Pin it These puff pastry pinwheels feature a golden, crispy exterior paired with a savory filling of fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Prepared by sautéing spring onions, garlic, and spinach, then combined with creamy cheeses and nutmeg, the mixture is spread over puff pastry, rolled, sliced, and baked until puffed and golden. Garnished with optional seeds, these easy-to-make bites suit gatherings and can be served warm or at room temperature.
Last summer, my neighbor Maria brought these over when I was recovering from surgery and I honestly ate six in one sitting without feeling remotely guilty. The combination of salty feta and flaky pastry hit that perfect comfort food spot I didnt know I needed.
Ive started keeping puff pastry in my freezer specifically for emergency entertaining situations. My daughter now requests them for every sleepover and her friends think Im some kind of pastry genius which is a secret I will happily keep.
Ingredients
- Ready rolled puff pastry: Thaw in the fridge overnight not on the counter to prevent sticking
- Feta cheese: Buy a block and crumble yourself for better texture than pre crumbled
- Cream cheese: Room temperature makes blending so much easier
- Fresh spinach: Squeeze out every drop of liquid or your pastry will get soggy
- Spring onions: Both white and green parts add different layers of flavor
- Garlic: Fresh minced not jarred for the best aromatic punch
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch makes the spinach taste extraordinary
- Egg wash: The secret to that gorgeous golden bakery shine
Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Preheat oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper before you start anything else.
- Cook the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat then sauté spring onions and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Wilt the spinach:
- Add fresh spinach and cook until just wilted then remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Make the filling:
- Combine crumbled feta cream cheese cooled spinach nutmeg salt and pepper in a bowl until well blended.
- Roll and spread:
- Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and spread filling evenly leaving a 1 cm border along one long edge.
- Form the log:
- Starting from the opposite edge roll the pastry tightly like a jelly roll and brush the border with beaten egg to seal.
- Slice the pinwheels:
- Cut the roll into 16 equal pieces and arrange them cut side up on your prepared tray with space between each.
- Add the finish:
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top if you want that extra crunch.
- Bake to golden:
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed and golden brown then let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it These have become my go to contribution for book club meetings and potlucks. Watching peoples eyes light up when they bite into that first warm pinwheel is better than any compliment I could receive.
Making Ahead
You can assemble the entire log wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze it for up to a month. Slice them frozen and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
Try adding chopped fresh dill or mint to the filling for a bright herby twist. Sometimes I swap the feta for goat cheese when I want something milder and creamier.
Serving Suggestions
These work beautifully warm room temperature or even cold the next day. I like to arrange them on a wooden board with some cherry tomatoes and olives for an instant appetizer spread.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or light beer
- Add a bowl of tzatziki for dipping on the side
- They reheat beautifully at 180°C for 5 minutes
Pin it Theres something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of these golden spirals out of the oven. They make any ordinary Tuesday evening feel like a tiny celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can frozen spinach be used instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen spinach works well; just thaw, squeeze out excess water, and sauté as you would fresh spinach before mixing.
- → What can I use instead of cream cheese?
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Ricotta is a great substitute, offering a similarly creamy texture and mild flavor to complement the feta.
- → How to store leftover pinwheels?
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Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently before serving.
- → Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?
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Yes, they can be assembled in advance and baked or reheated when needed, making them convenient for entertaining.
- → What herbs enhance the filling?
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Chopped dill or mint add fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the spinach and feta filling wonderfully.
