These spinach feta pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. The combination of flaky puff pastry with the savory spinach and feta cheese filling makes for a crowd-pleasing treat. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a tasty bite at home, these pinwheels are sure to impress.
If you don't usually keep puff pastry in your freezer, you'll need to pick some up from the supermarket. It's typically found in the frozen section. Fresh spinach is another key ingredient; make sure to get enough to chop up two cups. Feta cheese is a crumbly, tangy cheese that might be new to some, but it's essential for the flavor of these pinwheels.
Ingredients For Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Puff pastry: A flaky, buttery dough that serves as the base for the pinwheels.
Spinach: Fresh, leafy greens that add a nutritious and vibrant component to the filling.
Feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with spinach.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the filling.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory garlic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the filling.
Technique Tip for Perfect Pinwheels
When rolling out the puff pastry, ensure it is evenly thin to avoid uneven baking. To achieve a tight roll, gently press down on the spinach mixture as you roll the pastry into a log. This helps to keep the filling intact and prevents it from spilling out during slicing and baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
puff pastry - Substitute with phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can provide a similar flaky texture, though it may be a bit more delicate and require layering.
chopped fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale offers a similar leafy green texture and can be used fresh or lightly sautéed.
crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used in place of olive oil for cooking.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to garlic powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Alternative Recipes to Try
How to Store or Freeze Your Pinwheels
- Allow the spinach feta pinwheels to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the pinwheels soggy.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the pinwheels. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- To freeze the pinwheels, first, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the pinwheels are frozen solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the pinwheels to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
- For an extra burst of flavor, brush the tops of the pinwheels with a little olive oil before reheating. This will help them crisp up nicely.
- If you have leftover spinach mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use it as a filling for omelets, stuffed chicken breasts, or as a topping for bruschetta.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spinach feta pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are heated through and the pastry is crisp. This method ensures the puff pastry remains flaky and delicious.
Toaster Oven Method: If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pinwheels on the toaster oven tray and heat for 8-10 minutes. This is a quick and efficient way to reheat a small batch while maintaining the texture.
Microwave Method: Place the pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may make the pastry slightly less crisp.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pinwheels in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don’t overcook. This method gives a nice, crispy finish.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pinwheels in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can help maintain the crispiness of the puff pastry.
Broiler Method: Preheat your broiler on low. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This method quickly heats the pinwheels and adds a bit of extra crispiness.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the pinwheels at the specified temperature until they are golden brown.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the pinwheels on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the pinwheels from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
Mixing bowl: A bowl to mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Knife: Used to chop the fresh spinach and to slice the rolled pastry into 1-inch pieces.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the spinach and to slice the rolled pastry.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pastry brush: Optional, but can be used to brush the olive oil evenly over the spinach mixture if needed.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Mix the spinach, feta cheese, and seasonings ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Use pre-rolled pastry: Buy pre-rolled puff pastry to skip the rolling step.
Chop efficiently: Use a food processor to quickly chop the spinach.
Quick clean-up: Line your work surface with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Batch baking: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick snack later.
Spinach Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff pastry thawed
- 2 cups Fresh spinach chopped
- 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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