Spanakopita Pinwheels with Puff Pastry are a perfect appetizer that delights the taste buds with their flaky, golden-brown crust. Made with a puff pastry sheet, these little bites are filled with a delicious cheese mixture of feta cheese, cream cheese, and fresh spinach, enhanced by lemon zest and a touch of garlic powder.
These little spanakopita pinwheels are ideal finger food for gatherings, providing a fun twist on traditional Greek spinach pie. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for the next day, making them convenient for parties or lunch boxes. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a nice flavor that your guests will love!
This is truly such an easy appetizer! If you are looking for more easy appetizer recipes, check out my Chicken rolls or pinwheels recipe, Easy Mediterranean meatball skewers appetizers or Mushrooms salad with garlic and mayo.
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What is Spanakopita?
Spanakopita is a delightful Greek dish that’s loved for its flaky crust texture and rich flavors. At its core, it features a delicious filling made from fresh spinach, feta cheese, and sometimes cream cheese, all mixed with a touch of lemon zest and garlic powder for that extra kick. Traditionally, it’s wrapped in layers of buttery phyllo dough, which gets beautifully golden brown when baked.
You can enjoy the spanakopita recipe in various forms, like classic spanakopita triangles or fun little bites known as spanakopita pinwheels. If you're short on time, you can use puff pastry sheets instead of phyllo dough for an easy appetizer recipe that still packs a punch. Just roll out the pastry, spread your spinach mixture, and cut it into pinwheels using a sharp knife.
So, whether you stick to the traditional recipe or give it a fun twist, spanakopita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its nice flavor and satisfying texture!
Why you'll love this spanakopita pinwheels recipe
You’ll love this spanakopita pinwheels recipe for so many reasons! First off, they’re super easy to make, using a flaky puff pastry sheet that creates a flaky, golden-brown crust. Just roll out the pastry, spread your delicious spinach mixture (with fresh spinach, feta cheese, and a hint of lemon zest), and cut them into little pinwheels using a sharp knife.
Baking these tasty bites on a parchment paper-lined baking tray ensures they come out perfectly crispy. Plus, they’re fantastic as finger food for parties or gatherings! Serve them warm or at room temperature, and they’ll still have that nice flavor and flaky texture everyone loves.
You can whip them up ahead of time and store any leftovers in an airtight container, making them perfect for lunch boxes or easy snacks the next day. And if you want to get creative, you can even add caramelized onions or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the filling!
With their fun twist on traditional Greek spinach pie, these little spanakopita pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. So grab your pastry brush, some olive oil, and a recipe card, and get ready to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry Sheets (thawed): These flaky layers create a golden-brown crust that’s buttery and delicious. They are easy to work with and provide the perfect base for your spinach filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cheese mixture. When mixed with feta, it enhances the overall taste, making each bite even more delightful.
- Chopped Frozen Spinach (thawed): Packed with nutrients, this spinach gives your filling that classic green color and earthy flavor. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid for the best texture!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth to the spinach mixture. It adds a lovely aromatic touch, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
- Feta Cheese: A star ingredient in spanakopita, feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with spinach. Its crumbly texture adds a nice contrast in the filling.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese contributes a melty, gooey texture that binds the filling together. It also balances the tanginess of feta, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling these on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the pinwheels. They also give a lovely visual appeal, making your little bites even more inviting!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to flatten and stretch it slightly.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the pastry with olive oil.
- Prepare the Spinach: Thaw the chopped frozen spinach. Once thawed, drain all excess liquid from the spinach.
- Add the Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the drained spinach with feta, mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, along with your choice of herbs.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting at one short side, carefully roll up the pastry sheet into a log shape.
- Chill the Roll: Wrap the pastry roll tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Roll: Remove the pastry roll from the fridge and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into ½-inch slices.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with white sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious spanakopita pinwheels!
Substitutions:
- Cream Cheese: Substitute part of the feta with cream cheese for a creamier filling.
- Kale or Swiss Chard: Swap out spinach for chopped kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green.
- Phyllo Dough: If you prefer a more traditional approach, use sheets of phyllo dough instead of puff pastry. Just remember to brush each layer with melted butter!
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or cilantro instead of dill or oregano.
- Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Add shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier filling.
- Goat Cheese: Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy flavor.
- Ground Meat: Mix in some cooked ground lamb or beef for a richer flavor.
Additions:
- Caramelized Onions: Add caramelized onions for a sweet depth of flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
- Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the savory filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest in the filling brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add earthiness to the filling.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhance the flavor with a touch of garlic powder.
Variations
Spanakopita pinwheels are super versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste! Feel free to experiment with these variations, or even come up with your own!
- Cheesy Spinach Delight: Add a mix of cheeses like cream cheese for a creamier filling. This creates a deliciously gooey texture that pairs beautifully with the spinach.
- Herbed Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even basil into your filling. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Mediterranean Medley: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean flair. These ingredients add a nice burst of flavor and color.
- Veggie Loaded: Include other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or caramelized onions to give your pinwheels extra depth and texture. It’s a great way to sneak in some more veggies!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling for a little heat. This variation is perfect for those who love a bit of spice!
- Meaty Option: For a heartier snack, you can mix in some cooked ground meat, like lamb or beef, along with the spinach. This gives your pinwheels a protein boost.
- Sweet Spinach: Try adding a touch of sweetness with ingredients like raisins or pine nuts. The sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory spinach and feta.
Storage
Storing your spanakopita pinwheels is super easy, and following these simple instructions will help keep them fresh and delicious!
- Cooling Down: First, let your feta pinwheels cool to room temperature after baking. This prevents any excess moisture from building up when you store them.
- Airtight Container: Once cooled, place the pinwheels in an airtight container. If you have a lot, you can layer them with parchment paper between to keep them from sticking together.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a few days. They’ll stay tasty for about 3–4 days this way.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a later date, you can freeze them! Just wrap each pinwheel in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 1–2 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your little bites again, reheat them in the oven at medium heat until they're warmed through and the crust is nice and flaky again. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper works great for this!
Top tip
Here are some top tips for making delicious spanakopita pinwheels with puff pastry that you and your guests will love!
- Thaw Properly: Make sure your puff pastry sheet is completely thawed before you start. This helps spinach pinwheels roll out easily and keeps it flaky. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
- Squeeze Out Excess Liquid: After thawing, be sure to squeeze any excess liquid from the spinach mixture. This prevents soggy pinwheels and helps maintain that flaky texture!
- Layering Flavors: Mix in some extras like fresh dill, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to give your cheese mixture a fun twist. This will add nice flavor to your filling!
- Use a Pastry Brush: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with melted butter or an egg wash before rolling and sealing. This helps to bind the layers and gives your pinwheels a beautiful golden crust.
- Cutting Even Pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to cut your rolled pastry into even slices. This ensures that all your little bites bake evenly and look great on the platter!
- Baking Sheet Preparation: Line your baking tray with parchment paper before placing the pinwheels on it. This makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking.
- Perfect Baking: Bake at medium heat until they’re golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking—nobody wants a burnt pinwheel!
- Storage Made Easy: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for a few days, or you can freeze them for a tasty snack later on!
- Reheating Tip: When reheating, pop them back in the oven instead of the microwave to keep that crispy texture. Just a few minutes at medium heat will do the trick!
FAQ
To keep them fresh, store your pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3–4 days. If you want to save them for longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them!
Absolutely! You can prepare your cheese and spinach mixture a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until you're ready to roll your pinwheels.
For the best flaky texture, reheat your pinwheels in the oven at medium heat. This will help restore their crispiness. Just pop them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for about 10 minutes.
While puff pastry is great for a flaky crust, you can also use sheets of phyllo dough if you prefer. Just keep in mind that phyllo requires a bit more attention, as it can dry out quickly.
Make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from your spinach mixture. This helps prevent soggy pinwheels. You can also let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the pastry.
Feel free to get creative! You can mix in ingredients like fresh dill, caramelized onions, or even some grated parmesan cheese for added flavor. Just remember to keep the balance of moisture.
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a side of tzatziki sauce, a fresh salad, or even a platter of olives and dips. They’re a hit at any gathering!
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Recipe
Easy spanakopita pinwheels appetizer with puff pastry
Ingredients
- 500 grams Puff Pastry Sheets 1 pack thawed
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 250 grams frozen spinach thawed, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Feta cheese grated
- ½ cup Mozarella cheese grated
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to flatten and stretch it slightly.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the pastry with olive oil.
Prepare the Spinach:
- Thaw the chopped frozen spinach. Once thawed, drain all excess liquid from the spinach.
Add the Cheese and Herbs:
- Sprinkle the drained spinach with feta, mozarella, cheddar and Parmesan cheese, along with your choice of herbs.
Roll the Pastry:
- Starting at one short side, carefully roll up the pastry sheet into a log shape.
Chill the Roll:
- Wrap the pastry roll tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 1 hour, or until firm.
Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the Roll: Remove the pastry roll from the fridge and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into ½-inch slices.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with white sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious spanakopita pinwheels!
Notes
Nutrition
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