Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are a delicious, savory appetizer that combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with the buttery crispness of puff pastry. Filled with ingredients like spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives, these pinwheels are easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Tangy feta, briny olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes come together in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when needed.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant yet approachable, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: Adjust fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed
- Fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Kalamata olives, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, minced garlic, and fresh herbs if using. Mix well.
- Roll Out the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. If using pre-rolled pastry, simply unroll it.
- Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log, starting from one edge.
- Chill the Log:
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Slice and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the log from the refrigerator and slice into ½-inch thick pinwheels. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
- Serve:
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12–16 pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free puff pastry and replace feta with vegan cheese. Omit the egg wash or use a plant-based alternative.
- Meaty Twist: Add cooked crumbled sausage or diced prosciutto to the filling.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble and chill the pinwheel logs up to a day ahead. Slice and bake when ready.
3. What’s the best way to chop sun-dried tomatoes?
Use kitchen scissors for easy, uniform pieces.
4. How do I prevent the pastry from unrolling?
Seal the edge with a bit of water or egg wash before rolling.
5. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
6. What type of olives work best?
Kalamata olives are traditional, but you can use green olives or black olives if preferred.
7. Can I bake these on aluminum foil instead of parchment paper?
Yes, but lightly grease the foil to prevent sticking.
8. Can I serve these cold?
While they taste best warm, they’re still delicious at room temperature.
9. How can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary needs.
10. What dips pair well with these pinwheels?
Serve with tzatziki, hummus, or a light marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are the perfect blend of savory Mediterranean flavors and buttery puff pastry. These easy-to-make appetizers are sure to impress your guests with their flaky texture and flavorful filling. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering. Enjoy!
PrintMediterranean Pastry Pinwheels
These flaky Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are filled with creamy feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re the perfect appetizer for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the pinwheels:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
- 1 cup (100g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (40g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 cup (40g) chopped black or Kalamata olives
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, oregano, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the pinwheels:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12-inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
- Roll and slice:
- Starting with the long edge without the border, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Seal the edge by brushing it with a little beaten egg and pressing gently.
- Chill the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Bake:
- Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining beaten egg.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the filling.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead of time: assemble and freeze the uncooked log, then slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Substitute spinach with arugula or kale if preferred.