I absolutely love this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe because it turns a classic dip into a fun, handheld treat. These pinwheels come together quickly, and the flaky puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling. You’ll find that they make perfect appetizers for parties or easy snacks when you’re craving something savory and indulgent without a lot of effort.
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a go-to for gatherings—everyone raves about the crispy edges and that hint of spinach and artichoke goodness in every bite. Plus, you can bake them ahead of time and pop them in the oven just before guests arrive, which makes entertaining stress-free and enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll get these pinwheels from mixing bowl to golden puff in under 40 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy spinach & artichoke filling is everyone’s favorite – both kids and adults.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep them the day before, then bake fresh when guests arrive.
- Versatile Snack or Appetizer: Perfect served warm or at room temperature, anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe works together to create a perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and flaky texture. When shopping, opt for good-quality cream cheese and fresh-tasting artichokes for the best results.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth filling texture.
- Swiss Cheese: I like shredded Swiss for nuttiness, but feel free to swap with mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist.
- Frozen Spinach: Thawed and drained well—this is key to avoid soggy pastry.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that elevates the filling.
- Artichoke Hearts: Chopped for easy spreading, canned or jarred work fine.
- Puff Pastry Dough: Thawed but kept cold to maintain flakiness when baked.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick, but you can leave it out if you prefer mild flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To balance and enhance the overall flavor.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings warmth and rounds out the taste beautifully.
Variations
I love how versatile this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is—you can easily swap out ingredients or add your own twist. Customizing it lets you make it your own, whether you like a little more heat or a different cheese blend.
- Add Protein: I sometimes mix in cooked bacon bits or diced cooked chicken for extra heartiness—my family goes crazy for that version!
- Use Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack or feta for a tangier bite; goat cheese also adds a creamy, slightly tart flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, plus a vegan puff pastry option—I’ve done this with great results.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with smoked paprika or cayenne instead of red pepper flakes if you want a smoky or hotter spice note.
How to Make Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Make the Flavorful Filling
Start by mixing softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss, thawed and well-drained spinach, grated Parmesan, chopped artichoke hearts, plus the seasonings—all in a large bowl. I always drain the spinach by pressing it in a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible. This step really helps keep your puff pastry crisp rather than soggy.
Step 2: Spread the Filling on Puff Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface, smoothing it to a rectangle if needed. Then, evenly spread the creamy filling right up to the edges. I find that using an offset spatula makes this super easy and mess-free.
Step 3: Roll and Slice into Pinwheels
Starting from one long edge, gently roll the puff pastry into a tight log. Be careful not to press too hard—you want a snug roll without squeezing the filling out. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces. I’ve learned that chilling the rolled log for 10 minutes before slicing gives cleaner edges and better-defined pinwheels.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pinwheels evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 400°F. Bake for 15–20 minutes until they’re puffed up and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t overbrown—baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Excess moisture is the enemy of puff pastry crispiness, so squeeze out spinach well before mixing.
- Keep Puff Pastry Cold: Work quickly and keep the dough chilled until ready to bake for the best lift and flakiness.
- Sharp Knife for Neat Slices: Use a very sharp blade, wiping it clean between cuts to avoid squishing your log.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps the pinwheels bake evenly without burning the bottoms.
How to Serve Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle the baked pinwheels with a little extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley to brighten them up. Sometimes I also drizzle a tiny bit of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup if you want a cozy lunch. For parties, I often serve them alongside an assortment of dips, olives, and charcuterie—making for a lovely spread of finger foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a platter with a small bowl of marinara or garlic aioli in the center for dipping. Adding fresh basil leaves or edible flowers as decoration always impresses guests and makes it feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up well for up to 3 days, though to get that crispy exterior back, I always reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing these pinwheels after baking. Just let them cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. This revives the puff pastry’s crispiness and warms the filling perfectly without drying it out—way better than a microwave!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in the Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe?
Yes! If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly to wilt and remove excess moisture, then cool and squeeze out as much water as possible before incorporating it into the filling. This prevents sogginess and ensures a delicious texture.
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Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the puff pastry to make assembling even faster.
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Can I use store-bought artichoke dip instead of mixing the filling?
You can, but I recommend making your own filling so you can control the freshness and texture. Using premade dip might make the pinwheels a bit too wet and harder to work with, which affects puff pastry puffiness.
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How do I know when the pinwheels are done baking?
Look for puffed-up pinwheels that have turned a deep golden brown on top. The puff pastry should feel light and crisp when touched—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s delightfully simple yet feels special every time I make it. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy snack or impressing friends at a party, these pinwheels hit the spot with their flaky crust and luscious filling. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to pull off, and I promise your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
PrintSpinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful spinach and artichoke puff pastry pinwheels filled with a creamy cheese mixture, seasoned with red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and fresh spinach. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden, flaky spirals balance creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz Softened Cream Cheese
- 8 oz Shredded Swiss Cheese (or any cheese variety of your choice)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup Thawed and drained frozen spinach (from a 10 oz package)
- 6 oz Chopped Artichoke Hearts
Dough
- 1 Sheet Thawed Puff Pastry Dough
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust or omit to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Pinch Nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the puff pastry to a golden and crisp finish.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, thawed and drained spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped artichoke hearts, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Roll Out Dough: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean, floured surface and gently roll it out to an even thickness, preparing it for the filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared cheese and vegetable mixture across the entire surface of the rolled-out puff pastry sheet.
- Form Log and Slice: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal slices to create individual pinwheels.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow pinwheels to cool slightly if preferred, then serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious appetizer or snack experience.
Notes
- The pinwheels can be prepared a day in advance: assemble, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store refrigerated until ready to bake.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar according to your taste.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent excess moisture that can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg