Imagine a gathering where laughter fills the air, and delicious smells waft from the kitchen. One dish that never fails to make these moments even more special is Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels. These delightful morsels blend creamy spinach dip with flaky puff pastry, creating an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for parties, dinners, or even a casual movie night. Not only are they easy to make, but they also deliver a burst of flavor in every single bite—making them a must-try!
Why you’ll love this dish
The beauty of these Spinach Dip Pinwheels lies in their versatility and charm. You can whip them up as a quick party snack or serve them at intimate family dinners. They’re not just pleasing to the palate—they’re visually appealing too! Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing, while the creamy filling and crispy pastry create a delightful textural contrast.
"These pinwheels were the hit of the party! They’ve become my go-to appetizer for every gathering." – A Thrilled Home Cook
Not to mention, they are budget-friendly and ready in under an hour, making them a fantastic option for those unexpected guests or last-minute plans. Plus, with kids in the house, this recipe is a clever way to sneak in some greens without a fuss!
The cooking process explained
Making these Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels is simpler than you might think! In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone will adore. The key components are the flavorful spinach dip filling and the light, flaky puff pastry that wraps it all up. Here’s how the magic unfolds:
- Creamy spinach dip is prepared in a bowl with just a few ingredients.
- The filling is spread over rolled-out puff pastry.
- A neat roll-up leads to perfect pinwheels that, after a brief chill, are ready to bake.
With every step, you’ll see how easily this dish comes together.
What you’ll need
Before you dive in, here’s what you need to gather to create these flavorful bites:
- 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz), thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but kept cold
- 1 egg, beaten for brushing
Feel free to swap out the Parmesan with a cheese of your choice or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version!
Directions to follow
Let’s jump into the cooking method! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfect pinwheels.
Combine the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined. Then, add the squeezed spinach and fold until evenly incorporated.
Prepare the Pastry: Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry, leaving one long edge clean to seal later.
Roll it Up: Start rolling from the filled edge, tucking it tightly like a jelly roll. Once you reach the empty edge, seal the pastry by pressing it gently.
Chill and Bake: Wrap the rolled log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while waiting.
Slice and Brush: Remove the log from the fridge and slice it into half-inch rounds. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg with a splash of water, then brush this mixture over the top of the pinwheels.
Bake: Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.
How to serve Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
Now that your pinwheels are ready, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy them! They are fantastic served warm, right out of the oven, but you can also prepare them ahead of time and reheat when needed. Consider pairing them with a zesty dipping sauce, like ranch or a tangy yogurt-based dip.
If you’re planning a buffet, arrange the pinwheels on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or colorful vegetable sticks. They are not just food— they are conversation starters!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! You can store your Spinach Dip Pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully—just ensure they are sealed well. You can reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to crisp them up again.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your pinwheel game:
- Be sure to squeeze all excess water from the spinach; this prevents the filling from becoming soggy.
- If you’re short on time, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen—just sauté it briefly to wilt and release moisture.
- Experiment with different spices or add-ins, like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even crumbled bacon for added flavor.
Creative twists
While the classic spinach dip flavor is undeniably scrumptious, feel free to get creative! Think about adding feta cheese or using different herbs like dill or basil. You might also try mixing in some chopped artichokes for a Mediterranean twist, or substitute the puff pastry with crescent roll dough for a different texture.
FAQ
Q: How long does this recipe take to make?
A: From start to finish, expect about 1 hour. This includes prep time and baking.
Q: Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the wrapped log ahead of time, then slice and bake when you’re ready!
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese?
A: If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It will provide creaminess while reducing calories significantly.
Q: How do I ensure my pinwheels stay crispy?
A: To maintain that beautiful crispy texture, avoid overfilling the pastry and make sure to bake them until golden brown. Slicing and baking them right after chilling will also retain that flakiness.
Bring these Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels to your next gathering, and watch as they disappear! They’re sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
Ingredients
For the Spinach Dip Filling
- 10 oz 1 bag frozen chopped spinach Thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
- 8 oz 1 block cream cheese Softened
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can be swapped with cheese of choice
- 0.25 cup 1/4 cup mayonnaise Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp 1/4 tsp black pepper
- pinch A pinch of red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet 1 sheet puff pastry Thawed but kept cold
- 1 egg 1 egg Beaten for brushing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Add the squeezed spinach and fold until evenly incorporated.
Preparing the Pastry
- Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the puff pastry sheet.
- Spread the spinach mixture over the pastry, leaving one long edge clean to seal later.
Assembly and Baking
- Start rolling from the filled edge, tucking it tightly like a jelly roll. Once you reach the empty edge, seal the pastry by pressing it gently.
- Wrap the rolled log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the log from the fridge and slice it into half-inch rounds.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg with a splash of water, then brush this mixture over the top of the pinwheels.
- Place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown.