Spinach Feta Puff Pinwheels

The smell of baking puff pastry always pulls people into the kitchen like nothing else. I first made these pinwheels for a last-minute book club meeting when I realized I'd forgotten to prepare anything. Now they are my go-to whenever I need something impressive but actually effortless.

Last summer I made three batches back-to-back for my niece's graduation party. By the time I carried the third tray outside, the first two platters were already empty, which I will consider my greatest cooking victory to date.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: The salty, tangy backbone of the filling that cuts through the rich pastry
• Cream cheese: Creates that smooth, creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully
• Fresh spinach: Use baby spinach for tenderness, and wring out every drop of moisture after wilting
• Spring onions: Mild onion flavor that won't overpower the delicate feta
• Puff pastry sheet: Keep it chilled until the moment you need it, cold pastry layers mean better rise
• Nutmeg: The secret ingredient that makes spinach taste somehow more itself
• Egg wash: That golden sheen that makes them look professionally made

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Heat to 200°C and line your baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks later

Build the flavor base:

Sauté garlic and spring onions in olive oil until they smell amazing and your kitchen starts to feel like a restaurant

Wilt your spinach:

Add fresh spinach and cook until it collapses, then let it cool completely so it does not make your pastry soggy

Mix the filling:

Combine the feta, cream cheese, cooked spinach, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until you have a cohesive, spreadable mixture

Roll and spread:

Unroll your pastry and spread the filling across the surface, leaving that centimeter border for sealing

Form the log:

Roll the pastry tightly like a jelly roll, brushing the border with egg wash to seal it shut

Slice into pinwheels:

Cut your roll into 16 equal pieces and arrange them cut side up on your prepared tray

Add the finishing touches:

Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg and scatter sesame seeds if you want that extra crunch

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until puffed, golden, and smelling incredible

Serve them up:

Let them cool for just a few minutes so the filling sets slightly before serving

Save

These pinwheels have become my shorthand for I care about you but also I value my time. My sister actually requested them for her birthday instead of cake last year, which still surprises me.

Make Ahead Magic

You can assemble the entire log, wrap it tightly in plastic, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Slice and bake when you are ready, and they will taste just as fresh.

Filling Variations

Sometimes I swap in chopped fresh dill or mint for a completely different vibe that reminds me of Greek spanakopita. Ricotta works beautifully instead of cream cheese if you want something slightly lighter.

Serving Suggestions

These disappear fastest when served warm but they are perfectly delicious at room temperature too. Set them out as part of a larger spread or let them shine as the star appetizer.

• Pair with a simple tomato salad for a complete light meal
• Keep frozen puff pastry as a pantry staple for emergency entertaining
• Double the recipe because they always go faster than you expect

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about watching people reach for seconds before the platter even hits the table. These pinwheels have that effect every single time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before sautéing to avoid sogginess in the filling.

→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a great alternative, adding a mild creaminess that complements the feta and spinach blend.

→ How do I achieve a crispy puff pastry?

Ensure the oven is preheated to a high temperature (around 200°C/400°F) and bake until the pastry is golden and puffed, about 18-20 minutes.

→ Can these pinwheels be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, they can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving or made ahead and reheated gently.

→ What herbs enhance the filling's flavor?

Fresh dill or mint can be added to the filling for extra aromatic notes that pair well with feta and spinach.

→ Is it necessary to use egg wash?

Egg wash helps seal the pastry edges and gives a beautiful glossy finish but can be omitted for egg-free versions.