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