Pin This Flaky puff pastry spirals filled with creamy spinach and tangy feta cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
I first tried these pinwheels at a family gathering and they were an instant hit, becoming our go-to appetizer.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, dill, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and half of the beaten egg.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Roll up the pastry tightly from the opposite long edge, sealing the seam with a little water.
- Step 6:
- Slice the roll into 16 even pieces. Place spirals, cut side up, onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7:
- Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Step 9:
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Pin This This recipe brings back fond memories of cozy family brunches where everyone eagerly awaited the first bite of these warm pinwheels.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top before baking. Serve with a yogurt-herb dip for added freshness.
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.
Pin This
These pinwheels are a simple but impressive appetizer perfect for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Thaw and drain it well before sautéing to prevent excess moisture affecting the pastry.
- → How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Sautéing the spinach thoroughly and draining off any excess liquid helps keep the puff pastry crisp and flaky.
- → Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled and frozen unbaked. Bake directly from frozen with an additional 5 minutes added to the baking time.
- → What can I substitute for dill if unavailable?
Fresh parsley or oregano provide different but complementary flavors to dill in this filling.
- → Are there any tips for adding extra crunch?
Sprinkling sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking enhances texture and adds a nutty flavor.