pinwheels
- Starting from the longer edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
-
Apply the Egg Wash
- Brush the tops with whisked egg wash for a golden-brown finish.
-
Bake
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and flaky.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp up.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pinwheels and bake straight from frozen (add 5 minutes to baking time).
- Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free puff pastry and vegan feta and mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean