Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach Spirals Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach Spirals: A Comfort Food Dream

Cheesy spinach spirals are a tasty creation that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary appetizer or side dish.

These elegant rolls blend the rich flavors of fresh spinach with creamy, melted cheese all wrapped in a golden-brown pastry.

The spirals offer a perfect mix of textures and tastes that attract both casual eaters and food lovers.

Many enjoy these savory pastries for their versatility as they make a great addition to any meal or party spread.

The crispy, flaky outside pairs beautifully with the soft, cheesy inside, making each bite delightful.

Spinach spirals transform basic ingredients into something truly special yet easy to prepare.

What’s Great About Cheesy Spinach Spirals

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transforms simple ingredients into stunning appetizers in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected guests.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers irresistible cheesy goodness with a nutritious spinach twist that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a versatile party favorite.
  • Beginner-Friendly Culinary Adventure: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create impressive, restaurant-quality pinwheels without stress.
  • Versatile Entertaining Solution: Serves perfectly as elegant appetizers, game day snacks, or potluck contributions that look professionally prepared but are incredibly simple to make.

Cheesy Spinach Spirals Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Puff Pastry Base: – Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery foundation that creates flaky, light layers for the spirals. Best when fresh and cold from the refrigerator.

Cheese Base: – Cream Cheese, Shredded White Cheese, Parmesan: Creamy, tangy blend that provides rich flavor and smooth texture. Opt for high-quality cheeses for best results.

Vegetable Component: – Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor. Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy pastry.

Seasoning Components:

Flavor Enhancers: – Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost overall taste profile. Fresh garlic preferred for more intense flavor.

Preparation Support:

Kitchen Aids: – Parchment Paper, Flour: Essential for preventing sticking and managing dough. Use unbleached parchment paper for best non-stick performance.

Making Cheesy Spinach Spirals Step By Step

Making Cheesy Spinach Spirals Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Spinach Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded white cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic

Fold in well-drained spinach, then sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Craft the Pastry Base

Dust your work surface with a light flutter of flour. Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach-cheese blend across the pastry, leaving a small border on one edge.

Step 4: Roll and Shape the Spirals

Start rolling the pastry from the opposite edge, creating a tight log. Pinch the edge to seal the roll completely. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into bite-sized rounds about ½-inch thick.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the spiral pinwheels on the prepared baking tray. Space them out so they have room to puff up. Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the spirals cool for a few moments. Plate them up and watch as everyone eagerly grabs these irresistible cheesy treats. Perfect for munching as an appetizer or quick snack!

Tips To Nail Cheesy Spinach Spirals

  • Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture from spinach to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crisp, flaky pastry texture.
  • Chill Pastry Before Rolling: Refrigerate puff pastry for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle and create cleaner, more defined spirals.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier spreading across the pastry.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese to add unique flavor profiles to your spirals.
  • Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare assembled, uncooked pinwheels and freeze for up to 1 month, baking directly from frozen with slight temperature and time adjustments.

How To Keep Cheesy Spinach Spirals Fresh Later

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping their crispy texture intact.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm spirals at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, restoring their original crispiness and preventing sogginess.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly reheat 1-2 spirals on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but expect slightly softer pastry compared to oven reheating.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual spirals tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nice Pairings With Cheesy Spinach Spirals

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy cheese and complements the spinach's earthy notes.
  • Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like basil, parsley, and chives to balance the rich, cheesy pinwheels and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Sparkling Prosecco: Uncork a chilled Prosecco to cleanse the palate and provide a bubbly, elegant accompaniment that enhances the delicate pastry texture.
  • Complement with Charcuterie Board: Arrange prosciutto, salami, and mild olives alongside the spirals to create a sophisticated appetizer spread with varied flavors and textures.

Try These Cheesy Spinach Spirals Variations

  • Gluten-Free Spinach Spirals: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or almond flour-based pastry for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Cheese Pinwheels: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based cream cheese, nutritional yeast, and plant-based mozzarella alternative to create a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Use thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower sheets instead of pastry, incorporate extra sharp cheddar and cream cheese for higher fat content.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked chicken or crumbled bacon into the spinach mixture, increasing protein content for athletes or fitness enthusiasts.

Answers About Cheesy Spinach Spirals

  • Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing with the cheese filling to prevent soggy pinwheels.

  • Is it possible to prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolled log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes party prep super easy.

  • What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

White cheese like mozzarella or provolone works great. Parmesan adds a nice sharp flavor, and cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that helps bind the filling together.

  • Can I make these vegetarian or gluten-free?

For vegetarian, you’re already set. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet available in many grocery stores, ensuring the same delicious result.

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Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach Spirals Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Spinach Spirals Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory Cheesy Spinach Spirals bring Mediterranean charm to your dinner table, weaving rich flavors into a delightful pasta experience. Spiraling with creamy spinach and melted cheese, these rolls offer a quick, elegant meal that satisfies your comfort food cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese:

  • 7 ounces (200 grams) cream cheese (or goat cheese), softened
  • ½ cup (60 grams) shredded white cheese (mozzarella or Gruyere)
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pastry and Filling:

  • 1 sheet (245 grams) puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained

Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small minced garlic clove) (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking surface by lining a tray with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
  2. Create a velvety filling by blending cream cheese, white cheese, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth consistency. Incorporate finely chopped spinach, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
  3. Gently unfurl the puff pastry on a lightly dusted work surface, transforming it into a delicate canvas for the savory mixture. Distribute the cheese and spinach blend evenly, leaving a small margin along one edge to facilitate a clean roll.
  4. Carefully roll the pastry from the opposite edge, creating a tight spiral. Delicately seal the seam by pressing the edges together, then slice the roll into bite-sized medallions using a razor-sharp knife.
  5. Position the pinwheels on the prepared tray, allowing sufficient space between each piece to promote even browning. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the pastry achieves a golden, puffy appearance, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  6. Allow the spirals to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting them cool just enough to handle. Serve immediately to capture the optimal texture and warmth, perfect for entertaining or a delightful snack.

Notes

  • Spinach Squeeze: After thawing frozen spinach, press out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Cheese Flex: Swap cheeses based on preference or availability – cheddar, gouda, or feta work wonderfully for different flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives like phyllo dough or al
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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