Save Flaky puff pastry spirals filled with creamy spinach and tangy feta cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
I love serving these pinwheel spirals at parties because they are simple to make yet impress everyone with their flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Dough: 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- Filling: 150 g fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 100 g frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)
- Filling: 120 g feta cheese, crumbled
- Filling: 50 g cream cheese, softened
- Filling: 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Filling: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Filling: 1 egg, beaten (for binding and brushing)
- Filling: ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Filling: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook spinach:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add spinach and sauté until wilted (2–3 minutes for fresh, 1 minute for thawed frozen). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix filling:
- In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, dill, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and half of the beaten egg.
- Prepare pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
- Roll pastry:
- Roll up the pastry tightly from the opposite long edge, sealing the seam with a little water.
- Slice pinwheels:
- Slice the roll into 16 even pieces. Place spirals, cut side up, onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush egg:
- Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Cool:
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Save This recipe always brings smiles to my family gatherings, sparking joy with each bite.
Required Tools
Skillet, mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, knife, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (dairy/feta/cream cheese). Double-check pastry ingredients if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per pinwheel: Calories 90, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 7 g, Protein 2 g
Save These spinach feta pinwheels are a delicious and easy way to elevate any appetizer spread.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can frozen spinach be used in these spirals?
Yes, thaw and thoroughly drain frozen spinach before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
- → What type of cheese pairs best with spinach here?
Feta cheese provides a tangy contrast balanced with smooth cream cheese, enhancing the creamy texture of the filling.
- → How do I achieve a flaky pastry crust?
Use chilled puff pastry and avoid overhandling the dough. Brushing with beaten egg ensures a golden, glossy finish.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to spinach?
Yes, baby kale or Swiss chard can be substituted, offering different flavors while maintaining a leafy green base.
- → Can these spirals be prepared ahead of time?
They can be assembled and frozen unbaked, then baked directly from frozen with a slightly extended cooking time.