I absolutely love sharing this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is shockingly easy to put together. When friends come over, these little pinwheels always steal the show—they’re crispy, flaky, and bursting with that perfect Mediterranean mix of tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh dill.

You’ll find that these pinwheels work wonderfully as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light lunch. I remember the first time I made them, I was amazed at how the puff pastry puffs up beautifully while holding all those delicious fillings in perfect spiral bites. If you want a crowd-pleaser that’s impressive but stress-free, this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is definitely worth your time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of spinach, feta, olives, and lemon zest creates a refreshing and savory taste you won’t forget.
  • Easy Yet Elegant: Using frozen puff pastry makes it super simple to create something that looks homemade and impressive.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, a potluck, or cocktail hour, these pinwheels fit right in and please a crowd.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them in advance and bake right before guests arrive—total game changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe lies in how simple, fresh ingredients blend perfectly inside flaky puff pastry. Here’s a quick rundown of why each element makes these pinwheels so delicious and tips on picking the best ones.

  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together—with that tangy base flavor.
  • Frozen Chopped Spinach: Thaw and squeeze it well to avoid soggy pastry; spinach adds freshness and that lovely green pop.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Finely chopped, they bring a subtle earthy sweetness that complements the feta perfectly.
  • Crumbled Feta: This tangy, salty cheese is the star Mediterranean flavor in the mix.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Adds sweetness and vibrant color; make sure to pat them dry so they don’t add excess moisture.
  • Fresh Dill: Fresh herbs are key here—dill brightens the filling with its distinct aroma.
  • Kalamata Olives: Chopped olives provide a briny kick that balances the creamy cheese and spinach.
  • Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus pop that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
  • Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To taste; seasoning is crucial, so don’t skimp here!
  • All-Purpose Flour: For dusting the surface when rolling out the puff pastry to prevent sticking.
  • Frozen Puff Pastry: Thawed according to package instructions; this is your flaky shell for the filling.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Sprinkled over the filling for gooey, melty goodness inside.
  • Large Egg: Lightly beaten to brush over pinwheels for a shiny, golden crust.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is so versatile—you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Mixing it up keeps it fresh and lets you personalize the flavors.

  • Go Vegan: Substitute the cream cheese and feta with your favorite vegan cheese alternatives; I tried cashew-based cheese once, and the flavor was surprisingly satisfying.
  • Add Protein: Toss in some cooked, crumbled sausage or diced chicken for a heartier snack—great for game days when my family wants something filling.
  • Change the Herb: Try fresh basil or oregano instead of dill for a slightly different Mediterranean twist that’s still delicious.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling to introduce a subtle heat—something I started doing after tastes testing with spice lovers.

How to Make Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Filling

Start by mixing the cream cheese with thawed, thoroughly squeezed spinach to avoid sogginess. Then add finely chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, chopped roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, fresh dill, and lemon zest. Season the mixture well with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I always taste a small bit of the filling to adjust seasoning—trust me, this little step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Roll Out and Spread the Mixture

Lightly dust your surface with all-purpose flour and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Roll it gently into a roughly 15″ x 11″ rectangle to get an even shape. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border all around to help seal the roll. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the filling for that melty, cheesy layer you’re craving.

Step 3: Roll, Chill, and Slice

Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seam well to seal the entire roll. Transfer it seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, then pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough so your pinwheels slice cleanly without squashing the filling.

Step 4: Cut and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Transfer the chilled roll to a cutting board and slice it into ½-inch thick pinwheels. If any pinwheels look a bit lopsided from cutting, use your fingers to gently pat them back into round shapes—this little trick helps them bake evenly. Arrange them spaced out on two parchment-lined baking sheets, then brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash for that beautiful golden shine.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the pinwheels for about 30 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed up, crisp, and that gorgeous golden brown color. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving—warm but not too hot is the perfect way to enjoy them.

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Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

  • Dry Your Ingredients Well: I learned the hard way that excess moisture from thawed spinach or roasted peppers can make your pastry soggy, so squeezing and patting dry is crucial.
  • Chill Before Slicing: Putting the rolled pastry log in the fridge before cutting helps get those perfect pinwheel shapes without squashing the filling.
  • Even Thickness Matters: Roll your pastry to an even thickness so every pinwheel bakes evenly without burning thinner edges.
  • Rotate Baking Sheets: Halfway through baking, switch trays and flip racks to avoid hot spots in your oven, making sure all pinwheels brown beautifully.

How to Serve Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows close-up swirled pastry buns with golden baked layers. Each bun has multiple layers of light golden brown dough with a slightly flaky texture. Spread inside the layers is a mix of creamy, cheesy filling mingled with small pieces of red pepper and dark leafy herbs, which add specks of red, green, and black throughout the light filling. The buns are placed closely together on a white marbled surface, showing slight crispiness on the outer edges. The photo focuses on the round, spiral shape and the contrast between the soft dough and textured filling, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of extra fresh dill or thin lemon zest strips over the pinwheels right before serving—it adds that fresh pop of color and aroma that draws people in. Sometimes I serve with a side of tzatziki sauce, which adds a cool, creamy contrast that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

When my family has these pinwheels for lunch or light dinner, I usually pair them with a simple Greek salad or a bright tomato-cucumber salad. These fresh sides complement the rich, cheesy pinwheels perfectly without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I once arranged these on a large wooden board surrounded by olives, grape tomatoes, and hummus bowls—creating a colorful Mediterranean platter that was a total hit. Another time, I served them alongside mini skewers of grilled veggies and feta cubes for a fun and vibrant appetizer setup.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their crispiness pretty well, especially if you let them cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

If I’m making these ahead for a party, I slice and arrange the pinwheels on a tray, freeze them uncovered until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, I can bake them straight from frozen and just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pinwheels in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes on a baking sheet to crisp them back up—microwaving tends to make the pastry soggy, so I avoid that when possible.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe?

    Yes! If you use fresh spinach, sauté it lightly first until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out all the moisture before mixing it into the filling. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.

  2. Is it okay to prepare the pinwheels entirely ahead of time?

    Absolutely. You can assemble and slice the pinwheels, then freeze them raw on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.

  3. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?

    The key is to drain and dry ingredients like spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts really well before adding them to the filling. Also, chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain structure and crispness during baking.

  4. Can I substitute other cheeses for feta in this recipe?

    Yes, you could use goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, but feta adds a unique tang and saltiness that really defines the Mediterranean style of this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe countless times, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table. It’s one of those recipes where the combination of simple ingredients turns into something so special and memorable. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want these pinwheels in your regular rotation for entertaining or a delicious snack any time. So roll up your sleeves, get that puff pastry ready, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these golden, flavorful bites—you won’t regret it!

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Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
  • Yield: 28 pinwheels 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Mediterranean Pinwheels are a flavorful and visually appealing appetizer featuring a creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, feta, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh dill wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or as a savory snack, they bake up golden and crisp, offering a delightful combination of tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, drained, squeezed dry, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
  • 3 Tbsp. pitted chopped Kalamata olives
  • 3 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dough and Topping

  • All-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1 (14-oz.) package frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, thawed and squeezed dry chopped spinach, finely chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped Kalamata olives, finely chopped fresh dill, and finely grated lemon zest. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Roll out the puff pastry: Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it out gently to form a 15-inch by 11-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese and vegetable filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the filling.
  3. Form the pinwheel log: Starting from the long side of the pastry, carefully roll it up into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it well. Transfer the log seam-side down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate the log for about 15 minutes until it is chilled and firm for easier slicing.
  4. Slice and shape the pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on two parchment-lined baking sheets, giving them space to puff. Use your fingers to gently shape any pinwheels that become misshapen during slicing. Brush each pinwheel lightly with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish during baking.
  5. Bake the pinwheels: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, rotating the sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking time. Bake until the puff pastry is puffed, golden brown, and crisp on the outside.
  6. Cool and serve: Once baked, transfer the pinwheels to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to handle.

Notes

  • Ensure the spinach and artichokes are thoroughly drained and squeezed dry to prevent soggy pinwheels.
  • Chilling the rolled log before slicing helps maintain the shape and makes slicing cleaner.
  • Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
  • These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them great for parties and gatherings.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill and lemon zest to brighten the flavors of the creamy filling.
  • To make ahead, prepare and slice the pinwheels, then freeze on baking sheets until firm; transfer to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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