Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

$- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 egg (for egg wash) For these tasty spinach feta puff pastry pinwheels, you need a few key ingredients. Puff pastry is the star here. It puffs up and gets nice and flaky when baked, giving a great texture. Next, you have the spinach and cheese mixture. Fresh spinach gives a nice green color and a healthy punch. Feta cheese adds a salty taste, while cream cheese and Parmesan make it creamy and rich. Adding garlic and oregano gives an aromatic profile. The lemon zest brightens the flavors, making every bite burst with freshness. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to balance everything. Finally, the egg wash helps the pinwheels turn golden brown and shiny in the oven. This mix of ingredients makes these pinwheels not just good, but truly great! You can serve them as snacks or appetizers. They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. {{ingredient_image_1}} Thawing and Rolling Out Start with one sheet of puff pastry. If it's frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also leave it at room temp for about 30 minutes. When it's soft, place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This helps the pastry puff up nicely while baking. Spreading the Filling In a big bowl, mix together your filling. Combine 2 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread this mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Rolling Technique Now, it’s time to roll. Start from one edge of the puff pastry and roll it tightly into a log. Make sure to keep the filling inside as you go. This creates a nice swirl when you slice it. Sealing the Edges Once you reach the end, gently press the edge to seal it. This step is key to keeping the filling from leaking out while baking. Baking Instructions Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the pinwheels. Cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat 1 egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each pinwheel for a golden finish. Cooling Tips Bake the pinwheels for 15-20 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm for the best taste, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of herbs. Proper Thawing Techniques To get great puff pastry, you must thaw it right. Place the frozen puff pastry in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, set it on the counter for about 30 minutes. Don't rush this step. If you thaw pastry too fast, it can become sticky. Temperature Considerations Work with cold puff pastry. I keep my puff pastry in the fridge until I need it. This helps keep it flaky when baked. If it warms up too much, it won’t rise well. Aim for a cool kitchen, especially on warm days. Flavor Enhancements For a tasty filling, I love adding lemon zest and garlic. They give the pinwheels a fresh, bright taste. You can also try adding crushed red pepper for some heat. Mix your fillings well. This ensures each bite is full of flavor. Texture Tips To keep the filling creamy, use softened cream cheese. The feta adds a nice crumbly texture. Chop the spinach finely, so it blends well. This way, you get a nice balance of textures in every pinwheel. Garnishing Suggestions Presentation matters! I like to serve my pinwheels with fresh lemon wedges. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, adds color. You can also drizzle some olive oil for a shiny finish. Serving Options Serve these pinwheels warm on a nice platter. They make a great snack or appetizer at parties. For a fun twist, pair them with a dip like tzatziki or a yogurt sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture. Make sure to wash it thoroughly to remove any grit. Chill the Filling: For easier rolling, chill the spinach and cheese mixture for about 10 minutes before spreading it on the pastry. Seal the Edges: Ensure you press down the edges of the pastry tightly after rolling to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add different herbs and spices to the filling, such as basil or thyme, for an added flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can add meat to your pinwheels for extra flavor. Try cooked chicken or ham. Simply chop the meat finely and mix it with your cheese and spinach filling. This will give your pinwheels a hearty twist. You can also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick. Just make sure to drain any excess fat before mixing. For a vegetarian twist, swap out cheese for vegetables. Roasted peppers, mushrooms, or artichokes work well. You can also add ricotta cheese for creaminess. This keeps the dish light and fresh. Experiment with your favorite veggies to find the perfect mix. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free puff pastry. Many stores sell this now. Just check the label to ensure it's truly gluten-free. When using gluten-free pastry, keep an eye on the baking time. It may cook faster than regular pastry. To make this dish vegan, replace dairy products with plant-based options. Use vegan cream cheese and a vegan feta substitute. You can even add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Make sure your puff pastry is vegan as well. This way, you can enjoy tasty pinwheels without any animal products. Refrigeration Tips First, let your pinwheels cool down. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save space, use parchment paper between layers. This keeps them from sticking together. Freezing Instructions To freeze pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. No need to thaw! Best Methods for Reheating The best way to reheat pinwheels is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a faster option. Just heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy. What is puff pastry? Puff pastry is a light, flaky dough made from layers of butter and flour. It puffs up when baked due to steam trapped between the layers. You can find it in the frozen section of many stores. How do I know when the pinwheels are done? Your pinwheels are done when they turn golden brown and puff up. They should have a nice, flaky look. I usually check them at around 15 minutes. If they look good, take them out! Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can make these pinwheels in advance. You can prepare them and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them well to keep them fresh. What's the best way to reheat pinwheels? To reheat your pinwheels, use an oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crisp and tasty. Avoid using a microwave, as they can get soggy. You learned about making delicious spinach and cheese pinwheels today. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create them. I shared helpful tips for flaky pastry and perfecting the filling. Variations allow you to customize for different diets. Proper storage and reheating tips help keep your leftovers tasty. With what you now know, you're ready to create these treats at home. Enjoy impressing friends and family with your skills!$

Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Delicious pinwheels made with spinach, feta, and puff pastry, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
1 egg for egg wash

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it's approximately 1/8 inch thick.
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Seal the edge by pressing down gently.
Slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush the egg wash over the top of each pinwheel to achieve a golden color when baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm on a platter, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and herbs.

Keyword feta, pinwheels, puff pastry, spinach