Name: Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 279 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as tasty as it is simple, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe. Imagine vibrant, garlicky spinach mingling with a trio of melty cheeses, all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack for game day, or just craving something comforting with a fresh twist, these pinwheels bring a wonderful combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy notes that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe because it truly feels like a little bite of joy every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round pinwheel pastries arranged on white parchment paper inside a metal tray. Each pastry has three visible layers: a light beige dough on the outside and between the layers, a creamy white filling next, and a thin layer of green herbs or spinach mixed with small orange bits evenly spread in a spiral. The texture looks soft and slightly dense, and the pastries are spaced out evenly on the tray. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe shines because of its simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role, from the buttery puff pastry to the perfectly spiced spinach filling and the irresistible combination of cheeses.

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: This golden, flaky base puffs up beautifully, providing a crisp exterior that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the spinach and garlic for a deeper flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the filling with an aromatic punch that wakes up the taste buds.
5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped: The star of the dish for that fresh, green vibrancy and nutrient-packed goodness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick in their appetizer, this brings subtle warmth.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, smooth texture that binds everything together beautifully.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that gooey, stretchy cheese pull we can’t resist.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire filling.
1 large egg, beaten for egg wash: Gives a gorgeous golden hue and helps the pinwheels crisp up perfectly in the oven.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your pinwheels bake evenly and come out perfectly crisp every time.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach Filling

Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant—not browned—to avoid bitterness. Next, toss in the chopped spinach along with salt, black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy note. Cook until the spinach has fully wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, giving you a flavorful base for the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly—that way, it won’t melt the cheeses prematurely. Then fold in the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mixing these while the spinach is still warm (but not hot) allows the cheeses to soften and combine beautifully into a creamy, cheesy filling that’s both rich and light.

Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Unfold your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface, rolling it gently into a 10×12-inch rectangle. This creates an even canvas for spreading your filling, which is key to consistent pinwheels.

Step 5: Assemble the Pinwheels

Spread the spinach-cheese mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. This rolling step is the heart of the recipe since it creates those beautiful spiral pinwheels you’ll get to enjoy.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Cut the rolled log into roughly 1-inch thick rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheet, giving each pinwheel a little breathing room. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash, which will turn them into a gorgeous golden brown as they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re puffed up and deliciously crisp.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, serve your Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels warm for the best melty-cheesy experience. They’re perfect on their own or paired with dips, snacks, or a fresh salad for a complete treat.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe

A large white plate holds about fifteen golden brown spiral pastries stacked in the center. Each pastry shows visible layers of flaky dough swirled with green leafy filling, likely spinach, and creamy white cheese mixed in. Around the main plate, a smaller white plate with three more spiral pastries and a black fork is partly visible at the top left. To the right of the main plate, there is a cream and gray striped cloth placed on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and fresh, with natural light highlighting the textures of the flaky crust and the filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan on top right after baking to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add an unexpected, tasty twist that makes these pinwheels visually stunning and even more appetizing.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with crisp garden salads, creamy tomato soup, or even a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. Their rich, savory qualities balance beautifully with lighter, brighter sides, making for an inviting and well-rounded meal or snack time spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress them up for a party or gathering, arrange your pinwheels on a large platter with colorful vegetable crudités or alongside a cheese board. You can also serve them with individual dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or pesto to keep guests coming back for more. Presentation is half the fun, and these pinwheels are as photogenic as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out, and you’ll still enjoy that melty, flavorful filling with a touch of crispiness.

Freezing

This Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can slice the pinwheels before baking, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, just adding about 3 to 5 minutes to the baking time for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy. The oven method keeps everything beautifully flaky and fresh tasting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before sautéing or mixing it into the filling to prevent soggy pinwheels.

Is it possible to make these pinwheels gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free puff pastry available at some specialty stores or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Just remember that textures may vary slightly depending on the brand or recipe.

Can I substitute the cheeses for other varieties?

Yes! Feta cheese can replace Parmesan for a tangier taste, or sharp cheddar can add a deeper flavor. Just keep the balance so the filling maintains its creamy texture.

Are these pinwheels suitable to serve at parties?

Definitely! They are bite-sized, easy to hold, and boast crowd-pleasing flavors. Plus, they can be made in advance, which makes your party prep stress-free.

Can I make these vegan-friendly?

With a few tweaks like using vegan cheese and egg substitutes for the wash, this recipe can definitely be adapted to fit a vegan diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about an Easy Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels Recipe that combines convenience with incredible taste. They’re fast to prepare, fun to bake, and absolutely delicious whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to snacks or appetizers that everyone asks for again and again!