Irresistible Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe for Snack Lovers

Crafting delightful cheesy spinach pinwheels can turn an ordinary afternoon into a flavor-packed adventure.

Small gatherings deserve something special that sparks conversation and satisfies hunger.

Soft tortillas become magical canvases for vibrant green spinach and melted cheese.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating irresistible spirals of comfort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate these simple yet elegant appetizers.

Crisp edges and creamy centers make these pinwheels impossible to resist.

Roll up your sleeves and let deliciousness unfold with every bite.

Ingredients Checklist for Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery dough that creates a flaky and light base for the pinwheels.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and a healthy touch to the recipe.

• Cream Cheese, Shredded White Cheese, Parmesan: These cheeses provide a rich, creamy texture and a delicious savory flavor to the filling.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients enhance the overall taste of the pinwheels, adding depth and aromatic notes.
• Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface that helps prevent the pinwheels from sticking to the baking tray.
• Flour: Used for lightly dusting the surface to prevent the pastry from sticking during preparation.

Baking Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect non-stick baking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Spinach Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Shredded white cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic

Fold in the well-drained spinach, then sprinkle in salt and pepper. Mix until the filling becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Spread and Roll the Pastry

Dust your work surface with a light layer of flour. Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet and lay it flat.

Spread the cheesy spinach mixture evenly across the surface, leaving a small border along one edge.

Step 4: Create the Pinwheel Magic

Starting from the opposite edge of the border, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log.

Pinch the seam to seal and ensure your filling stays put. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the pinwheel slices on your prepared baking sheet, giving each one some breathing room. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a beautifully puffed and golden-brown pastry that promises crispy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Cool and Devour

Let the pinwheels rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.

Serve these delectable bites warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying snack that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Secrets to Pinwheel Perfection

• Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crisp, flaky pastry texture.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the appetizer.
• Refrigerate the rolled pastry for 15 minutes to make cutting easier and maintain cleaner, more precise pinwheel shapes.
• Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother blending and easier spreading across the puff pastry.
• Dust work surface lightly with flour and use a sharp knife to cut clean, even pinwheel slices without squishing the delicate pastry.

Variations That Keep Things Interesting

• Mediterranean Medley Pinwheels: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Bacon Cheddar Crunch Pinwheels: Mix crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese into the filling, then sprinkle extra bacon on top before baking for added texture.
• Herbed Goat Cheese Pinwheels: Swap cream cheese with tangy goat cheese, add chopped fresh chives, thyme, and rosemary for an elegant herb-infused version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheels: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed appetizer with a kick.

Pairings That Enhance Your Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the spinach's earthy notes.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pinwheels' decadent texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and enhance the appetizer's delicate flavors.
• Complement with Herb Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki or herb-infused aioli for added complexity and a tangy accompaniment that elevates the pinwheels.

Storing Pinwheels Without Losing Freshness

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.

Warm refrigerated pinwheels at 350F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve pastry’s flaky texture.

Remove frozen pinwheels from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then reheat in oven at 350F for 12-15 minutes until golden and warm.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture completely to prevent soggy pinwheels.

• What if I don't have puff pastry?

You can substitute with crescent roll dough or phyllo pastry, but the texture and rise will be slightly different.

• Is it possible to make these pinwheels ahead of time?

You can prepare and slice the pinwheels, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 1 month.

• Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Consider adding herbs like dill or chives, crumbled bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes to customize the flavor profile.

A Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Story

• Elevate Party Appetizers: Transform ordinary gatherings into extraordinary celebrations with these delectable spinach pinwheels that wow guests with their elegant appearance and rich flavor profile.
• Master Quick Cooking: Craft gourmet-style appetizers in minimal steps, using simple ingredients and standard kitchen tools, perfect for cooks seeking impressive results without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different cheeses, herbs, or incorporating alternative fillings to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike with these crispy, cheesy bites that deliver a perfect balance of creamy spinach and flaky pastry in every single bite.

Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesy spinach pinwheels bring Mediterranean flair to casual gatherings with their irresistible spiral of flavor. Guests will devour these elegant appetizers that blend rich cheese, fresh spinach, and delicate pastry in one delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sheet (245 grams / 8.6 ounces) puff pastry, thawed
• 7 ounces (200 grams) cream cheese (or goat cheese), softened
• 1 cup (150 grams) frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) shredded white cheese (mozzarella or Gruyere)
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small minced garlic clove)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, white cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the filling.
3. Thoroughly drain spinach and fold into the cheese mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, carefully spreading the spinach-cheese mixture evenly, leaving a small border along one edge.
5. Roll the pastry tightly from the opposite edge, ensuring a compact and secure spiral, then gently press to seal the seam.
6. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into uniform rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick, maintaining consistent size for even baking.
7. Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow proper heat circulation and prevent sticking.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and becomes beautifully puffed, indicating a crisp and flaky texture.
9. Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool slightly to allow the filling to set, then serve warm as an elegant appetizer or delightful snack.

Notes

• Swap spinach with kale or swiss chard for a nutrient-packed alternative that adds different flavor profiles and boosts vegetable intake.
• Reduce cream cheese calories by using low-fat versions or Greek yogurt without compromising the creamy texture of the filling.
• Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor that elevates the pinwheels.
• Ensure spinach is completely dry after draining to prevent soggy pastry and maintain the crispy, flaky texture of the pinwheels.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 362 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg