If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful snack that feels both fancy and approachable, this Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe is absolutely the answer. These buttery, flaky pinwheels boast a vibrant spinach and tangy feta filling, complemented by creamy mozzarella and a hint of fresh green onion. They’re golden, crispy, and practically bursting with flavor, making them one of my all-time favorites to share at parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role to make your pinwheels pop with flavor and texture. From the crisp puff pastry to the creamy cheeses and fresh spinach, every element works in harmony to create that perfect bite.
- Frozen puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery base that holds everything together and puffs beautifully when baked.
- Frozen spinach: Once thawed and squeezed dry, it delivers fresh green flavor and vibrant color without excess moisture.
- Feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy kick that’s iconic in Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides melty creaminess that balances the feta’s punch perfectly.
- Green onions: Bring a mild sharpness and pop of color.
- Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps bind the filling.
- Egg: Used for egg wash, it creates that gorgeous golden finish and glossy look on the pastry.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
How to Make Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and even. This base is what will become delectably flaky once baked, so handle it gently and keep it chilled if it softens too much.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed frozen spinach with crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Add a drizzle of olive oil along with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture should be creamy and flavorful, ensuring every pinwheel bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Layer the Pastry
Brush the surface of the rolled-out puff pastry with egg wash to seal everything in and help the filling adhere. Then, spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the entire sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. This step makes sure you get equal distribution of filling in every spiral slice.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll up the pastry from one edge into a tight log. A tight roll is key, as it maintains the shape during baking and creates those beautiful pinwheel swirls. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice it into even pinwheels, roughly 1-inch thick. Each slice will reveal those lovely layers of spinach and cheese.
Step 5: Ready for Baking
Place your pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each to allow puffing. Brush the tops of each with more egg wash to ensure a shiny, golden crust as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pinwheels in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and have a gorgeous golden brown color. The puff pastry will be crisp on the outside while the filling becomes warm and melty inside. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’re best enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle your pinwheels with finely chopped fresh parsley or dill right as they come out of the oven. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavors beautifully. These small touches make your presentation as irresistible as the taste.
Side Dishes
Spinach Feta Pinwheels recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a cool tzatziki dip for extra tang. For a heartier spread, serve with roasted red pepper hummus or a bowl of warm lentil soup to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the pinwheels on a platter in a circular pattern around a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt dip or marinara sauce. Alternatively, stack them into a mini tower for a fun visual centerpiece. For parties, stick toothpicks in each pinwheel to make them easy to grab and enjoy on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They hold their texture well but are best enjoyed within this window for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the pinwheels either before or after baking. To freeze raw pinwheels, arrange them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Baked pinwheels can also be frozen but may lose some crispness upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Too much water can make the pastry soggy, so drying is key to maintain that perfect texture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or ricotta with a bit of salt can work well. Each will change the flavor slightly but still keep the creamy, tangy profile that pairs beautifully with spinach.
Can these be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based puff pastry and an egg replacer like a flax egg for the wash. The taste and texture will differ slightly, but you’ll still get wonderful pinwheels.
How do I make sure the pinwheels don’t fall apart?
Rolling the pastry tightly and chilling it before slicing can help maintain shape. Also, make sure to brush the edges with egg wash or water to seal as you roll.
Are these suitable for freezer-friendly meal prep?
Definitely! Spinach Feta Pinwheels recipe is great for batch making and freezing. Prepare in advance and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe—warm, flaky pastry combined with a luscious spinach and cheese filling is just pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re making a simple snack or an elegant party treat, these pinwheels never fail to impress. Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Print
Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a delightful savory appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta, mozzarella, and green onions. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, and rich and cheesy inside, they make a great party snack or light meal.
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 the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the pinwheels.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine thawed and drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors, mixing well to combine.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen puff pastry sheet to smooth and even thickness, ready to hold the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash and Spread Filling: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with a beaten egg. This helps the filling stick and promotes browning. Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture over the egg-washed pastry.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into pinwheels about 1 inch thick.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash to give them a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the thawed spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
- If fresh puff pastry is used instead of frozen, adjust baking time slightly for best results.
- For a vegetarian option, these pinwheels are already suitable; you can omit the olive oil if desired.
- These pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh when guests arrive.
- Serve with a side of marinara or tzatziki for extra flavor.
