I bake up these irresistibly flaky Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels made with puff pastry, creamy cheese, and garlicky spinach, shaped into cute spirals that are both elegant and snackable.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
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I love how the crispy, buttery puff pastry pairs with a creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese filling—I can’t stop at just one.
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They look beautiful and professionally done, but are surprisingly easy to assemble—even party-ready in under 30 minutes.
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I can prep them ahead—freeze before baking or refrigerate the rolled log—so I’m relaxed and ready when it’s time to bake.
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Their satisfying swirl and buttery crunch make them a hit with both kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
I use these ingredients:
puff pastry sheets (thawed)
cream cheese (softened)
spinach (frozen and well-drained, or freshly sautéed)
garlic powder (or minced garlic)
shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or combination)
salt and pepper
egg (for brushing the pastry top)
Directions
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I preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I caramelize onions or sauté spinach (optional, but extra tasty), then combine cream cheese, drained spinach, garlic powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl until evenly mixed.
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I lay out one thawed puff pastry sheet and spread half of the spinach-cheese mixture across it, leaving a small margin.
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I sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the mixture.
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I roll the pastry into a tight log, seal the seams, and repeat with the second sheet.
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I chill the logs briefly if needed for clean slicing.
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I slice each log into 12 pinwheels using a serrated knife, placing slices cut-side down on the baking sheet, then brush with beaten egg.
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I bake for about 15 minutes—or until golden brown and flaky.
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Once out, I let them cool slightly; each spiral is buttery, cheesy, and irresistibly flaky.
Servings and timing
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 15–20 minutes
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Total time: around 35 minutes
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Yield: About 24 pinwheels total (12 per puff pastry sheet)
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by:
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Mixing in caramelized onions or garlic for deeper flavor. AllrecipesJoyous Apron+1
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Trying different cheeses like Colby Jack, mozzarella, or parmesan blends depending on how melty or sharp I want them.
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Adding extras like crumbled bacon, chopped artichoke hearts, or herbs to elevate them further.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To refresh their crispiness, I reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven—microwaving makes them lose their flakiness.
For make-ahead planning, I freeze the unbaked logs and bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes—I’ve used fresh spinach sautéed briefly to wilt, and the pinwheels are just as creamy and delicious. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Can I freeze the pinwheels after baking?
I don’t recommend freezing them post-bake, as the texture softens. Instead, I freeze the rolled, unbaked pinwheels, thaw, and then bake fresh.
Can I swap puff pastry for crescent dough?
Yes—canned crescent dough works too. I’d press the seams before spreading filling and bake at slightly lower temperature for similar results.
How can I ensure round, even pinwheels?
I chill the log before slicing, then use a sharp serrated knife and slice gently to keep spirals intact.
Can I make a savory holiday wreath with these?
Yes—if I bake them in a circle, overlapping slightly, they create a stunning wreath presentation—perfect for festive appetizers.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels combine flaky pastry, creamy fillings, and buttery crispness in every spiral. They’re effortless to prep, beautiful to serve, and always vanish quickly. Whether for a holiday gathering, game day, or cozy snack, they’re ready to impress with minimal effort. Let me know if you’d like flavor ideas or custom tweaks—I’m always excited to help customize recipes!
Print
Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: ~24 pinwheels
Description
Flaky, buttery puff pastry swirls filled with a creamy blend of spinach and melted mozzarella—these savory spirals are easy, elegant, and irresistible for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 package (8 oz) softened cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
(Optional) Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water, for a glossy finish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and chopped spinach until smooth.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle (≈12×9 in).
Spread the spinach‑cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, then roll it tightly from one long edge into a log.
Slice the log into ~½‑inch pinwheels and place them on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash if using.
Bake until golden and puffed—approximately 15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes depending on your oven). Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
