Imagine crafting spinach pinwheels, where precision meets creativity in the kitchen.
You’ll combine cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach, enveloped in flaky puff pastry.
With a touch of garlic, these snacks achieve a golden-brown finish.
They’re not just appetizers but versatile culinary delights.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or an elegant soirée, these pinwheels promise to elevate the experience.
Curious about the nuances that perfect them?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Spinach Pinwheels, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Read through the recipe instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Time (15 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thaw the spinach and drain it thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out the puff pastry sheets and spread the spinach mixture evenly over them (half on each sheet).
- Roll each puff pastry sheet into a log and cut each into 12 slices.
- Cooking Time (15 minutes):
- Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface and spread half the spinach mixture evenly over it.
Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining spinach mixture.
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush each pinwheel lightly with beaten egg.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Tomato Basil Soup: Pair the pinwheels with a warm bowl of tomato basil soup for a comforting and flavorful combination.
- Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pinwheels.
- Cheese Platter: Complement the pinwheels with a cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses for a delightful appetizer spread.
- Charcuterie Board: Add to a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and crackers for an elegant and diverse serving option.
- Crudité Platter: Offer with a selection of fresh vegetables and dips for a healthier and vibrant accompaniment.
Storage
To store spinach pinwheels, let them cool completely.
Place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness before serving.
Freezing
To freeze spinach pinwheels, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Then, transfer to an airtight container.
Separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating
To reheat Spinach Pinwheels, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
This will maintain their crispness without drying out.
Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
Spinach pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.
They’re perfect for parties or as a tasty snack for any occasion.
Ensure that the puff pastry is kept cold until it’s time to roll it out.
This will help in maintaining its texture and prevent it from becoming sticky.
Draining the spinach thoroughly is also essential to avoid soggy pinwheels.
These pinwheels can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of these spinach pinwheels with your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen, but guarantee it’s finely chopped and sautéed briefly to reduce moisture. This prevents sogginess and maintains texture. Measure the spinach after cooking to match the frozen quantity for accuracy.
Is There a Gluten-Free Puff Pastry Option?
Yes, you can use gluten-free puff pastry. Brands like GeeFree or Schär offer gluten-free options. Make sure you follow the package instructions carefully, as gluten-free doughs can behave differently. It’ll still deliver a delicious, flaky result.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel for lower fat content, or use ricotta for a creamier texture. For a vegan option, try cashew cream or tofu-based cream cheese. Each alters flavor and texture uniquely.
Can I Add Other Ingredients Like Mushrooms or Bacon?
Yes, you can enhance flavor and texture by adding mushrooms or bacon. Sauté mushrooms to reduce moisture; cook bacon until crispy. Incorporate these into the filling, ensuring even distribution for balanced taste in each bite.
How Do I Prevent Puff Pastry From Becoming Soggy?
Make certain your filling ingredients, like spinach, are thoroughly drained. Keep puff pastry cold before use to maintain its structure. Apply minimal moisture. Pre-bake briefly if necessary. These steps enhance crispness and prevent undesirable fogginess.
Spinach Pinwheels
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach 10 oz, thawed and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 sheets puff pastry thawed
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface and spread half the spinach mixture evenly over it.
- Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal slices.
- Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining spinach mixture.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush each pinwheel lightly with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
