Spinach and cheese puff pastry pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that everyone will love. These savory pinwheels are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, and baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a cozy night in. The combination of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and aromatic spices like garlic, nutmeg, and black pepper creates a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a holiday dinner, or just looking for a tasty treat, these pinwheels are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to make these delicious spinach and cheese puff pastry pinwheels!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 box puff pastry dough
• 1 lb frozen spinach (1 box)
• 1/2 pack cream cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 egg yolk
• Olive oil for cooking

3. Instructions

Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Shallot and Garlic: In a pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, sautéed shallot and garlic, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Prepare the Pastry

1. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle.
2. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture over the puff pastry dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll up the dough, starting from one of the long sides, to form a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.

Bake

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash to help them turn golden brown in the oven.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.

4. Serve

1. Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

   Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

   • Easy to Prepare: Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe a breeze. The filling comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
   • Versatile: These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any occasion. They’re great as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.
   • Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, sautéed spinach, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg offers a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

   Ingredients Breakdown:

   • Puff Pastry: The key to a light and flaky crust. Store-bought puff pastry is convenient and works perfectly for this recipe.
   • Spinach: Packed with nutrients, spinach adds a healthy and flavorful component to the filling. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water after thawing to prevent soggy pinwheels.
   • Cheese: A blend of cream cheese and mozzarella gives the filling a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Mozzarella also adds a lovely gooeyness when melted.
   • Shallot and Garlic: Sautéed shallots and garlic add a rich and aromatic base to the filling. They enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
   • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg are used to season the filling, providing a well-rounded taste.

   Step-by-Step Instructions:

   1. Prepare the Filling: Start by thawing the spinach and squeezing out excess water. Sauté the shallot and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Combine with cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and seasonings to make the filling.
   2. Assemble the Pinwheels: Roll out the puff pastry, spread the filling evenly, and roll up into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces to create the pinwheels.
   3. Bake to Perfection: Brush the pinwheels with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake until puffed and golden brown.

   Serving Suggestions:
   Serve these Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a simple garlic aioli. They’re also delicious on their own, showcasing the creamy filling and crispy pastry.

   Storage and Reheating Tips:
   Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy.

   Frequently Asked Questions:

   1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
   Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Simply sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling mixture.

   2. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

   3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
   Yes, you can customize the filling to your liking. Consider adding ingredients like feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives for added flavor and variety.

   4. How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
   Make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess water from the spinach. Also, avoid overfilling the pinwheels, which can cause the pastry to become soggy.

   5. Can these be served cold?
   While they are best enjoyed warm, these pinwheels can also be served at room temperature. They make a great addition to picnic baskets or lunchboxes.

   Conclusion:
   Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With their delicious filling and flaky pastry, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or wanting to enjoy a simple and tasty treat, these pinwheels are a fantastic choice. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with a delicious homemade appetizer!