Short description
I love these flaky spinach and feta pinwheels—crunchy puff pastry swirls filled with creamy cheeses and seasoned greens. They make an irresistible appetizer or snack that I can’t help but come back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore how effortlessly these deliver the flavors of classic spanakopita without the fuss of phyllo dough. The buttery puff pastry gives a light crisp that perfectly complements the savory, creamy tang of spinach and feta. These are quick to assemble, bake up beautifully, and disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Puff pastry sheet (thawed)
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Fresh or frozen spinach
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Feta cheese
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Cream cheese and/or mozzarella
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Garlic, onion and herbs (such as dill or parsley)
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Egg wash (egg + water)
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Salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 °F (205 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
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If using fresh spinach, I sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until soft, then wilt down the spinach, cool it, and squeeze it dry. If using frozen spinach, I just thaw and drain it well.
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In a bowl, I mix the spinach with feta, cream cheese, mozzarella (if using), herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
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I roll out the puff pastry to an even thickness and spread the spinach-cheese mixture over the surface, leaving about a ½‑inch border.
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I brush the exposed border with egg wash, roll up the pastry tightly from one side, seal the seam well, and chill the log wrapped in plastic for 15–30 minutes to help the puff.
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I slice the chilled log into ½‑inch rounds (usually makes about 16), place them on the prepared baking sheet, and brush the tops with egg wash.
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I bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed, then let them cool briefly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 pinwheels. It takes around 20–30 minutes to prep, plus 15–30 minutes of optional chilling time, and 15–20 minutes to bake. In total, I usually have them ready in 50–80 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add caramelized onions or extra garlic for more flavor.
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A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a little heat.
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Swapping in Parmesan or more cream cheese changes the texture and richness.
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Using an air fryer can give them a crisper edge in slightly less time.
Storage/reheating
I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I place them in a 400 °F oven for about 3–5 minutes until they’re warm and crisp again.
If I want to freeze them, I wrap the filled log in plastic and foil, freeze it for up to 2 months, then thaw, slice, and bake when needed.
FAQs
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the filled pastry log a day in advance, wrap it well, and refrigerate until I’m ready to slice and bake.
Fresh spinach or frozen—what’s better?
Both work great. I use fresh when I want a bit more texture and color, and frozen when I want to save time—just make sure it’s well drained.
Should I use real feta or pre‑crumbled?
I prefer using block feta that I crumble myself because it has better flavor and texture, but pre-crumbled works too.
Why chill before baking?
Chilling the log helps the puff pastry hold its shape and puff up better in the oven, so I always try to give it at least 15 minutes in the fridge.
Can I freeze after baking?
Yes, once cooled, I place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. I reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.
Conclusion
I love how these spinach feta pinwheels bring together convenience and flavor—I can customize the fillings, prep them ahead, and serve a tasty, eye-catching appetizer with ease. They’re always a hit, and I find myself making them again and again.
Print
Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Total Time: 50–80 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky spinach and feta pinwheels made with puff pastry, filled with creamy cheeses and seasoned greens—an easy, irresistible appetizer or snack inspired by spanakopita.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup cream cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using fresh spinach, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until soft, add spinach to wilt, then cool and squeeze dry. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain well.
- In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, cream cheese, mozzarella (if using), herbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Roll out puff pastry to an even thickness. Spread the spinach mixture over it, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Brush the border with egg wash, roll the pastry tightly, and seal the seam. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15–30 minutes.
- Slice into ½-inch rounds (about 16 pieces) and place on the baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool briefly before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the roll before slicing helps maintain shape and improves puff.
- Use block feta for better flavor and texture.
- Air frying can enhance crispness and reduce cook time slightly.
- Caramelized onions or chili flakes can add extra flavor or heat.
- Freezable before or after baking for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg