These Spinach Dip Pinwheels are a delightful and easy snack that’s perfect for any gathering. They’re creamy and flavorful, wrapped in a light, flaky pastry. Great for parties, game nights, or even just a cozy family movie night, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
This recipe is a fantastic mix of simplicity and flavor. You can whip them up in no time with everyday ingredients. They’re tasty, fun to make, and even more fun to eat. Plus, they make for an impressive snack that looks beautiful on any platter!
How to Make Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
Making these pinwheels is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by mixing up a creamy filling with spinach, cream cheese, and seasonings. Next, you’ll spread it onto puff pastry, roll it up, and bake until golden. It’s really that simple!
What You Need
1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz) thaw it and squeeze the life out of it
1 block cream cheese (8 oz) leave it out so it’s nice and soft
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup mayo
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
pinch red pepper flakes if you want a little heat
1 sheet puff pastry thawed but still cold
1 egg for brushing
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Grab a bowl and throw in the cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Now add the spinach, squeezing it until no water comes out at all. Mix everything together until it’s nice and even.
Step 2: Flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry. Spread the spinach mix evenly all over it, leaving one long side empty for sealing later. Roll it up tightly like a jelly roll.
Step 3: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for half an hour to firm up. While it firms, turn the oven on to 400°F.
Step 4: After thirty minutes, take the log out 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 and brush it on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes until they puff up and turn golden.
How to Serve Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
These pinwheels are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. They make a lovely appetizer at birthday parties or game day gatherings. Pair them with a light salad or fresh veggies for a complete snack!
How to Store Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
To keep leftovers fresh, store any uneaten pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen before baking. Just wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice and bake as directed.
Recipe Tips
- Squeeze out all excess water from the spinach to avoid soggy pinwheels.
- Let the cream cheese soften to blend easily with other ingredients.
- You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste by adding more spices.
- Use a ruler or knife for even slices to ensure even baking.
- If you want extra crispy sides, bake on a pre-heated baking sheet.
- Taste the filling before rolling to adjust flavors as needed.
- Roll tightly to keep the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Use fresh spinach if preferred; just sauté before mixing.
- Brush rolls with more egg for a shinier finish.
- Kids can help roll and cut the pinwheels for a fun family activity.
Variations & Swaps
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a twist.
- Swap puff pastry for phyllo dough for a lighter option.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce to the spinach filling.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the pinwheels a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge wrapped tightly until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can save time on the day of your gathering.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave for a quick option, but they may lose some crispiness.
What can I dip them in?
These pinwheels go great with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a simple yogurt dip. Feel free to be creative and try your favorite dip!
Are there any common mistakes to avoid?
Make sure to squeeze out all the moisture from the spinach. This helps to keep the pinwheels from getting soggy. Also, ensure the puff pastry is cold before rolling it out, which helps it maintain a nice flakiness when baked.
Spinach Dip Pinwheels
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz) Thaw and squeeze the life out of it.
- 1 block cream cheese (8 oz) Leave it out to soften.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Wrap Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry Thawed but still cold.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add the thawed spinach, make sure to squeeze out all excess water, and mix until well combined.
Rolling Pinwheels
- Flour a counter and roll out the puff pastry.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving one long side empty for sealing.
- Roll the pastry tightly like a jelly roll.
Chilling and Baking
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- After chilling, slice the log into 1/2 inch rounds and arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush it over the pinwheels.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden.
