There’s something utterly delightful about the simple twist of puff pastry that brings a burst of flavor to any gathering. Recently, I celebrated a cozy afternoon with friends, and instead of the usual chips and dips, I introduced these Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels. They were gone in minutes! The combination of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and a hint of garlic creates a savory treat that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes.
What I love most is how effortlessly they can elevate a casual snack into a fancy appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour in the kitchen, you can impress your guests without the stress. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a rainy day snack or a festive gathering. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Why will you love Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels?
Ease: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is quick and simple, perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The marriage of fresh spinach and salty feta creates a deliciously rich filling that tantalizes the taste buds.
Crowd-Pleaser: These pinwheels are a hit at any gathering, sure to disappear before your eyes!
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch paired with a salad.
Time-Saving: With a total prep and cook time of only 40 minutes, you can whip these up in a flash.
Delight your guests and enjoy the compliments when you serve these delicious Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels—they’re a guaranteed favorite!
Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels Ingredients
For the Pinwheels
• Puff pastry – This flaky delight forms the perfect base for your savory filling; thaw it properly for easy rolling.
• Fresh spinach – Provides a vibrant color and nutritious punch; if using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid sogginess.
• Crumbled feta cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach; try subbing with goat cheese for a twist!
• Garlic powder – A dash brings aromatic depth to the filling; feel free to mince fresh garlic for a bolder taste.
• Egg – Used for the egg wash, helps achieve that golden-brown, glossy finish that makes these pinwheels irresistible.
Bring these ingredients together, and you’re on your way to creating delightful Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Make Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to achieve a beautifully golden finish on your pinwheels.
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Mix the filling by combining the spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl. Ensure everything is well blended for consistent flavor in every bite.
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Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This thinness is crucial for achieving that delightful flakiness when baked.
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Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. The evenly spread filling ensures every slice is packed with flavor.
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Roll the pastry tightly from one end to the other, forming a log. Make sure it’s snug to keep the filling contained and enhance the pinwheel shape.
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Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife. This allows each pinwheel to cook evenly, giving you that perfect flake every time.
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Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have space in between. This space lets them puff up beautifully while baking.
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Brush the tops of each pinwheel with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This step gives them a gorgeous golden-brown finish while baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crisp!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Spinach & Feta Variations
Customize your Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels for a delightful twist on the classic!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil to the spinach mixture for an aromatic boost. Just a handful elevates the flavor to new heights!
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Cheesy Delights: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the feta for a gooey, melty filling that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Veggie Packed: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or artichokes for an extra crunch and a pop of color. Vegetables not only enhance flavor but also add a nutritious touch!
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for those who crave some heat. The fiery kick complements the cool spinach and tangy feta beautifully.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or pine nuts to the filling for a delightful crunch. These add a lovely texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the spinach.
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Sweet Twist: Add a touch of honey or fig jam atop the filling before rolling for an unexpected sweet-savory combination that’s simply irresistible.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the feta with cashew cheese or tofu crumbles for an equally tasty but dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be creamy and full of flavor!
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Lunch Wraps: Use the spinach mixture as a filling for whole wheat wraps or pita pockets instead of pinwheels. This is a quick way to enjoy the same delicious flavors on-the-go!
Embrace these variations and let your creativity soar in the kitchen! Each twist brings a unique flavor and charm to your Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels.
Expert Tips for Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels
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Quality Puff Pastry: Use high-quality puff pastry for the best texture. Ensure it’s fully thawed to avoid cracks when rolling.
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Avoid Sogginess: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess moisture after thawing. A soggy filling can ruin your delicious Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels.
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Custom Fillings: Get creative! Add sun-dried tomatoes or herbs like dill for a twist. Just ensure not to overfill, or they may burst during baking.
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Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels. Clean, even slices help them cook uniformly and look visually appealing on the plate.
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Perfect Egg Wash: For a shiny crust, apply the egg wash gently and evenly just before baking. This ensures your pinwheels bake to a beautiful golden brown.
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Watch the Oven: Every oven behaves slightly differently. Keep an eye on your pinwheels toward the end of baking to achieve perfect crispness.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels fresh for up to 2 hours. They taste best warm, so serve promptly for the perfect snacking experience.
Fridge: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their flakiness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: For optimal taste, reheat baked pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring the pastry remains crispy and delicious.
Make Ahead Options
These Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels are a fantastic option for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the filling (spinach, feta, and garlic powder) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. To keep your puff pastry fresh, it’s best to roll the pinwheels right before baking. Simply store the unbaked slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet, brush them with egg wash, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have warm, flaky pinwheels that are just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
What to Serve with Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels?
Looking to create a wholesome meal that beautifully complements these savory treats?
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Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens and vibrant vegetables add a refreshing crunch, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the pinwheels. Toss with a zesty vinaigrette to tie everything together.
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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness intensifies through roasting, providing a juicy burst of flavor that pairs nicely with the salty feta. Serve them warm alongside the pinwheels for a delightful contrast.
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Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic brings a refreshing element to each bite, enhancing the flavors beautifully. It’s also a fantastic dipping sauce for your pinwheels!
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispy texture make these a wonderful side, adding a fun contrast to the savory pinwheels. Plus, they’re an easy and satisfying addition to your meal.
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Savory Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, a quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing can elevate the dish for a wholesome vibe. Its nuttiness pairs excellently with the spinach and feta.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, works wonders to cut through the creaminess of the feta and adds a sophisticated touch to your gathering.
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Lemon Sorbet: Finish your meal on a light note with refreshing lemon sorbet. Its tartness is a wonderful palate cleanser after the savory pinwheels, leaving a bright note lingering.
These delightful accompaniments will surely create an unforgettable meal experience around your Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels!
Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels Recipe FAQs
What type of spinach is best for this recipe?
Absolutely, fresh spinach is recommended for its vibrant color and flavor. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
How should I store leftover Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive their original flakiness, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I freeze Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels?
Yes, you can! To freeze unbaked pinwheels, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time until golden and flaky.
What should I do if my pastry doesn’t roll out smoothly?
If your puff pastry feels too sticky or tears, it might not be fully thawed. Ensure it’s at a cool, manageable temperature, ideally left to warm slightly at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Dust your work surface with flour to help with rolling.
Can my pets eat Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels?
While spinach is safe in small amounts for dogs and cats, feta cheese is high in sodium and potentially harmful. It’s best to keep these tasty treats away from your pets altogether for their safety.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
If puff pastry isn’t available, you can use phyllo dough for a lighter version or make your own dough using flour, butter, and water. Just keep in mind that this may alter the final texture and flavor slightly!
Irresistible Spinach & Feta Pastry Pinwheels for Easy Snacking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the filling by combining the spinach, feta cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border.
- Roll the pastry tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
- Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring space in between.
- Brush the tops of each pinwheel with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.