If you’re craving a delightful, flaky, and savory snack that combines the vibrant flavors of spinach and feta cheese with golden puff pastry, you’re going to love this Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe. It’s a fun twist on classic Greek spanakopita, transforming it into easy-to-eat, bite-sized swirls that are perfect for parties, appetizers, or simply munching any time of day. The buttery puff pastry wraps around a beautifully seasoned spinach and cheese filling, creating a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing its unique element that builds layers of flavor, texture, and color in this Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The star of the show, providing flaky, buttery layers.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Offers sweetness and depth to balance the spinach.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Packs an aromatic punch for a savory boost.
- 5 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry): The fresh, earthy green filling base.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Classic tangy flavor that defines spanakopita.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and extra umami complexity.
- 1 egg (lightly beaten): Binds the filling for perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill or fresh chopped dill: Brings a fragrant herbal note typical in Greek cooking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous golden, glossy finish on the pastry.
How to Make Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your swirls bake evenly and won’t stick. Having everything ready before you start assembling makes the process so much smoother.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, which brings out its natural sweetness. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing that wonderful fragrance. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before mixing.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the squeezed dry spinach with the sautéed onion and garlic. Add crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the filling is evenly combined and ready to spread. The mixture should be moist but not watery.
Step 4: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet gently. This will be your canvas for the filling, so handle it with care to avoid tearing. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges for sealing. This step ensures every swirl will have a perfect ratio of filling to pastry.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the pastry from the long side into a tight log, keeping the filling inside. A tight roll helps the swirls hold their shape and bake beautifully. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds and arrange them flat on the prepared baking sheet, giving each enough space to puff up without sticking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of each swirl with the beaten egg reserved for the egg wash. This step is crucial to achieving that irresistibly glossy, golden-brown finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the puff pastry has risen and turned a stunning golden color. Let the swirls cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving to allow the filling to set just right.
How to Serve Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped dill or a dusting of flaky sea salt over the warm swirls before serving to enhance their fresh and savory profile. Lemon wedges on the side can add a zesty brightness that perfectly cuts through the richness of the feta and buttery pastry.
Side Dishes
These swirls pair wonderfully with a crisp Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion drizzled with olive oil and oregano. You could also set them alongside tzatziki sauce for dipping, adding a cool, creamy contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a pretty serving platter with fresh herbs scattered around. For a party, serve these as finger foods with toothpicks or small forks for easy grabbing. You can even skewer a few with cherry tomatoes and olives for a charming Mediterranean appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. To retain crispiness after storage, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked swirls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, place them on a parchment-lined tray straight from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes the Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe perfect for making ahead and enjoying whenever you want.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, pop the swirls into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to soften the flaky layers.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it first to wilt and release moisture, then squeeze out excess water before mixing with the cheese to prevent soggy puff pastry.
Can I make these vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry, replace feta and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives, and substitute eggs with a flax egg or aquafaba for binding and egg wash.
What can I substitute if I don’t have dill?
If you don’t have dill, fresh parsley or mint can be wonderful alternatives. They add a fresh herbal note that complements the spinach and cheese nicely.
How long can I freeze the unbaked swirls?
You can freeze the prepared but unbaked swirls for up to 1 month. Just make sure they are stored in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Is there a gluten-free version?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free puff pastry. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and the baking time should be similar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of flaky puff pastry and savory spinach-feta filling in this Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight snack yet impressive enough to bring to your next gathering. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, these swirls will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab that puff pastry and start swirling your way to deliciousness!
Print
Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 swirls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and flaky Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, and Parmesan cheese. These Greek-inspired appetizers are easy to make and perfect for parties or a tasty snack, baked to golden perfection with a crispy puff pastry exterior.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill or fresh chopped dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the swirls.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges for sealing.
- Form Logs and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 1/2-inch rounds to form individual swirls. Place these swirls flat on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the second egg and brush the tops of each swirl generously to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake the puff pastry swirls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the swirls to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve these swirls warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: Prepare and slice the swirls, then freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ensure spinach is well drained to avoid soggy pastry.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
