If you’re craving a snack that’s both delicious and impressive without hours of fuss, this Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Combining creamy feta, vibrant spinach, and a hint of garlic all wrapped in a tender, golden crust, these pinwheels are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime munching. They’re as visually appealing as they are flavorful, and once you try them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple yet essential, each one bringing a special touch to the Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe. From the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt to the savory punch of parmesan and feta, every component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures.
- Non-fat plain Greek yogurt (1 cup / 250g): This forms the base of the dough, keeping it moist and tender without added fat.
- Self-raising flour (1 1/2 cups + extra for dusting): Adds structure and lightness, helping the dough rise beautifully.
- Frozen spinach (300g, defrosted): Provides a fresh, earthy green filling packed with nutrients—make sure to pat it dry to avoid sogginess.
- Greek feta cheese (100g, crumbled): Delivers that signature salty, creamy punch that melts perfectly into the spinach.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a savory kick that makes the filling irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup / 40g, finely grated): Offers a nutty, sharp layer of flavor that complements the feta beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Egg (1, whisked): For brushing on the pinwheels before baking to achieve a stunning golden, glossy finish.
How to Make Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 180C (350F) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. This step ensures your pinwheels bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly, giving you that perfect, golden crust every time.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Mix them well until a smooth ball of dough forms—this dough is delightfully simple but provides the ideal soft yet sturdy base for the filling.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean kitchen surface to prevent sticking. Place the dough ball on the floured surface and sprinkle a little extra flour on top. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a thin rectangle roughly 40cm by 30cm. This shape makes it easier to spread the filling evenly and roll the pinwheels tightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Pat the defrosted spinach dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture—this is key to keeping your pinwheels from becoming soggy. In a bowl, combine the spinach, crumbled feta, finely grated parmesan, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors marry together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble and Slice
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over your rolled-out dough, making sure every corner is covered. Then, starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Grab a sharp knife and slice the roll into 12 even pieces—you’ll see the gorgeous pinwheel pattern start to form with every cut.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your pinwheel slices on the lined baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with the whisked egg for that enticing golden sheen. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges.
How to Serve Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors and add an inviting freshness.
Side Dishes
Spinach & Feta Pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp side salad featuring mixed greens and cherry tomatoes or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. They also make an excellent accompaniment to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the pinwheels on a large wooden board with bowls of dips like tzatziki or hummus. You can also stack them in a tiered serving platter to create a stunning visual centerpiece that invites guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them just as tasty the next day—perfect for a quick snack or lunch on the go.
Freezing
Spinach & Feta Pinwheels freeze beautifully. Arrange the cooled pinwheels on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months, making them a convenient option for future cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a 180C (350F) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy once again. You can also microwave them, but you might lose some crispness, so the oven method is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to sauté and drain the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This helps maintain the perfect pinwheel texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the feta and parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use a dairy-free yogurt in the dough. The taste will be a bit different, but still satisfying and delicious.
Can I add other fillings to the pinwheels?
Definitely. Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives for extra flavor variety. These additions can make the Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe feel new every time you make them.
What type of flour works best for the dough?
Self-raising flour is preferred as it makes the dough light and fluffy. If you only have plain flour, you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to help it rise similarly.
Are these pinwheels suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes. You can assemble the pinwheels and freeze them on the tray before baking. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making these Spinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe from scratch—the way the simple ingredients come together to create such a flavorful, crispy treat feels a bit like magic. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a cozy snack at home, they never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how effortless and rewarding baking delicious homemade pinwheels can be!
PrintSpinach & Feta Pinwheels Recipe
These Spinach & Feta Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make savory snack or appetizer featuring a flavorful blend of spinach, feta, parmesan, and garlic rolled in a soft Greek yogurt dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, lunches, or a light bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups (approx. 190g) self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup (250g) non-fat plain Greek yogurt
Filling
- 300g frozen spinach, defrosted and well drained
- 100g Greek feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup (40g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 egg, whisked
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until a soft ball of dough forms, indicating the ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare Surface: Lightly dust a clean kitchen surface with some extra flour. Place the dough ball on the floured surface and sprinkle a little more flour on top to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Roll Dough: Roll out the dough into a 40cm by 30cm rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Prepare Spinach: Use paper towels to pat the defrosted spinach dry, removing excess moisture to avoid soggy pinwheels.
- Mix Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the dried spinach, crumbled feta, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the sliced pinwheels on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Brush each piece with the whisked egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain and dry the spinach to prevent soggy dough.
- You can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder if unavailable.
- These pinwheels are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated.
- For a vegan option, replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk or omit entirely.
- Adjust salt as feta and parmesan cheeses are naturally salty.