Swirly Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Bites

Crisp golden layers twist and twirl in these delightful mediterranean pastry pinwheels that bring a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your table.

Delicate phyllo sheets dance with savory herbs and rich cheeses, creating a mouthwatering appetizer.

Flaky edges curl around a tantalizing filling that whispers tales of sunny coastal kitchens.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Herbs and spices mingle with creamy cheese, promising an irresistible experience.

The pinwheels emerge from the oven with a gorgeous golden-brown color that beckons hungry guests.

Serve these elegant appetizers and watch as your guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Tools To Shape Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Easily

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking pinwheels and preventing sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Creates a non-stick surface and ensures easy cleanup.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing the flavorful filling ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out puff pastry to the correct thickness and shape.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly slicing the pastry log into even pinwheel rounds.
• Pastry Brush: Used to apply beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for rolling and slicing pastry.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Bake Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Crispy

• Filling Fusion

Blend a delightful mix of vibrant ingredients like tangy feta, crisp spinach, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs. Create a colorful medley that will dance with flavor.

• Pastry Canvas

Gently unfold the delicate puff pastry on a lightly dusted surface. Spread the luscious filling across the soft dough, leaving a small border to ensure a perfect seal.

• Rolling Magic

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight, elegant cylinder. Softly press the edge to secure the filling inside. Pop the log into the freezer for a quick chill to make slicing smooth and precise.

• Golden Transformation

Slice the chilled log into delicate rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet. Brush with a golden egg wash that will create a gorgeous, glossy finish. Bake until the pastry puffs and turns a beautiful amber color.

• Culinary Celebration

Let the whirls rest momentarily after baking. Serve these Mediterranean gems warm, creating an irresistible appetizer that will transport taste buds to sunny coastal landscapes.

Spins On Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels You’ll Love

• Perfect Pastry Prep: Chill the puff pastry log for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and prevent the filling from squishing out during slicing.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free phyllo dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment by adding finely chopped roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts to the filling for extra Mediterranean flavor and nutritional variety.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheel log ahead of time and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking, making party prep a breeze.
• Protein Power: For a more substantial appetizer, add crumbled cooked chicken or crispy pancetta to the filling, turning these pinwheels into a heartier bite that's perfect for larger gatherings.

Serving Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels As A Snack Or Side

• Mediterranean Party Platter: Arrange pinwheels beautifully on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, olives, and sliced lemons for a stunning appetizer presentation.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Pair these golden pastries with a light Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and chilled white wine for a delightful weekend morning spread.
• Cocktail Companion: Serve these bite-sized treats as elegant finger food during evening gatherings, complemented by crisp rosé or sparkling aperitif for a sophisticated touch.
• Quick Lunch Option: Pack these pinwheels in a lunch box with a small container of dipping sauce, making them a delicious and portable midday meal that's sure to impress.

How To Store Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels After Baking

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap unbaked pinwheel logs tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before slicing and baking for fresh results.
• Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy pastry texture.
• Advance Preparation: Prepare filling and roll pastry logs up to 24 hours before baking. Keep chilled in refrigerator, then slice and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness and convenience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 140 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Need For Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and earthy nutrition, choose fresh or well-drained frozen spinach for best texture.
• Feta Cheese: Delivers tangy Mediterranean flavor, select creamy, high-quality cheese for rich taste.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides intense sweetness and concentrated tomato essence, opt for plump, oil-packed varieties.
• Olives: Contributes briny, salty notes, pick kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean profile.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, aromatic depth, use fresh cloves for maximum flavor intensity.
• Oregano: Brings classic Mediterranean herb character, choose dried or fresh for herbal undertones.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthy warmth, freshly ground offers superior taste.

• Puff Pastry: Creates flaky, golden exterior, ensure pastry is cold and thawed properly.

• Egg: Helps seal pastry and creates beautiful golden sheen, use fresh large eggs for best results.

Elegant Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean pastry pinwheels blend feta, herbs, and olives into a delightful appetizer. Crisp layers of phyllo pastry create an elegant starter that guests will eagerly enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup (100 grams / 3.5 oz) fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 oz) crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 oz) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 oz) chopped black or Kalamata olives
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Filling Fusion: Combine spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, garlic, oregano, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients meld harmoniously.
2. Pastry Preparation: Lay puff pastry on a floured surface, spreading the filling evenly, leaving a one-inch border along the far edge to prevent overflow.
3. Rolling Technique: Carefully roll the pastry from the nearest long edge into a compact cylindrical log, sealing the final edge with a gentle brush of beaten egg to ensure a secure closure.
4. Chilling and Slicing: Freeze the pastry log for 10-15 minutes to stabilize the dough, then slice into half-inch medallions, revealing the spiraled interior with precision.
5. Baking Arrangement: Arrange pinwheel rounds cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between each piece. Brush with beaten egg to create a lustrous golden surface.
6. Oven Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18-22 minutes, allowing the pastries to puff and bronzed, developing a crisp, flaky exterior.
7. Serving Preparation: Rest the pinwheels briefly after removing from the oven, allowing them to cool to a comfortable temperature that accentuates their Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Maximize Filling Distribution: Chop ingredients finely and mix thoroughly to guarantee balanced flavor in every bite, preventing clumping or uneven ingredient spread.
• Prevent Pastry Sogginess: Pat sun-dried tomatoes and spinach dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture that could compromise the pastry’s crisp texture.
• Temperature Control Matters: Freeze pastry log briefly to maintain sharp edges during slicing and ensure uniform pinwheel shapes with clean, defined spirals.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients easily – use dairy-free feta for vegan version, gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly option, or add protein like pine nuts for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg