If you love creamy, savory bites that bring a party to your taste buds, then you are going to adore this Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Recipe. Imagine the rich blend of spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, and a hint of mayo all wrapped snugly inside flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. These little pinwheels are not only visually delightful but also bursting with flavor, making them a perfect appetizer or snack that’s both elegant and effortless to make. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just craving a savory treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the secret to how wonderfully these pinwheels taste. Each ingredient plays an important role in balancing flavor, ensuring great texture, and adding to that unbeatable appeal of the final dish.
- Frozen chopped spinach (10 oz): Thawed and squeezed dry to avoid sogginess and deliver vibrant color and nutrition.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Softened for easy mixing, it lends a rich and creamy base that’s essential for binding the filling.
- Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
- Mayo (1/4 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle tang, while keeping the filling luscious.
- Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but kept cold to ensure it puffs up beautifully with a flaky, buttery texture.
- Egg (for brushing): Creates a shiny, golden exterior that makes these pinwheels irresistibly inviting.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: These pantry staples introduce savory warmth and seasoning to the filling.
How to Make Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by combining the cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and the well-drained spinach in a mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. This blend forms the flavorful, creamy center that will make your pinwheels unforgettable.
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the thawed puff pastry into a neat rectangle. Make sure it’s even and not too thin. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, but leave one long edge clear. This empty strip will help seal the roll without the filling spilling out.
Step 3: Roll and chill
Starting from the filled side, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the log hold its shape which is key for clean slicing later.
Step 4: Slice and prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the chilled roll from the fridge and slice it into approximately half-inch thick rounds. Place those rounds on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, giving each pinwheel enough space to puff up during baking.
Step 5: Brush and bake to golden perfection
Brush each pinwheel lightly with the beaten egg. This step adds a gorgeous golden sheen and enhances browning. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown. The delightful aroma will tell you they’re ready!
How to Serve Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top after baking instantly boosts the visual appeal and adds a pop of fresh flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also make them look and taste like they belong on a fancy appetizer platter.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels pair beautifully with crisp raw veggies, a fresh garden salad, or even a simple marinara dipping sauce to complement their creamy richness. They’re flexible enough to be part of a light lunch or a hearty party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the pinwheels on a large serving board with small bowls of assorted dips like ranch, hummus, or spicy mustard for a colorful, interactive snack plate. For a festive touch, serve them with cocktail sticks alongside cheese and charcuterie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure they are completely cooled before storing to avoid condensation that might make them soggy.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze the unbaked, sliced pinwheels. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can bake just what you need from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat leftover pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their flaky texture and crispy edges unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook it down thoroughly and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to keep the filling from becoming watery.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
You could try ricotta or a soft goat cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor, but cream cheese will give you that classic creamy consistency that works best here.
Can I make these pinwheels vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but for a vegan version, you’ll need to replace the cream cheese, Parmesan, and egg with plant-based alternatives and use vegan puff pastry.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the spinach is well drained and dry before mixing with other ingredients, and give the roll a chilling period before slicing to keep everything firm during baking.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some finely chopped artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked bacon bits to personalize your pinwheels.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and elegance, give this Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together without any fuss. Your friends will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up again and again.
Print
Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make spinach dip pinwheels featuring creamy spinach filling wrapped in crispy puff pastry. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings, combining the rich flavors of cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Spinach Dip Filling
- 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz) – thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz) – softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper to taste
Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry – thawed but cold
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and the thawed, squeezed-dry spinach. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well blended.
- Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the puff pastry into a rectangular shape. Spread the prepared spinach mixture evenly across the pastry, leaving a long edge free of filling to help with rolling.
- Form the pinwheel log: Starting from the filled end, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat oven and slice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled log from the fridge and slice it into half-inch thick rounds. Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with beaten egg to give a glossy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze as much water out of the thawed spinach as possible to prevent soggy pastry.
- The plastic wrap chilling step helps the log hold its shape and makes slicing easier.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, add a minced clove of fresh garlic to the filling mixture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- To freeze, bake first, cool completely, and store in an airtight container.
