If there’s one guaranteed crowd-pleaser in my appetizer arsenal, it’s these Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls. Imagine all the classic flavors of spinach, creamy feta, and fragrant dill, bundled into buttery, golden pinwheels that disappear from the plate almost as soon as they’re served. They capture the heart of Greek cuisine Appetizer, Snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the list is delightfully straightforward, every ingredient in Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls is key to the final result, blending to create a snack that’s rich, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean spirit. Here’s how each one shines in the recipe:
- Puff Pastry Sheets: These bring unrivaled buttery flakiness—buy them frozen for ease and reliability every time.
- Olive Oil: Adds a gentle richness when sautéing, deepening all the flavors right from the start.
- Onion: Offers subtle sweetness and depth—make sure to dice it finely for a silky filling.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the filling with that unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- Frozen Spinach: Using frozen and well-drained spinach keeps prep quick while delivering a vibrant, healthy base.
- Feta Cheese: That classic tangy, salty punch is essential for true spanakopita flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: Gives the filling that irresistible creamy bite without overpowering the other cheeses.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty savoriness that marries beautifully with the other cheeses.
- Egg: Binds the filling so every swirl holds together perfectly when baked.
- Fresh Dill: Just a touch (or dried, in a pinch) gives the filling its unmistakably fresh, Greek aroma.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that allow the spinach and cheeses to sing.
- Egg Wash (egg + water): For that stunning, glossy finish on every golden swirl.
How to Make Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and cook slowly, stirring, until it turns soft, translucent, and oh-so-sweet-smelling—this takes about five minutes, but don’t rush it. Toss in the garlic, cook just until fragrant (about a minute is perfect), then turn off the heat. Let this mixture cool a bit before mixing it with the rest of the filling so everything combines smoothly.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, gather your perfectly squeezed spinach (seriously, dry is crucial for crisp pastry), then stir in the feta, ricotta, and Parmesan. Add the slightly cooled onion mixture, your egg, dill, salt, and pepper. Blend it together gently; you want a creamy, well-mixed filling that will roll up nicely, with flecks of green and cheese in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Swirls
Lay out a puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface—keep it cool but pliable for easy handling. Spread half the spinach filling evenly, being careful to leave a one-inch border at one edge (this helps seal the roll later). Working from the opposite side, roll it up firmly into a log, pinching the seam to help it stick. Repeat with your second pastry sheet and the rest of the filling.
Step 4: Slice and Arrange
With a sharp knife, slice each log into one-inch rounds. The trick: use a gentle sawing motion so you don’t squash those beautiful swirls. Arrange the pieces swirl-side up on your lined baking sheets, spacing them apart so they have room to puff and turn golden.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops with a generous coating of egg wash—this gives the Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls their shimmery, bakery-shop sheen. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until each is gorgeously puffed and golden brown. For extra flakiness, try baking them on the oven’s lower rack for the first ten minutes. Cool them slightly before serving for the ultimate crispy-creamy contrast.
How to Serve Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls
Garnishes
Sprinkle your warm swirls with a flurry of chopped fresh dill or parsley for a pop of green and fresh flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a few extra crumbles of feta over the top just before serving—it’s pretty, and it instantly signals what’s inside!
Side Dishes
For a Mediterranean-style spread, pair Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls with tzatziki for dipping, a juicy tomato-cucumber salad, or even a bowl of assorted olives. They also work wonderfully alongside roasted lemon potatoes or a simple Greek slaw, making them equally suited to appetizers or lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the swirls in a spiral pattern on a platter, letting guests pluck them straight from the center. Or nestle them in parchment-lined baskets for a rustic look at picnics. For parties, try serving them on a tiered stand among other finger foods, or tuck a few into lunchboxes for a truly special midday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, let the swirls cool entirely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay crisp and delicious—just avoid sealing them up while warm to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
One of my favorite things about Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls is their freezer-friendliness! Assemble and cut the swirls, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake these straight from frozen—just add five extra minutes to the baking time, and they come out as fresh as ever.
Reheating
To revive leftover swirls, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and flaky. The oven is far superior to the microwave here, ensuring your swirls stay crisp on the outside and creamy in the middle.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, chop it and sauté in a dry skillet until wilted. Cool and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding to the filling—dry spinach is key for keeping the puff pastry crisp.
Can Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls be made ahead for parties?
Yes! You can assemble the swirls and refrigerate them, unbaked, for several hours (or overnight). For maximum convenience, freeze them as unbaked rounds and bake from frozen on the day—party prep doesn’t get easier than this.
What can I substitute for feta if I’m not a fan?
Try goat cheese for a creamy tang, or use more ricotta with a pinch of extra salt for a milder bite. Even shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar can work in a pinch, though you’ll miss that classic spanakopita zest.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure your spinach is squeezed as dry as possible and don’t overload the pastry with filling. Baking on the lower oven rack for the first ten minutes helps create an extra-crisp bottom, keeping every bite flaky.
Are Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls good for kids?
Definitely! Their size and shape make them fun for little hands, and the familiar flavors of cheese and pastry are always popular. Plus, it’s an easy (and tasty) way to sneak in some greens.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek flavors or new to Mediterranean appetizers, you’ll fall in love with Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls. Their flaky pastry, savory filling, and incredible ease make them a superstar at any gathering. If you try them once, I promise you’ll be making them again and again—so why not bake a batch and share the joy?
Print
Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 swirls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are a delightful twist on the classic Greek spinach pie. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a savory mixture of spinach, cheeses, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for entertaining or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Swirls:
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, feta, ricotta, Parmesan, sautéed onion mixture, egg, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble swirls: Unroll one puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border along one edge. Roll the pastry up tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place swirl-side up on the baking sheet. Repeat with the second pastry sheet.
- Bake: Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake on the lower rack of the oven for the first 10 minutes.
- These swirls can be assembled ahead and frozen unbaked; bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
- Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swirl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
