Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe Everyone Will Love

Spinach feta pinwheels enhance ordinary appetizers into culinary magic that sparks conversation at every gathering.

These delightful rolls pack a punch of Mediterranean-inspired flavors in each delectable bite.

Creamy cheese and verdant greens dance together inside delicate, flaky pastry, creating a texture that’s both smooth and crisp.

Elegant yet simple, these pinwheels offer a sophisticated twist on traditional party snacks.

Their versatile nature means you can whip them up for casual get-togethers or fancy cocktail events with equal success.

The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend that tingles taste buds and leaves guests craving more.

Impress your friends with this crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks professionally crafted but comes together in minutes.

Why Spinach Feta Pinwheels Make an Elegant Appetizer

  • Savor Speedy Sophistication: These spinach feta pinwheels transform simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer that looks professionally prepared but takes minimal effort to create.
  • Burst with Flavor Layers: Creamy feta, melty mozzarella, and earthy spinach combine in a perfectly balanced bite that offers rich, tangy, and herbaceous notes in every mouthful.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Using puff pastry creates a foolproof method for making impressive appetizers that require minimal cooking skills, perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests.
  • Versatile Party Star: These pinwheels work wonderfully as appetizers, brunch sides, or casual snacks, making them a flexible recipe that adapts to multiple occasions from cocktail parties to lazy weekend brunches.

What You’ll Need for Savory Pinwheels with a Greek Twist

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery foundation for the pinwheels that creates a flaky, crisp texture when baked.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Light dusting helps prevent sticking when rolling out pastry.
Cheese and Filling:
  • Feta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheeses that provide rich flavor and melty texture to the pinwheels.
  • Green Onion: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a subtle sharpness to the filling.
  • Garlic Salt: Seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the pinwheels.
  • Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spice that complements the cheese and adds depth to the filling.
Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, glossy surface when brushed on pastry and helps seal the roll.
  • Water: Used with egg to create a smooth egg wash.
  • Fresh Spinach: Provides a vibrant green color and nutritious element to the pinwheels.

How to Roll and Bake Pinwheels That Don’t Fall Apart

Step 1: Prepare Egg Wash

  • Whisk egg
  • Add water
  • Mix thoroughly
  • Set aside in a small bowl

Step 2: Create Cheese Filling

Gather ingredients:
  • Crumbled feta
  • Grated mozzarella
  • Chopped green onion
  • Garlic salt
  • Fresh nutmeg

Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl

Set aside

Step 3: Prepare Pastry Surface

Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface

Smooth out any visible seams

Brush entire surface with prepared egg wash

Step 4: Layer Filling Ingredients

Spread cheese mixture evenly across pastry

Distribute spinach leaves across surface

Leave a small one-inch border on one short side

Step 5: Roll Pinwheel

Start from the filled short side

Roll pastry tightly like a jellyroll

Ensure smooth and compact rolling

Step 6: Slice Pinwheels

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper

Cut roll into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick slices

Place pinwheels on prepared baking sheets

Step 7: Chill and Preheat

Refrigerate or freeze pinwheels

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 15 minutes

Look for golden brown color

Pastry should be puffy and crisp

Enjoy your homemade spinach feta pinwheels!

Tips for Creamy Feta and Flaky Pastry

  • Chill for Crispiness: Refrigerate or freeze the rolled pinwheels before baking to help them maintain their shape and create a flakier, more defined pastry texture.
  • Even Slicing Trick: Use a sharp serrated knife or dental floss to cut uniform, clean slices without squishing the delicate pastry roll.
  • Cheese Distribution Strategy: Spread the cheese mixture evenly to ensure each pinwheel has a consistent, delicious flavor in every bite.
  • Moisture Management: Pat the spinach dry before adding to prevent excess water from making the pastry soggy and compromising the crisp texture.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Watch the pinwheels closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve a beautiful golden color without burning the delicate pastry.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pinwheels While Keeping Texture

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves quality for 1-2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture, ensuring they're heated thoroughly and maintain their delicious cheesy flavor.

Dishes That Pair Well with These Savory Spirals

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy feta and rich cheese flavors, cutting through the buttery pastry with its bright acidity.
  • Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives that echoes the green onion in the pinwheels and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy appetizer.
  • Match with Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange hummus, olives, roasted red peppers, and tzatziki alongside the pinwheels to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and offer guests a variety of tasty bites.
  • Complement with Sparkling Rosé: Choose a dry, effervescent rosé that brings out the creamy cheese notes while its bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites of the flaky, savory pastry.

Add-Ons That Make Them Extra Special

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Pinwheels: Incorporate diced cooked chicken or crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture for extra protein and savory depth.
  • Herb Garden Swirl: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, dill, and parsley into the cheese blend to create a bright, aromatic version of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder to give the pinwheels a zesty, southwestern kick.
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Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe

Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spinach feta pinwheels offer Mediterranean charm with delicate layers of herbed spinach and creamy feta wrapped in golden pastry. Crisp edges and rich filling make these appetizers perfect for gatherings, inviting friends to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 10-ounce (280 grams) package of frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) grated mozzarella
  • 1 puff pastry sheet, defrosted

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • A few grates of fresh nutmeg

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 egg, whisked with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of water

Instructions

  1. Create an egg wash by whisking egg with water, then set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Combine crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, finely chopped green onions, garlic salt, and freshly grated nutmeg in a mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Gently unfold puff pastry onto a lightly dusted work surface, smoothing out any visible seams to create a uniform sheet.
  4. Delicately brush the entire pastry surface with prepared egg wash, creating a glossy sheen.
  5. Spread the cheese mixture uniformly across the pastry, leaving a small border along one short edge.
  6. Distribute fresh spinach leaves carefully over the cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  7. Tightly roll the pastry from the filled short edge towards the bare edge, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
  8. Slice the rolled pastry into uniform medallions approximately half an inch thick.
  9. Arrange pinwheel slices on parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
  10. Refrigerate the pinwheels for 10-15 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F.
  11. Bake the pinwheels until they transform into golden, puffy appetizers with crisp edges, approximately 15-18 minutes.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by chilling the rolled pastry to ensure crispier, more defined pinwheel shapes.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for maximum melting and flavor intensity.
  • Keep the pastry cold and handle minimally to maintain its delicate, flaky texture.
  • Create uniform slices by using a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts through the delicate pastry.
  • Opt for fresh spinach leaves when possible for brighter color and more vibrant taste.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like dill or basil to personalize the flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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