Swirly Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe: Zesty Party Magic

Twirling with Mediterranean flavors, these pastry pinwheels invite you to a culinary adventure that dances across your taste buds.

Delicate layers of flaky dough wrap around vibrant ingredients, promising a burst of unexpected delight.

Each bite tells a story of sun-drenched landscapes and traditional cooking methods.

Rolling these delectable treats while music plays softly in your kitchen.

Herbs and spices intermingle, creating a symphony of Mediterranean essence that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these pinwheels irresistible for casual gatherings or elegant appetizers.

Let these spirals of deliciousness transport you to coastal kitchens where cooking is an art of passion and love.

Why Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Steal The Show

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: These pinwheels pack a punch of tangy feta, briny olives, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes that transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coastline.
• Super Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these elegant appetizers in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Party Superstar: Serve these pastry pinwheels as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch that appeals to both kids and adults with their playful spiral shape and irresistible cheesy filling.
• Foolproof Baking Experience: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple steps, pre-made puff pastry, and no complicated techniques, ensuring a successful culinary adventure every single time.

What’s Inside Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• Spinach, Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olives: A vibrant Mediterranean mix that brings tangy, salty, and earthy flavors to the pastry. Choose fresh spinach and high-quality feta for best results.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent depth to the filling. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most intense flavor.
• Oregano, Black Pepper: Classic Mediterranean herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile. Use dried oregano for concentrated flavor.

• Puff Pastry: The delicate, flaky foundation for the pinwheels. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best texture and flavor.

• Egg: Used for sealing the pastry roll and creating a golden, glossy finish when brushed on top. Large eggs work best for this recipe.
• Flour: Light dusting helps prevent the pastry from sticking during rolling. All-purpose flour is ideal.

Steps To Make Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Easy

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Filling

• Fresh spinach, finely chopped
• Crumbly feta cheese
• Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
• Briny kalamata olives
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Cracked black pepper

Stir until every ingredient dances together in perfect harmony.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pastry Magic

Warm up your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Dust your work surface with a whisper of flour. Gently unfold the puff pastry and roll it into a rectangular canvas about 10 to 12 inches wide. Spread the vibrant filling across the pastry, leaving a small border along one long edge.

Step 3: Create Spiral Wonders

Begin rolling from the long edge without the border, tucking and turning the pastry into a tight, delicious log. Brush the exposed edge with beaten egg to seal the delightful package. Pop the log into the freezer for a quick 10-15 minute chill to make slicing a breeze. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into half-inch rounds. Arrange these spirals on the prepared baking sheet, revealing their mesmerizing swirls.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Lovingly brush the tops of the pinwheels with remaining beaten egg. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the pastries transform into golden, puffy clouds of deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Let the pinwheels cool slightly, allowing their flavors to settle. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Watch as your guests marvel at these Mediterranean-inspired treats that blend comfort and excitement in every bite.

Helpful Notes On Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• Chill for Crisp Cuts: Freeze the pastry log for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, precise pinwheel rounds that hold their shape perfectly.
• Customize Your Filling: Swap ingredients like switching feta for goat cheese or adding pine nuts for extra crunch and personalized flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use parchment paper and avoid overloading with wet ingredients to maintain a crispy, flaky pastry texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pastry log in advance and refrigerate overnight, then slice and bake just before serving for fresh, warm appetizers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

How To Store Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Well

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to 3 days. The cool environment will help maintain their texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Carefully place pinwheels in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. These delightful pastries can stay frozen for 2-3 weeks, preserving their delicious Mediterranean flavors.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispy texture by warming pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes. This method helps revive their original flaky, golden-brown appearance and keeps them from becoming soggy.
• Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, zap pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. While convenient, this method might slightly soften the pastry's crisp edges, so use sparingly.

Food That Goes With Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy these Mediterranean pastry pinwheels with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's bright, citrusy notes perfectly complement the salty feta and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a refreshing flavor combination.
• Match with Zesty Greek Salad: Serve alongside a light Greek salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions will enhance the Mediterranean flavors of the pinwheels, adding a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm pastry.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Dipping Sauce: Create a quick tzatziki or herb-based yogurt dip. The creamy, garlicky sauce will add an extra layer of flavor that brings out the richness of the spinach and feta filling, making each bite more exciting.
• Finish with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Prepare a refreshing mocktail with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of mint. This light, zesty drink will cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the pastry pinwheels.

Ways To Switch Up Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• Spicy Jalapeño Fusion: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with diced jalapeños and add cream cheese for a zesty kick. Mix in shredded cheddar and chopped cilantro to enhance the spicy profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Swap spinach with a blend of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Incorporate goat cheese and fresh thyme for a robust vegetarian option.
• Mediterranean Seafood Spin: Incorporate finely chopped cooked shrimp or crab meat into the original filling. Enhance with dill and lemon zest for a fresh coastal flavor.
• Moroccan-Inspired Version: Add ground lamb or beef to the filling with harissa paste, cumin, and mint. Sprinkle pine nuts for extra texture and authentic North African taste.

Your Questions On Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

• What makes these Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels special?

These pinwheels combine classic Mediterranean flavors like feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives in a delightful, flaky puff pastry that’s both elegant and easy to make.

• Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the log, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for parties and meal prep.

• Are these pinwheels vegetarian?

Absolutely! They’re packed with vegetarian ingredients like spinach, feta, and olives, making them a great option for vegetarian appetizers or snacks.

• What could I serve these pinwheels with?

These versatile pinwheels work great as appetizers, party snacks, or even a light lunch when paired with a simple green salad.

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mediterranean pastry pinwheels dance with herbed feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate phyllo layers that whisper Mediterranean charm. Crisp, golden spirals promise a delightful journey you’ll savor with each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry
• 1 cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ½ cup (75 grams / 2.6 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Mediterranean Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• ¼ cup (40 grams / 1.4 ounces) chopped black or Kalamata olives

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired filling by blending chopped spinach, crumbled feta, diced sun-dried tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, minced garlic, dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted work surface, transforming it into a rectangular canvas. Delicately spread the prepared filling across the dough, ensuring a clean one-inch margin along the far longitudinal edge.
3. Initiate the rolling process from the nearest long edge, carefully and tightly transforming the pastry into a compact cylindrical log. Secure the exposed edge by gently brushing with beaten egg, creating a delicate seal.
4. Chill the pastry log in the freezer for approximately 10-15 minutes to firm up the dough, which will facilitate precise cutting. Slice the log into uniform half-inch medallions, revealing the spiraled interior.
5. Position the pinwheel rounds cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each pastry. Delicately paint the exposed surfaces with additional beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.
6. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing the pinwheels to transform into puffy, bronzed delicacies over 18-22 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the Mediterranean pastry pinwheels to cool momentarily, ensuring they reach a comfortable serving temperature that highlights their intricate flavors and delicate texture.

Notes

• Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent soggy pastry, gently squeezing out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or ricotta for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the Mediterranean essence.
• Use cold puff pastry for easier handling and create crisp, flaky layers during baking by keeping the dough chilled before rolling and slicing.
• Customize the filling by adding pine nuts or chopped artichoke hearts for extra texture and Mediterranean-inspired complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg