I absolutely love this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe because it combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic dip with a flaky, buttery puff pastry that just melts in your mouth. Whenever I’m looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick snack that feels fancy without all the fuss, these pinwheels are my go-to. You’ll find that these little bites boast big flavors and the perfect balance of textures — crispy on the outside and rich and savory inside.

What’s great about this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is how versatile it is. They work wonderfully for holiday parties, game days, or even a simple weeknight treat when you want something comforting but effortless. Plus, you can prep them ahead and bake when guests arrive, which is a lifesaver. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your appetizer arsenal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, and baking is under 20, perfect for last-minute guests.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These pinwheels disappear fast at parties—they’re bite-sized, cheesy, and delicious.
  • Versatile Ingredients: You can tweak the cheeses or spice level to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake fresh when you’re ready, saving you time on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to deliver that classic spinach and artichoke flavor in a flaky puff pastry package. Let me share some tips on choosing the best for your kitchen adventures.

  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and smooth texture in the filling.
  • Shredded Swiss Cheese: I usually use Swiss for its nutty flavor but feel free to swap in mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist.
  • Frozen Spinach: Thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy pinwheels.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that enhances the overall richness.
  • Chopped Artichoke Hearts: Canned or jarred work great—just drain them well to keep the filling perfect.
  • Puff Pastry Dough: Look for all-butter puff pastry if you want extra flavor, and make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat, but you can dial it back or omit if you aren’t a fan of spice.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch works wonders to deepen the flavor—don’t skip it!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe, and honestly, it’s a great base to personalize. You can make it your own and suit your family’s favorite flavors!

  • Cheese Variations: I once swapped Swiss for pepper jack and loved the spicy twist it gave—great for those who like a little extra kick.
  • Vegetarian to Vegan: For a vegan version, try using vegan cream cheese and cheese substitutes—they hold up well in these pinwheels.
  • Boost the Greens: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can really brighten up the filling.
  • Add Protein: Some cooked bacon or diced chicken folded in makes these pinwheels more hearty for lunch or dinner snacking.

How to Make Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

Start by combining the softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, thawed and drained spinach, grated Parmesan, and chopped artichokes in a large bowl. I like to sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg here. Mixing everything thoroughly makes sure each pinwheel will have that equally delicious filling. Don’t skip squeezing out excess moisture from the spinach and artichokes—that’s the trick to keeping your pinwheels crisp and not soggy.

Step 2: Roll Out and Spread

Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet flat on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth the creases. Then, evenly spread the filling all over the pastry, leaving a tiny border around the edges so the filling doesn’t overflow when you roll it up. This part is simple but important—an even layer helps your pinwheels bake uniformly.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Carefully starting from the long edge, roll the puff pastry into a tight log. I find using a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces works best—don’t squish the roll when cutting, so your pinwheels stay fluffy. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced slightly apart allows them room to puff up beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pinwheels in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye during the last few minutes as oven temps can vary, and you don’t want them to burn. Once baked, let them cool just a bit before digging in or serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

  • Drain Your Greens Well: I always press the thawed spinach and artichokes between paper towels to remove excess moisture, which keeps the pastry crisp.
  • Sharp Knife for Clean Slices: Using a very sharp knife minimizes squashing and helps pinwheels keep their shape when cutting.
  • Even Filling Spread: Take your time spreading the filling evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Don’t Overbake: Oven temps differ; watch closely so your pinwheels are golden and puffed but not dried out.

How to Serve Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a round, spiral-shaped pastry pinwheel held by a woman's hand with deep red nail polish. The pinwheel has multiple golden-brown, flaky layers of dough spiraled around a filling of creamy white and green spinach mixed with cheese. In the background, more pinwheels rest on a white marbled baking sheet lined with parchment paper, showing similar textures and colors with green and white fillings inside light golden crusts. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the flaky texture and creamy filling details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan on top right after baking for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a light drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil elevates the savory notes beautifully, especially when serving warm.

Side Dishes

These puff pastry pinwheels pair amazingly with a crisp, tangy green salad or a light tomato soup to balance out the richness. For parties, I like serving them alongside a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge to keep things refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, arrange the pinwheels around a bowl of creamy spinach and artichoke dip for an irresistible centerpiece. I’ve also served them stacked on a tiered stand for elegant finger food presentation — guests love the bite-sized look!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though rare!), I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 2-3 days and still taste great cold or reheated.

Freezing

I discovered you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheels by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen—adding a few extra minutes to the cook time—and you’ll get fresh-baked flavor anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry flaky instead of soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this recipe?

    Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just be sure to sauté it first to remove excess moisture and cook it down. After cooking, let it cool completely and squeeze out any leftover liquid before mixing it into the filling to avoid soggy pinwheels.

  2. Do I have to use puff pastry for this recipe?

    Puff pastry is ideal because it creates that flaky, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. You could experiment with phyllo dough or crescent roll dough, but the final texture and flavor will differ significantly.

  3. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. They also freeze well unbaked, so you can prepare them in advance and bake fresh when needed.

  4. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

    Leftover pinwheels are delicious cold or reheated. For the best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the pastry crisp instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe is one of those gems I’m always excited to share with friends because it delivers fantastic flavor with minimal effort. They’re perfect for any occasion — from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations — and it’s hard not to fall in love with that crispy, cheesy, veggie-packed bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and hear how much your family and guests adore them as much as mine do!

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Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pinwheels
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Spinach & Artichoke Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichokes wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly spiced with a hint of red pepper flakes and nutmeg, they are baked to golden perfection and make an impressive snack or party treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 oz Softened Cream Cheese
  • 8 oz Shredded Swiss Cheese (or any variety you prefer)
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Vegetables

  • 1 cup Thawed and Drained Frozen Spinach (from a 10 oz package)
  • 6 oz Chopped Artichoke Hearts

Pastry

  • 1 Sheet Thawed Puff Pastry Dough

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust or omit for less spice)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 Pinch Nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready to bake the pinwheels to a perfect golden brown.
  2. Prepare the 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 the filling is well blended.
  3. Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface and roll it out evenly to prepare for spreading the filling.
  4. Spread the Filling: Evenly distribute the prepared cheese and vegetable mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet, spreading it out smoothly.
  5. Roll the Pastry: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry sheet into a tight log shape to encase the filling inside.
  6. Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry log into 12 equal slices to form individual pinwheels.
  7. Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels flat side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve hot or cold as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • You can swap Swiss cheese for mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese of your choice to vary the flavor profile.
  • Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and artichokes to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
  • Red pepper flakes can be omitted or reduced if you prefer a milder taste.
  • Puff pastry should be thawed but still cold before rolling to ensure better puffing during baking.
  • Pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking to save time.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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