Crispy Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Zesty Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe: Swirly Bites of Joy

Tucked away in the culinary world, these spinach feta pinwheels recipe deliver a burst of Mediterranean charm to your appetizer spread.

Flaky pastry embraces a vibrant filling that dances with tangy cheese and earthy greens.

Each spiral promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors that surprise the palate.

The recipe comes together with surprising ease, turning simple ingredients into an elegant party pleaser.

Soft, herbed spinach mingles with creamy feta, wrapped in golden, buttery layers of pastry.

These pinwheels promise to be the star of any gathering, disappearing from platters faster than you can slice them.

Serve these delectable bites and watch as your guests reach for seconds – and then thirds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 7

Spinach Feta Pinwheels: What You’ll Need

For Cheese Blend:
  • Feta: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a zesty punch and creamy texture to the pinwheels.
  • Mozzarella: Mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a smooth, rich backdrop.
  • Green Onion: Fresh, sharp herb that brings a light, crisp onion flavor and vibrant color.
  • Garlic Salt: Concentrated seasoning that infuses the filling with depth and savory warmth.
  • Nutmeg: Aromatic spice that adds a subtle, warming complexity to the cheese mixture.
For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery dough that creates flaky, golden layers when baked.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Egg: Silky binding agent that helps seal the pastry and creates a beautiful golden sheen.
  • Water: Helps thin the egg for a perfect wash that promotes even browning.
  • Spinach: Tender, nutritious green that adds earthy flavor and vibrant color to the filling.

Equipment for Making Spinach Feta Pinwheels

  • Baking Sheets: Two flat metal trays for even baking and placing pinwheels.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening and smoothing puff pastry.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for rolling and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing pinwheels into precise sections.
  • Medium Bowl: For mixing cheese and herb ingredients.
  • Whisk: To blend egg wash smoothly.
  • Cheese Grater: For grating mozzarella cheese.
  • Measuring Spoons: To measure garlic salt and nutmeg accurately.

Making Spinach Feta Pinwheels in Simple Steps

Spinach Feta Pinwheels

  • Pastry Preparation

Gently unfold the delicate puff pastry on a clean work surface dusted with a light layer of flour. Smooth out any visible creases to create a perfect canvas for your savory treats.

  • Flavor Blend

Combine crumbly feta, melty mozzarella, zesty green onions, aromatic garlic salt, and a whisper of nutmeg in a mixing bowl. This magical mixture will create an explosion of taste.

  • Spinach Spread

Sprinkle fresh spinach leaves across the pastry, leaving a small border along one edge. The green leaves will add a vibrant touch and nutritious punch to your pinwheels.

  • Rolling Technique

Start from the filled edge and carefully roll the pastry into a tight, elegant log. The goal is a smooth, compact cylinder that promises delightful bites.

  • Slicing Magic

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into bite-sized rounds about half an inch thick. Each slice is a promise of crispy, cheesy goodness.

  • Chill and Bake

Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 400°F, then bake until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown and puffs up beautifully.

Tweaks to Boost Flavor in Spinach Feta Pinwheels

  • Mix different cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist on the classic feta combination.
  • Assemble the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator, allowing for easy entertaining and stress-free meal planning.
  • Elevate the filling by adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to create unexpected depth and brightness in each bite.
  • Experiment with adding red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a subtle kick of heat and complexity to the pinwheels.
  • Swap spinach for roasted vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms to create exciting alternative fillings that keep the recipe versatile and interesting.

Serving Spinach Feta Pinwheels the Way

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden pinwheels on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs for an elegant appetizer that'll impress guests at any gathering.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Serve alongside tzatziki, hummus, or a light Greek salad to create a Mediterranean-inspired spread that complements the spinach and feta flavors.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Pair these pinwheels with a citrus mimosa and a fresh fruit salad for a delightful weekend brunch that feels both sophisticated and relaxed.
  • Wine and Cheese Night Delight: Match these savory pinwheels with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio for a delectable evening snack that elevates casual entertaining.

Storing Spinach Feta Pinwheels

  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store these pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping them crisp and delicious.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire roll and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before slicing, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal prep.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Unbaked pinwheels can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Quick Reheat Trick: Warm leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispy texture and bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
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Crispy Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Crispy Spinach Feta Pinwheels


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Savory spinach feta pinwheels blend Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. Pastry rolls showcase zesty ingredients perfect for appetizers or quick snacks you’ll love serving at gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted
  • 10 oz (280 g) frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
  • ½ cup (120 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1 egg, whisked with 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • Few grates fresh nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling: Blend crumbled feta, mozzarella, green onions, garlic salt, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Pastry Preparation: Unfurl puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, smoothing out seams to create a uniform sheet and brush entire surface with egg wash.
  3. Assembly: Spread cheese mixture evenly across pastry, leaving a small border along one short edge, then layer spinach leaves uniformly over the mixture.
  4. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the pastry from the filled short edge towards the bare edge, forming a compact cylindrical shape.
  5. Portioning: Slice the rolled pastry into half-inch thick medallions and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with slight separation between pieces.
  6. Chilling and Preheating: Refrigerate pinwheels for 10-15 minutes while heating the oven to 400°F.
  7. Baking: Bake until pinwheels transform into golden, puffy appetizers with crisp edges, approximately 15-18 minutes.

Notes

  • Chill Before Baking: Refrigerate the rolled pastry for 10-15 minutes to help maintain crisp, defined pinwheel shapes and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  • Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry lightly and evenly with egg wash to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior and enhance the pinwheels’ professional appearance.
  • Precise Slicing Matters: Use a sharp knife and cut medallions consistently at half-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Spacing Is Key: Place pinwheels with slight separation on baking sheet to allow proper air circulation, promoting even browning and preventing soggy edges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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