Introduction

Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful, savory treat perfect for any bridal shower or gathering. Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture creates a delicious, easy-to-eat appetizer everyone will love.

A white plate holds seven spiral-shaped pastries arranged closely together, each with layers of golden brown flaky crust wrapped around dark green leafy filling, likely spinach. The outer crust is puffed and crispy with a slightly shiny surface, while the dark green filling swirls through the center in tight coils. Small bits of light-colored nuts or seeds are sprinkled on top, adding texture and a contrast of color. The plate sits on a wood-textured surface, but it should be imagined on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Sauté the chopped spinach in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix the cooled spinach with cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 5: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over each pastry sheet, then roll the sheet tightly from one end to the other.
Step 6: Slice the rolled pastry into one-inch pinwheels and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 7: Brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
For a bit of extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Try substituting mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier taste.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month.

How to Serve

The image shows seven spiral-shaped pastry rolls arranged closely on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture. Each roll has about three to four visible swirls made of light golden flaky dough and a dark green leafy filling, possibly spinach. The tops of the rolls are sprinkled with small toasted nuts or seeds, adding texture and color contrast. The dough looks crisp and flaky, with some areas slightly browned from baking. The rolls are upright, showing the spiral pattern clearly in each piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them uncooked and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

If puff pastry isn’t available, puff pastry sheets or crescent roll dough can work as alternatives, though the texture and flakiness may vary slightly.

Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

These Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful and savory appetizer perfect for bridal showers, parties, or any special gathering. Made with flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, they bake up golden and crisp, making for an irresistible bite-sized treat.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 pinwheels 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets

Filling

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Egg Wash

1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the pinwheels are ready to bake.
Sauté the spinach: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped fresh spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely to avoid soggy pastry.
Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach with softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Roll out the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, creating an even surface for the filling.
Spread the filling: Evenly distribute the spinach and cheese mixture over each sheet of puff pastry, ensuring full coverage to flavor every bite.
Form the pinwheels: Starting at one edge, carefully roll the pastry sheets tightly into logs to encase the filling securely.
Slice and arrange: Cut the rolled logs into one-inch thick pinwheels and place them spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

Notes

Make sure the sautéed spinach is completely cooled and drained to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over the filling before rolling.
These pinwheels can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
If puff pastry sheets are frozen, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before use.
Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts when slicing the pinwheels.

Keywords: Spinach and Cheese Pinwheels, Puff Pastry Appetizer, Bridal Shower Recipes, Vegetarian Finger Food, Savory Pinwheels