If you’ve ever dreamed of a savory snack that’s both irresistible and impressively easy, Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are about to become your new obsession. Picture flaky, golden pastry wrapped around a creamy filling of spinach, feta, and herbs—it’s the classic Greek spanakopita you love, reimagined in a finger-friendly form. Whether you’re hosting friends, searching for a standout appetizer, or simply need a quick lunch that sparkles with Mediterranean flavor, these swirls deliver bold taste wrapped up in irresistible layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls rely on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique note to the finished dish, from a burst of fresh dill to the comforting richness of cheese. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap at random—each element truly matters!
- Puff pastry: Ready-rolled and thawed, this is your shortcut to perfect buttery, flaky layers without any fuss.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, it adds Mediterranean aroma and keeps the filling luscious.
- Onion: A half of a small onion, finely chopped, gives gentle sweetness and substance to your filling.
- Garlic: Two minced cloves infuse every bite with a warm, savory backbone that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- Frozen spinach: Make sure it’s well-squeezed dry; it provides the green vibrancy and classic texture after a quick sauté.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings tangy, salty depth—they just wouldn’t be Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls without it.
- Ricotta or cream cheese: This soft cheese melts into the spinach, keeping the filling creamy and luxurious.
- Fresh dill (or dried): Dill delivers that unmistakable Greek herbaceous note—if you have fresh, use it!
- Egg: One for binding the filling, and a second (beaten) for brushing the swirls to glossy, golden perfection.
- Salt & black pepper: Just a pinch heightens the flavors in the filling—taste your mix before rolling!
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled over the top, they add nutty aroma and a little extra crunch.
How to Make Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds to bring out its flavor without letting it brown. Stir in the thawed, well-drained spinach, and cook for another minute—this draws out any last moisture. Let the mixture cool slightly before moving on, so the cheese won’t melt prematurely in the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
Transfer the cooled spinach mixture to a mixing bowl. Add in the crumbled feta, ricotta or cream cheese, chopped dill, one egg, and a good dash of salt and black pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are evenly combined and the filling is creamy, tangy, and flecked with vibrant green. Now’s the time for a little taste: adjust the seasoning to your liking, or toss in a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest if you want an extra pop of flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Swirls
Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet out on a lightly floured surface. Gently spread the spinach filling all over, right to the edges for maximum flavor in every swirl. Starting at one edge, roll up the pastry tightly, jelly-roll style, wrapping up all that goodness inside. With a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1-inch sections—each one will become a beautiful Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirl.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the swirls, cut side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a little room between each one, as they’ll puff up in the oven. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each swirl with beaten egg for an ultra-glossy, golden crust. If you like, sprinkle them with sesame seeds to add a little crunch and classic bakery finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven at 400°F. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the swirls are puffed, crisp, and deeply golden. Resist peeking too early—those flaky layers need time to work their magic! They’re absolutely irresistible warm, but Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are delicious at room temperature, too.
How to Serve Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls
Garnishes
Bring a little extra brightness to your platter by showering the fresh-baked swirls with a handful of chopped dill or parsley right before serving. A dusting of lemon zest is also fantastic for a sunny citrus twist. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with a dollop of cool Greek yogurt or a drizzle of herby olive oil for dipping.
Side Dishes
Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls shine on any appetizer spread, but they also make a wonderful light lunch or dinner with a vibrant Greek salad, a bowl of briny olives, or roasted vegetables. For a larger party, offer alongside other Greek-inspired bites like tzatziki and stuffed grape leaves for a true mezze experience.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no need to stick to a plain platter. Thread the swirls onto skewers for a playful touch, arrange them in a wreath for a holiday table, or pile into a rustic basket lined with a checkered cloth. For parties, arrange a few dipping sauces—think lemony yogurt or spicy harissa—off to the side so guests can mix and match flavors as they nibble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls keep beautifully! Place any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing, so condensation doesn’t make the pastry soggy. Pop the container in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-to-go snack or lunch for days.
Freezing
For even longer storage, freeze your baked or unbaked swirls in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Baking from frozen just takes a few extra minutes—or reheat pre-baked ones straight from the freezer in your oven until piping hot and crisp.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze: set your oven to 350°F and arrange swirls on a baking sheet. Warm for about 8-10 minutes if thawed, or 12-15 minutes if frozen, until the pastry is crisp and heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the pastry. For maximum crunch, the oven is always best!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just chop and sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any extra liquid. Using fresh can add a slightly brighter flavor and a bit more texture to your Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the swirls, cover tightly, and refrigerate them a day ahead. Just brush with egg wash and bake right before serving. You can also freeze them unbaked for future entertaining emergencies!
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Let your puff pastry sit in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes until pliable but still cool. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause uneven thawing or partial cooking.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Certainly! Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be delicious upgrades. Just keep moisture in mind to avoid a soggy filling.
Are Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls vegetarian?
They are indeed vegetarian as written. As always, check your feta and puff pastry packaging if you need to ensure they align with specific dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
No matter the season, Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are a celebration of vibrant greens, creamy cheese, and buttery pastry—wrapped into a treat you’ll want to make again and again. They’re perfect for entertaining, incredibly forgiving, and bursting with Greek flavor in every bite. Give them a try and let these golden swirls become your new go-to favorite for any occasion!
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
These Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are a delightful twist on the classic Greek dish. Crispy puff pastry surrounds a flavorful filling of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, creating a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Spinach Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 oz frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta or cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Others:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Prepare spinach mixture: Stir in spinach and cook for 1 minute to remove any remaining moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a bowl, mix spinach mixture with feta, ricotta, dill, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the pastries: Unroll puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the entire sheet. Roll up the pastry tightly from one edge to the other, like a jelly roll. Slice into 1-inch swirls and place flat on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- These freeze well—just reheat in a 350°F oven until crisp.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest for extra flavor depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 swirl
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
