Let me tell you, this Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is my party trick for instant applause! With buttery puff pastry wrapped around a savory spinach and cheese filling, every bite delivers a flaky crunch and a creamy, tangy burst of flavor. Whether you need an impressive appetizer, a quick brunch delight, or just an excuse to eat more cheese (always yes), these pinwheels never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky Perfection: Each bite has irresistible layers of golden, buttery puff pastry paired with a melty, tangy cheese and spinach filling.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Elegant: These pinwheels look gorgeous on any platter, instantly making parties, brunches, and family dinners extra special.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep the roll in advance, slice when ready, and bake straight from the fridge or freezer—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Endlessly Adaptable: The Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe offers creative room for swaps and add-ins, so you can match it to your mood or what’s in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is how a few everyday ingredients transform into such a spectacular snack. Each one brings its own bit of magic—layered flavor, creamy tang, and a pop of green for that swoon-worthy swirl!
- 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon of water: This simple egg wash gives the pinwheels their gorgeous, shiny golden finish.
- ½ cup crumbled feta (preferably from a block): Crumbling your own feta makes for big, creamy pockets of tangy flavor—pre-crumbled just doesn’t compare!
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella: Adds that irresistible melty stretch and smoothness to balance the zingy feta.
- 1 green onion, chopped: A little sharp green flavor sneaks into every spiral for an extra-fresh bite.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Just the right hit of savory, so the flavors really sing without any actual garlic mincing.
- A few grates of fresh nutmeg: This tiny addition adds warm, aromatic depth—like a secret chef’s touch.
- 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry: Make sure it’s really squeezed—no one wants soggy pastry!
- 1 puff pastry sheet, defrosted (seek out a butter-based brand like Dufour): Puff pastry is the heart and soul of the pinwheels—rich, flaky, and always irresistible.
Variations
The Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is endlessly customizable—so don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you’re working with pantry staples, need it vegetarian, or just want to add a new spin, these easy tweaks keep things fun and fresh.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop a few and sprinkle onto the filling for a little sweet-tart pop in every bite.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a zesty kick.
- Swap the Cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta alongside the feta for even more creamy goodness.
- Go Low-Carb: Use a low-carb tortilla instead of puff pastry for a lighter, gluten-free party snack (it won’t be as flaky but still delicious!).
How to Make Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Components
Start by whisking together your egg and water in a small bowl—this will be your magic glaze. In a separate bowl, mix the feta, mozzarella, green onion, garlic salt, and a fresh sprinkle of nutmeg. Give your defrosted spinach a really good squeeze over a sieve or using a clean dish towel; you want it as dry as possible so your pinwheels stay beautifully crisp.
Step 2: Roll Out and Layer
Unfold your defrosted puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it just enough to flatten the seams. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the surface with your egg wash for that glossy, golden touch and to help the filling stick. Next, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top, then scatter the spinach in a single layer—remember to leave about an inch on one short side free of toppings for easier rolling.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from the short edge covered in filling, roll your pastry up tightly like a jellyroll. This trick ensures you get a swirl of cheesy spinach in every slice. Grab a sharp knife and cut the roll into ½ to ¾ inch slices; you should get about 16 pinwheels. Place the spirals cut side up on two parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little room between them.
Step 4: Chill and Bake
Pop the trays in your refrigerator or freezer while you heat the oven to 400°F. Chilling helps the pastry stay crisp and puff up beautifully in the oven. Once preheated, bake the pinwheels for about 15 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden and the cheesy filling is bubbly. Serve warm—you’ll have a hard time resisting!
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Super Dry Spinach: The drier the spinach, the crisper your pinwheels—wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze hard to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Chill Before Baking: A quick fridge or freezer chill helps the pinwheels hold their shape and puff up gloriously in the oven.
- Sharp Knife, Clean Cuts: Use a serrated knife and wipe between slices to get perfect swirls without squishing the pastry.
- Use Butter-Based Puff Pastry: Brands made with real butter bake up richer and flakier for the best Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe results.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
I love to shower these pinwheels with a little chopped fresh dill or parsley right before serving; it gives them a lovely, herbaceous pop and looks so cheerful. You can also dust with a bit of flaky sea salt or a light grating of lemon zest for a citrusy lift that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your pinwheels with a crisp Greek salad, a platter of marinated olives, or a simple bowl of tomato soup for an effortless light lunch. If you’re serving these at brunch, fresh fruit and a tangy yogurt dip on the side complement their richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe on a wooden board with colorful veggies for a rustic party vibe or stack them neatly in a spiral for a striking centerpiece. For passed apps, spear each with a pretty toothpick or mini skewer for easy mingling without mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and make an unbeatable afternoon snack (no judgment for secret fridge visits!).
Freezing
The best part? You can freeze the unbaked, sliced pinwheels on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen (add a couple of extra minutes) whenever the craving strikes, or freeze baked pinwheels and reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring leftover Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe back to their crispy best, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll rediscover their golden crunch in no time—microwaves just don’t do the pastry justice here.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in the Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe?
Absolutely! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Chop it finely before mixing with the cheeses.
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What’s the best way to keep the pinwheels from unrolling?
Leaving a one-inch plain strip of pastry (without filling) and brushing it with egg wash acts as a “glue.” Rolling tightly and chilling before baking also helps the pinwheels hold their beautiful spiral shape.
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Can I make the Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble and slice the pinwheels up to a day ahead. Keep them chilled on baking sheets (covered) until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, freeze them and bake straight from the freezer as your guests arrive.
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Are these pinwheels good served cold?
While they’re at their flakiest and meltiest when warm, they’re still surprisingly tasty at room temperature or even chilled—making them a fantastic picnic or lunchbox treat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that feels both festive and fuss-free, the Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is the answer—every time. Don’t wait for a special occasion to give them a try; these pinwheels have a habit of turning any moment into a celebration. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer or snack that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of feta, mozzarella, and spinach wrapped in a flaky puff pastry creates a savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water
Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta (buy a block and crumble it yourself)
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- A few grates of fresh nutmeg
- 1 10–ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- 1 puff pastry sheet, defrosted (look for a brand made with butter like Dufour)
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water, and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: Mix together the cheeses, onion, and seasonings. Set aside.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush the surface with the egg wash. Top with the cheese mixture and spinach, leaving an inch free on one short side. Roll up the pastry like a jellyroll.
- Cut and Bake: Slice the roll into ½-¾ inch slices and place on baking sheets. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer while preheating the oven to 400°F. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking for a convenient appetizer option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
