Name: Spinach Feta Pinwheels: Easy Recipe & Delicious Appetizer
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24-30 pinwheels
Ingredients: 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts); 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash, optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping, optional)

Spinach Feta Pinwheels: Prepare to be amazed by these savory, flaky pastries that are perfect for any occasion! Imagine biting into a warm, golden swirl of puff pastry, filled with a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible mixture of spinach and feta cheese. These aren't just appetizers; they're little bites of happiness that will disappear in minutes.

The combination of spinach and feta has deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Greek and Balkan traditions. Think of spanakopita, the beloved spinach pie, and you'll understand the magic of this pairing. The salty, briny feta perfectly complements the earthy spinach, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. While the traditional spanakopita can be time-consuming, these Spinach Feta Pinwheels offer a quicker, easier way to enjoy those same delicious flavors.

What makes these pinwheels so popular? It's the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crisp, buttery puff pastry gives way to a soft, flavorful filling. They're incredibly versatile, too! Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, pack them in a lunchbox, or enjoy them as a light snack. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful little treats!

Ingredients:

1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping, optional)

Preparing the Spinach Feta Filling

Okay, let's get started with the heart of our pinwheels – the delicious spinach and feta filling! This is where all the flavor comes from, so we want to make sure we get it just right. Don't worry, it's super easy!

Thaw and Drain the Spinach: This is the most important step! You absolutely MUST get as much water out of the spinach as possible. Excess moisture will make your pinwheels soggy, and nobody wants that. I usually thaw my spinach in the microwave according to the package directions. Once it's thawed, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel and squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! You'll be surprised how much water comes out. Keep squeezing until you can't get any more out. Seriously, don't skimp on this step!
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. We just want to release its lovely aroma and flavor.
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed-dry spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, sautéed garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Mix Well: Use a fork or your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Make sure the feta is evenly distributed throughout the spinach. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe you want a little more salt, pepper, or a bigger kick from the red pepper flakes. It's your filling, so make it perfect for your taste!

Assembling the Pinwheels

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where our pinwheels start to take shape. Don't be intimidated; it's easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you'll be a pinwheel pro in no time!

Prepare the Pie Crust: On a lightly floured surface, unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts. If the crust is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour underneath. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the crust into a 12x10 inch rectangle. This will help us get more pinwheels out of each crust.
Spread the Filling: Evenly spread half of the spinach feta filling over the rolled-out pie crust, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the pinwheel when we roll it up.
Roll it Up: Starting from the opposite long edge (the one without the border), tightly roll the pie crust into a log. Try to keep the roll as tight as possible to prevent the filling from squeezing out.
Seal the Edge: Once you've rolled the entire crust into a log, gently press the edge of the crust against the log to seal it. You can use a little bit of water to help it stick if needed.
Repeat with the Second Crust: Repeat steps 1-4 with the second pie crust and the remaining spinach feta filling.
Chill the Logs: Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make them easier to slice. You can even chill them for longer, up to a few hours, if you're preparing them ahead of time.

Slicing and Baking the Pinwheels

Almost there! Now we just need to slice and bake our pinwheels to golden-brown perfection. The chilling step is crucial here, so don't skip it!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Slice the Pinwheels: Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. You should get about 12-15 pinwheels from each log.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the pinwheels with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pinwheels cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing

Congratulations! You've made delicious spinach feta pinwheels. Now it's time to enjoy them! These pinwheels are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. They're also great for parties and gatherings.

Serving: Serve the pinwheels warm or at room temperature. They're delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or a creamy dill sauce.
Storing: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pinwheels. Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Spinach Feta Pinwheels are truly a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, delicious, and impressive appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. I know I've made them countless times, and they're always a hit. The flaky puff pastry, the savory spinach and feta filling, and that hint of nutmeg – it's a flavor combination that just works beautifully. But why are these pinwheels so special? Well, first, they're incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you're not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Second, they're incredibly versatile. Need something for a potluck? These pinwheels are perfect. Hosting a brunch? Add them to the menu. Just want a tasty snack to enjoy while watching your favorite show? You guessed it – these pinwheels are the answer. And third, and perhaps most importantly, they taste amazing! The salty feta cheese complements the earthy spinach perfectly, and the puff pastry adds a delightful buttery richness. Plus, they look so elegant and inviting, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these Spinach Feta Pinwheels are delicious on their own, you can definitely elevate them with a few simple additions. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different fillings. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. You could also swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. And if you're a meat-lover, consider adding some crumbled bacon or prosciutto. The possibilities are endless! Another fun variation is to make mini pinwheels. Simply cut the puff pastry into smaller squares before adding the filling and rolling them up. These mini pinwheels are perfect for parties and gatherings, as they're easy to eat and make a great finger food. You can also prepare these pinwheels ahead of time. Simply assemble them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake them, just brush them with egg wash and pop them in the oven. This is a great option if you're short on time or want to get a head start on your party preparations. I truly believe that this recipe for Spinach Feta Pinwheels is a winner. It's easy, delicious, and versatile – what more could you ask for? So, I encourage you to give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And finally, I'd love to hear about your experience! Once you've made these pinwheels, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your feedback helps me improve the recipe and also inspires other readers to try it out. Happy baking!