Name: Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp salted butter; 1 sweet onion, diced; 1/2 tsp salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 oz frozen spinach; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, Colby jack, or cheddar); 2 sheets puff pastry; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful appetizer or snack that’s full of flavor and flair, you have to try this Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe. These golden, flaky pinwheels are packed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, balanced perfectly by the sweet caramelized onions and a hint of garlic. Every bite offers a satisfying crunch with a melty, savory center that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less exciting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl with creamy white dip mixed with chopped green spinach and small bits of light brown toasted pieces, creating a textured and thick mixture. A black spoon is partially dipped in the mixture, resting on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe keeps things delightfully simple with a handful of ingredients that work together to create an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Each component is key—from the buttery softness of cream cheese to the delicate flakiness of puff pastry, every element plays its role perfectly.

Salted butter: Adds a rich, savory base for caramelizing onions and brings depth to the filling.
Sweet onion: When caramelized, it adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spinach’s earthiness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy binder that makes the filling luscious and smooth.
Frozen spinach: Drained and patted dry, it brings vibrant color and a tender texture to the interior.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for a warm, aromatic backdrop to the other ingredients.
Puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery exterior that gives these pinwheels their irresistible crunch.
Shredded cheese (mozzarella, Colby jack, or cheddar): Melts beautifully for gooey pockets of cheesy goodness inside.
Egg (beaten): Used as an egg wash to give the pinwheels a gorgeous golden-brown finish.

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

Start by melting the salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet onions and cook them slowly until they turn soft and develop a gorgeous golden brown color. This step is important because those caramelized onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Thaw and Drain the Spinach

Nobody wants soggy pinwheels. To avoid that, submerge the frozen spinach in warm water just until it’s thawed. Then, drain it thoroughly and use a paper towel to press out as much moisture as you can. This ensures that your filling is creamy but not wet, keeping the puff pastry perfectly flaky and crisp.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained spinach, caramelized onions, and garlic powder. Mix everything well until you get a smooth, even filling loaded with flavor. This mixture will be the heart of your pinwheels, blending creaminess with earthiness and a touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pinwheels

Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto a flat surface. Evenly spread half the cream cheese and spinach mixture across the entire sheet, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. Then sprinkle half the shredded cheese generously over the filling. This cheesy layer will melt during baking, creating pockets of gooey delight.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Carefully roll the puff pastry from the bottom up into a tight cylinder. Press along the seam to seal the edges and prevent them from unraveling while baking. Using a serrated knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pinwheels, making sure each one is uniform for even baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased, keeping them at least 2 inches apart to allow room for puffing. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to help them develop that inviting golden shine. Repeat all the previous steps with the second puff pastry sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 15 minutes. If you have to bake in batches, that’s totally fine—just avoid crowding the pinwheels so they can crisp up beautifully on all sides. Once they are puffed, golden, and aromatic, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

A round white plate holds about a dozen golden-brown pinwheel pastries stacked together. Each pastry has two visible layers: a flaky outer layer with a light golden crust and an inner spiral layer showing green herbs mixed with melted cheese in creamy white and pale yellow colors. The texture looks crisp around the edges and soft inside. Behind the main plate, there is a smaller white plate with a few more pastries and a black fork. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface with soft, natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top can add a nice pop of color and complementary flavor. For a little extra zing, serve with a side of tangy marinara or a creamy garlic dip that guests can dunk these pinwheels into.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels shine as a starter but also pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads or vibrant roasted vegetables for a light lunch or snack. If you’re serving a larger meal, try pairing them with a bowl of soup like tomato basil or butternut squash—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange your Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe in a circular pattern on a platter with alternating dips or fresh vegetable sticks in the center. This invites guests to grab and go while adding a beautiful visual to your spread. You could even serve individual pinwheels on cocktail sticks for a fun finger-food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making for a tasty snack or quick party bite on a busy day.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked pinwheels by assembling them, then placing them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can bake fresh pinwheels anytime you want, cooking them straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes in the oven.

Reheating

To revive the crispiness, reheat leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture; a quick oven reheat will restore their original charm and flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it lightly until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the filling to prevent soggy pastry.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella, Colby jack, or cheddar are fantastic choices because they melt smoothly and complement the creamy filling and flaky pastry without overpowering.

Can I make these pinwheels vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with vegan cream cheese and cheeses, and use a plant-based puff pastry. Just keep in mind the flavors and textures might shift slightly but still be delicious.

How long do these pinwheels stay fresh after baking?

Once baked, they are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal taste and texture, though refrigeration can extend their freshness up to 3 days.

Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free puff pastry available at many specialty stores, and follow the recipe as usual—just be cautious baking times as gluten-free dough can vary in how it puffs and browns.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is a little treasure that brings joy with every bite. It’s the perfect combination of ease, elegance, and deliciousness that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or treat yourself to a tasty snack, give these pinwheels a try—you won’t be disappointed!