I absolutely love how these Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe turn out every single time. They’re crisp, flaky, and packed with a vibrant, tangy filling that just begs to be eaten right away. Whenever I’m hosting friends or family, these pinwheels are always the first appetizer to disappear from the platter because they’re so addictive and easy to enjoy finger-food style.
This recipe works beautifully for both casual get-togethers and more formal occasions because it’s elegant yet approachable. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead option that helps when you’re juggling multiple dishes. Once you try this Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, you’ll find it becomes one of your go-to crowd-pleasers for good reason!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of spinach, artichokes, feta, olives, and lemon zest creates a vibrant, irresistible filling.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Puff pastry makes this appetizer look fancy without any complicated techniques.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Snack: You can prep the pinwheels ahead and bake them when guests arrive, saving you stress.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My whole family goes crazy for these—kids and adults alike can’t get enough.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe lies in balancing creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the buttery puff pastry. Picking good-quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach: Thaw and squeeze it dry to avoid sogginess.
- Artichoke Hearts: Drain and chop finely—this adds a lovely tender texture.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled for that salty Mediterranean punch.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a sweet smoky note—pat dry to keep pastry crisp.
- Fresh Dill: It brightens up the filling with herbal freshness.
- Kalamata Olives: Pitted and chopped for tangy richness.
- Lemon Zest: Adds zing and balances creaminess with citrus aroma.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
- All-Purpose Flour: For dusting your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Frozen Puff Pastry: Thawed properly, it bakes into crispy, flaky layers.
- Part-Skim Mozzarella: Shredded for melty cheesiness that seals the deal.
- Egg: Lightly beaten for an egg wash that gives a shiny, golden finish.
Variations
I love how versatile this Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is—you can easily tweak the filling or pastry to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add a little heat with spices!
- Add Feta and Mozzarella Mix: Sometimes I swap part of the mozzarella for ricotta for a creamier texture, which makes the filling extra luscious.
- Make It Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives, and swap the egg wash for a plant-based milk glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the filling for some warmth.
- Herbs Variation: Try swapping dill with fresh thyme or oregano for a different Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Filling
Start by combining your softened cream cheese with thawed, well-drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, feta, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, fresh dill, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mixing it all well ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Roll Out Puff Pastry and Spread Filling
Lightly flour your work surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry. Roll it gently into a roughly 15 by 11 inch rectangle—this helps create even layers and makes rolling easier. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about a half-inch border all around. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the filling; this helps bind the pinwheels and adds gooey texture.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Pinwheel Log
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log, pinching along the seam to seal it well so the filling doesn’t leak during baking. Place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop it into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice clean pinwheels later on.
Step 4: Slice and Prep for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled roll and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into half-inch slices. If some slices look a little misshapen, give them a gentle pat with your fingers to round them out. Arrange the pinwheels on two parchment-lined baking sheets with a little space between them to let the heat circulate evenly.
Step 5: Brush and Bake to Perfection
Brush each pinwheel generously with the beaten egg wash—this step gives them that beautiful golden glow and crispy finish. Slide both baking sheets into the oven, rotating sheets front to back and switching top to bottom halfway through, for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden-brown puff pastry that’s crisp and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, transfer your Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels to a wire rack to cool just enough so they’re safe to handle but still warm and inviting. These are best enjoyed fresh, when the puff pastry is flaky and the filling is soft and melty.
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Dry Your Spinach Thoroughly: I discovered squeezing out every drop of moisture from spinach prevents soggy pastry, which can ruin the texture.
- Chill the Rolled Log Before Slicing: This keeps the filling firm and helps you cut neat pinwheels without squishing the pastry.
- Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: It gives the pinwheels that irresistible golden shine and crispy crunch that makes them so inviting.
- Use a Sharp Knife and Gentle Slices: Sawing back and forth can smash the pinwheels; instead, cut straight down with a clean motion for best results.
How to Serve Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or dill over the pinwheels just before serving—it adds a pop of color and that fresh garden-herb aroma that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil also boosts their richness and shine.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato Greek salad. For something heartier, I serve them alongside grilled chicken skewers or a bowl of chilled hummus to round out the Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged the pinwheels on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of olives, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit slices—it turns the platter into a beautiful Mediterranean spread everyone loves to dig into. You can also stack them in a tiered serving tray to make your appetizer table look extra inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually place leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If I want to make them way ahead, I slice the pinwheels and freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, I just pop frozen pinwheels onto a tray and bake a few extra minutes—no thawing needed!
Reheating
To reheat, I place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they’re warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so baking is definitely my go-to method.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, you’ll want to sauté it briefly until wilted and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents soggy pinwheels and keeps the puff pastry crisp and flaky.
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How long can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
You can prepare the pinwheel log and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh until you’re ready to bake.
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Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you’ll need to use a gluten-free puff pastry, which some specialty stores or online shops carry. The filling is naturally gluten-free, but double-check all ingredients like feta and olives for any hidden gluten.
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Why do my pinwheels sometimes turn soggy?
Sogginess is usually due to excess moisture in the filling—be sure to drain and squeeze out spinach and artichokes very well. Also, spreading the filling evenly but not too thickly helps the puff pastry cook all the way through and remain flaky.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s both fuss-free and strikingly delicious. Whenever I make them, I feel like I’m sharing a little bit of sunshine and good times with whoever’s there to enjoy them. I truly hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that impresses with minimal effort and is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.
PrintMediterranean Spinach and Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 28 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Pinwheels are a flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, feta, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, and fresh dill, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. They are perfect for entertaining or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, drained, squeezed dry, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 3 Tbsp. chopped roasted red peppers, drained, patted dry
- 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 Tbsp. pitted chopped Kalamata olives
- 3 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pastry & Topping
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 (14-oz.) package frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, thawed and squeezed spinach, finely chopped artichoke hearts, crumbled feta, chopped roasted red peppers, chopped Kalamata olives, fresh dill, and lemon zest. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the puff pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out to form a 15″ x 11″ rectangle. Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of the filling. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log and pinch the seam to seal it. Transfer the rolled pastry, seam side down, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to chill it and make slicing easier.
- Preheat oven and slice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled roll from the refrigerator and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1/2 inch thick slices. Arrange the pinwheels on two parchment-lined baking sheets. If any slices are uneven or lopsided, gently pat them into a round shape with your fingers. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the lightly beaten egg wash to promote browning during baking.
- Bake the pinwheels: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheets front to back and switch top to bottom racks to ensure even baking and coloring.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, transfer the pinwheels to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. This will help maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the spinach and artichokes to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- If puff pastry becomes too warm and sticky while working, refrigerate it briefly to keep it firm and easier to handle.
- These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.
- Substitute the mozzarella with another melting cheese if desired, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for parties or as a savory snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg