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Easy Spinach Pinwheels

These spinach pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with a creamy spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese filling. They are easy to prepare ahead and bake into golden appetizers for parties, potlucks, holidays, or family snacks.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 pinwheels
Course: Appetizer, Finger food, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 155

Ingredients
  

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry approximately 8.6 ounces, thawed but cold
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for the work surface

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Transfer the spinach to a plate and let it cool.
  4. Squeeze the cooled spinach thoroughly to remove excess liquid, then chop it finely.
  5. Combine the cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
  6. Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into an even rectangle.
  7. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
  8. Starting from one long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Wrap and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
  9. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  10. Cut the chilled pastry log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, leaving approximately two inches between them.
  11. Whisk the egg with one tablespoon of water. Lightly brush the exposed pastry with the egg wash.
  12. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden.
  13. Let the pinwheels cool on the tray for five minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Keep the puff pastry cold while assembling the pinwheels.
  • Drain the cooked spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Cool the spinach before combining it with the cheese.
  • Do not spread the filling too close to the pastry edges.
  • Chill the rolled pastry before cutting it.
  • Use a sharp knife for cleaner slices.
  • Bake until the pastry is deeply golden, not merely pale yellow.
  • Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrition is estimated for one pinwheel.
  • Calories: 155
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
Nutrition values may change depending on the puff pastry and cheese brands used.