Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

These spinach dip pinwheels are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, they bring familiar flavors in a fun bite-sized form. Ready in under an hour, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz), thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
• 1 block cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth.
2. Step 2: Squeeze the thawed spinach thoroughly to remove all excess water, then add it to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving one long edge free of filling to help seal the roll later.
4. Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly like a jelly roll, starting from the filled side and ending with the empty edge to seal it.
5. Step 5: Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6. Step 6: Remove the chilled roll from the fridge and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the pinwheels with the egg wash for a golden finish.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the spinach mixture.
• Use fresh spinach if preferred; simply sauté and drain thoroughly before mixing.
• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter version.
• Try adding chopped artichoke hearts for an extra layer of flavor reminiscent of classic spinach-artichoke dip.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. These pinwheels can also be frozen before baking; slice and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and slice the pinwheels in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. This makes them perfect for prepping before a party.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Definitely. Use about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, sauté it until wilted, then squeeze out all moisture before using it in the recipe.

Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 99 reviews

These Spinach Dip Bite-Sized Pinwheels combine a creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a party appetizer or snack, these pinwheels are easy to prepare and bake until golden and crisp, offering a delightful blend of savory flavors and a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 bag (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Dough & Topping

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
• 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. Add spinach: Squeeze the thawed spinach until all water is out to avoid sogginess. Add the spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
3. Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the puff pastry sheet evenly. Spread the spinach mixture all over the puff pastry, leaving one long edge free of filling to enable sealing.
4. Roll the pastry: Carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight jelly roll shape, starting from the side with the filling. Make sure it is rolled tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
5. Chill the roll: Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which will make slicing easier and maintain shape during baking.
6. Preheat oven: While chilling the roll, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Slice and arrange: Remove the chilled roll from the fridge and slice it into half-inch thick rounds. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced slightly apart.
8. Egg wash: Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of each pinwheel generously. This gives them a golden and glossy finish once baked.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
10. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Ensure all excess water is squeezed from the spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• These pinwheels can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
• If puff pastry is not available, phyllo dough can be used, though it requires a bit more careful handling and additional butter layers.

Keywords: spinach dip, pinwheels, puff pastry appetizer, party snacks, creamy spinach, baked bites