Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels — Easy Spinach Pinwheels Appetizer
I’ve always loved party food that feels both comforting and fancy — and Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels checks both boxes. Growing up, my family brought a big bowl of spinach dip to every holiday gathering; I’d scoop it up with crackers and watch it disappear. Turning that nostalgic dip into flaky little pinwheels made them pop at potlucks and gave me an easy way to bring a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both handheld and elegant. There’s a long tradition of rolling flavorful fillings into pastry across many cuisines (think savory strudels and filled puff pastries), and these pinwheels are a modern, fun twist on that idea — perfect for game days, casual dinners, or holiday spreads.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is for busy hosts, beginner bakers, snack lovers, and anyone who wants an easy, make-ahead appetizer that looks impressive with minimal effort.
Core ingredients overview:
- This recipe combines creamy cream cheese, salty Parmesan, seasoned spinach, and flaky puff pastry to create tasty, bite-sized pinwheels with a rich, savory filling and a golden, buttery crust.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or serrated knife
- Rolling pin (optional if pastry needs a light roll)
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)
- 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz) — thaw it and squeeze the life out of it
- Benefit: Adds nutrients and great texture; frozen spinach is convenient and consistent.
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz) — leave it out so it’s nice and soft
- Benefit: Provides creamy richness and helps bind the filling.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Benefit: Adds savory, umami flavor and helps with browning.
- 1/4 cup mayo
- Benefit: Brings extra creaminess and a slight tang for balance.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Benefit: Delivers warm, savory flavor without chopping fresh garlic.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Benefit: Adds depth and a mild onion background flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Benefit: Brings a gentle heat and brightens flavors.
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Benefit: Adds a touch of heat for those who like spice.
- 1 sheet puff pastry — thawed but still cold
- Benefit: Gives flaky, buttery layers that make the pinwheels light and impressive.
- 1 egg for brushing
- Benefit: Produces a shiny, golden finish when baked.
Instructions
Prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula to mix until smooth and evenly combined. Squeeze the thawed spinach with your hands or in a clean towel until no water remains, then add the spinach to the bowl and fold everything together until uniform. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Roll and fill the pastry. Lightly flour your counter. Unfold or roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle (if it’s in a square, that’s fine). Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving one long edge (about 1/2 inch to 1 inch) free so the roll can seal.
Form and chill the log. Starting from the long side opposite the empty edge, roll the pastry up tightly into a jelly-roll shape. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. While it chills, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice and bake. Remove the chilled log from the fridge and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice into roughly 1/2-inch rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of each pinwheel. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the pinwheels puff up and turn golden brown. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these pinwheels?
A: Yes. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pinwheel log (wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking, or bake from partially frozen — add a few extra minutes to the baking time and watch for golden color.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: You can substitute a ricotta and Greek yogurt blend (for a lighter texture) or a soft goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Note that texture and salt levels will vary, so taste and adjust seasoning.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare and bake them, then reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes before serving, or serve at room temperature. Alternatively, assemble and chill the logs ahead and bake on the event day.
Q: Is puff pastry the only pastry I can use?
A: Puff pastry gives the signature flaky layers, but you can also use store-bought croissant dough for a slightly different texture and richer flavor. Performance will vary, so adjust rolling and baking times as needed.
Tips & Tricks
- Thoroughly remove moisture from the spinach. Any leftover water will make the filling runny and soggy the pastry.
- Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to roll and bake. Cold pastry puffs better and is easier to slice cleanly.
- Slice the log with a sharp serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion to avoid squashing the roll. Chill the log well to make slicing easier.
- Brush with egg wash right before baking for the best golden, glossy finish. If you want a lower-sodium option, reduce or omit the added salt and rely on the Parmesan.
Conclusion
If you love classic spinach-and-cheese flavors rolled into party-ready bites, you’ll also enjoy other pinwheel variations like the spinach-artichoke version found at Spinach Artichoke Dip Pinwheels – Three Olives Branch, or the crispy puff pastry twists shown in Crispy Baked Puff Pastry Spinach Artichoke Pinwheels – Fueling a Southern Soul. For more simple spinach pinwheel ideas and serving inspiration, see Spinach Pinwheels – Joyous Apron.
Enjoy these bite-sized pinwheels with your favorite dips or serve them straight from the tray — and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family!