Easy Savory Puff Pastry Pinwheels – 30-Minute Appetizer

These savory puff pastry pinwheels are the ultimate shortcut to an impressive appetizer. Using store-bought puff pastry, you get flaky, buttery layers with minimal effort. The filling is a classic combination of spinach, feta, and cream cheese, seasoned with garlic and dill.

I've tested this recipe to ensure the pastry bakes up golden and crisp every time. The key is to keep the pastry cold and to slice with a sharp knife. Whether you're hosting a party or need a quick snack, these pinwheels deliver on flavor and texture.

With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking, you can have a warm, savory treat that everyone will love. Plus, they're endlessly customizable—swap the feta for cheddar or add some sun-dried tomatoes.

About the Ingredients

1 sheet (about 9.9 oz / 280g) frozen puff pastry, thawed

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes. Use a high-quality brand like Pepperidge Farm or Dufour for best results.

1 cup (240g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Make sure to squeeze out all excess water to avoid a soggy filling. You can also use fresh spinach, sautéed and drained.

1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese

Use a good quality feta in brine. For a milder flavor, substitute with ricotta or goat cheese.

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture. Neufchâtel or low-fat works but may be less rich.

1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

Adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano or omit if you prefer.

1 clove garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best. You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

1/4 teaspoon dried dill

Optional but adds a nice herbal note. You can use 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped.

1/4 teaspoon salt

Adjust to taste, especially if your feta is salty.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best.

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

This gives the pastry a shiny, golden finish. You can use milk or cream instead.

Tips & Tricks

Keep the puff pastry cold

Work quickly and if it becomes too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before slicing.

Use a sharp knife

A dull knife will squish the pastry. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.

Don't overfill

Too much filling will cause it to ooze out during baking. Keep the filling about 1/4 inch thick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a work surface.

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, feta, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.

3. Roll Out Pastry

On the floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle. If it's already that size, just smooth it out. Keep it cold.

4. Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the filling over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge. Use a spatula to make it smooth.

5. Roll the Pastry

Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Press the border to seal. If the pastry is too soft, chill for 10 minutes.

6. Slice the Log

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-14 pieces. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.

7. Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden, shiny finish.

8. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The edges should be bubbling and the filling hot. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Delicious Variations

Mediterranean

Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon chopped olives to the filling.

Cheesy Herb

Replace feta with shredded cheddar and add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives.

Spicy Sausage

Add 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

How to Store Savory Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Spinach and Feta

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy these savory puff pastry pinwheels as much as I do. They're perfect for any occasion—simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!

Savory Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Spinach and Feta

Savory Puff Pastry Pinwheels: flaky, cheesy spinach-feta bites ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a quick appetizer.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time20 minCook time6Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 sheet (about 9.9 oz / 280g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup (240g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a work surface.
2. 2Make the Filling — In a bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, feta, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
3. 3Roll Out Pastry — On the floured surface, roll the puff pastry sheet into a 10×12-inch rectangle. If it's already that size, just smooth it out. Keep it cold.
4. 4Spread the Filling — Evenly spread the filling over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border on one long edge. Use a spatula to make it smooth.
5. 5Roll the Pastry — Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Press the border to seal. If the pastry is too soft, chill for 10 minutes.
6. 6Slice the Log — Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get about 12-14 pieces. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up.
7. 7Brush with Egg Wash — Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden, shiny finish.
8. 8Bake Until Golden — Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The edges should be bubbling and the filling hot. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the Parmesan, but the texture won't be as rich.

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Liam O'Connor
Liam covers personal finance and investing for beginners, demystifying money management with clear, no-nonsense advice. He focuses on budgeting, saving, and long-term wealth building, often using real-life scenarios to illustrate concepts.