Oh, the holidays! There’s something magical about this time of year, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the joyous laughter, and of course, the delightful food that brings everyone together. That’s where my Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels come into play! These little bites of goodness are not only stunning on a platter, but they burst with flavor that will make your taste buds sing. Imagine flaky puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, savory filling of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic dill. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. Trust me, once you make these pinwheels, they’ll quickly become a festive favorite that your friends and family will crave year after year! So, let’s get rolling (pun intended) and dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients for Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing these festive pinwheels! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious bites:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Make sure to chop it finely so it blends beautifully with the other flavors.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: This tangy cheese adds that signature zing that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This will help bind everything together, giving a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Fresh dill brings a burst of flavor that screams holiday spirit!
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets: You’ll want the good stuff here! Puff pastry gives that delightful flaky texture we all love.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This will help achieve that beautiful golden finish on your pinwheels.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating a festive treat that will impress your holiday guests! Let’s get ready to roll them up!
How to Prepare Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: preparing these delightful pinwheels! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that will steal the show!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your pinwheels bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color. Trust me, nobody wants soggy pinwheels!
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, and fresh dill. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. You’re looking for a smooth consistency that holds together nicely. Wow, the flavors already smell heavenly!
Prepare the Puff Pastry
Next, roll out your puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick—just enough to hold the filling without tearing. If it gets too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour to keep it manageable. It’s all about creating that flaky goodness!
Assemble the Pinwheels
Now, spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log, starting from one end. Make sure it’s nice and snug, but don’t squish it! Once rolled, slice the log into pinwheels about 1-inch thick. You’ll have a beautiful swirl of colors that’s oh-so-inviting!
Bake and Serve
Place your pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush the tops with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. When they come out, let them cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven—your guests will love them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels are about to become your go-to holiday appetizer! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore them:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time. Perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy feta, fresh spinach, and aromatic dill creates a flavor profile that’s festive and delicious.
- Impressive Presentation: They look so elegant on a platter, yet are effortless to make. Your guests will be wowed!
- Versatile: Great as a warm appetizer or even as part of a cozy snack spread. You can even serve them with a yogurt dip for an extra flavor boost!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer. Just bake them right before your guests arrive!
Trust me, these pinwheels will be the star of your holiday gatherings! Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Getting these Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels just right is all about a few simple tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your appetizer shines at your holiday gathering:
- Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to pile on the filling, but less is more! If you overstuff the pinwheels, they might ooze out while baking. Keep it evenly spread for the best results!
- Thaw the Puff Pastry Properly: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps it pliable and easy to roll out without tearing. No one wants a pastry disaster!
- Keep it Cool: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the rolled pinwheels in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and gives you that beautiful puff during baking.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your pinwheels as they bake. You want them golden brown, but if they start to darken too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.
- Serve Warm: These pinwheels are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. If they cool down, they can lose some of their delightful flakiness, so serve them right away for maximum yumminess!
With these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering these festive treats! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
These Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels are not only delicious but also a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Here’s a quick overview of the typical nutritional values per serving (1 pinwheel):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your pinwheels. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: they’re a tasty treat everyone will enjoy!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these delightful Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels, so let’s dive into a few of the most common ones I hear!
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels, slice them up, and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you’re ready to serve. It’s a fantastic time-saver during the busy holiday season!
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
These pinwheels are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your appetizer game, try serving them with a yogurt dip or a tangy tzatziki sauce. It adds a refreshing touch that complements the flavors beautifully!
Can I use different cheese?
Of course! While feta provides that signature tang, you can mix things up by using goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any pinwheels left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free puff pastry instead of traditional puff pastry sheets. Just check the packaging for instructions, and you’re all set to enjoy these festive bites worry-free!
I hope that clears up any questions you might have. Enjoy making these Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels; they truly are a hit every holiday season!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels, and now you have some leftovers (if that ever happens!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them later without losing that delightful flavor and texture.
First things first, let the pinwheels cool completely after baking. Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together—trust me, it makes a difference!
If you want to keep them for longer, these pinwheels freeze beautifully! Just place the unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that amazing crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the pinwheels on a baking sheet, and heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This way, they’ll taste almost as good as when they first came out of the oven!
So, whether you’re snacking on them later or serving them fresh, you’re all set with these handy storage and reheating tips. Enjoy!
Print
Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels: 5 Festive Bites to Savor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels are festive appetizers filled with spinach and feta cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, cream cheese, and dill.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a floured surface.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a log.
- Slice the log into pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Pair with a yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Spinach & Feta Christmas Pinwheels, Holiday Appetizers, Festive Snacks