Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, you’ve got to try my Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe. These little bites are packed with creamy, garlicky spinach goodness wrapped in flaky puff pastry that browns up beautifully in the oven. I promise, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for parties, game nights, or even a simple snack to impress your family. They’re fun to make and even better to eat — let me walk you through how to nail this recipe every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Elegance: Puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting with its flaky layers, so you look like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.
  • Creamy Spinach Filling: The combo of cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach is seriously addictive — it’s like your favorite spinach dip reinvented.
  • Perfect Party Bites: These pinwheels are bite-sized and easy to eat, making them fantastic for mingling and sharing.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep them in advance, chill them, then bake when ready, which totally saves you last-minute stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward and honestly, super budget-friendly. Each one plays a key role—you’ll want to pick a good quality cream cheese because that’s the base of your dip, and don’t skip squeezing every bit of water from the spinach or it’ll make your pastry soggy.

Flat lay of a block of soft cream cheese, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of smooth mayonnaise, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a simple white ceramic bowl containing fresh chopped spinach, a sheet of cold puff pastry dough on a white ceramic plate, and one whole uncracked brown egg in a white bowl, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spinach Dip Pinwheels, spinach puff pastry appetizers, easy spinach dip snacks, party spinach pinwheels, healthy spinach appetizer
  • Frozen chopped spinach: Thaw it completely and squeeze out all the moisture; this keeps the filling creamy without sogginess.
  • Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing—this is the richness that binds everything.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor that complements the spinach perfectly.
  • Mayonnaise: Brings extra creaminess and a subtle tang, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt if you prefer.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices pack flavor without overwhelming the dip or adding chunks.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, to brighten up the flavors.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick — my family loves when I throw in a pinch!
  • Puff pastry sheet: Thawed but still cold is key so it rolls easily and bakes flaky.
  • Egg: For brushing on top to get that golden shiny finish that looks as good as it tastes.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with my Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe based on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak the filling or the crust to make it your own—you’ll find that pinwheels are an incredibly versatile base for flavor experiments.

  • Adding chopped artichokes: Once, I mixed in some finely chopped marinated artichokes, and it took the flavor to another level—think spinach-artichoke dip vibes!
  • Using whole wheat puff pastry: For a nuttier, heartier bite, swapping in whole wheat pastry worked well, though it’s a tiny bit denser.
  • Spice it up: If you like bold flavors, stirring in some smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the spinach mix gives a nice twist.
  • Make it vegan: Try vegan cream cheese and skip the egg wash or use a little soy milk for brushing – I haven’t tried vegan puff pastry myself but it’s worth experimenting with!

How to Make Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Mix together the creamy spinach filling

Grab a bowl and toss in the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Now, remember that spinach – it’s crucial to squeeze out every bit of water so your filling isn’t watery (something I learned the hard way!). Once that’s bone dry, add it to the bowl and stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended, with no lumps. You want a creamy texture that’s spreadable and uniform.

Step 2: Spread and roll your puff pastry

Lightly flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry sheet just a little to smooth out any creases. Spread your spinach filling evenly over the pastry, but be sure to leave a long edge free of filling — about an inch or so — that will help seal the roll later. Then, starting from the filled edge, roll it up jelly-roll style nice and tight. If you don’t roll it firmly enough, the filling can spill out during baking.

Step 3: Chill the roll to set the shape

Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is a game changer—I used to skip it, but letting it firm up helps the pastry keep its shape during slicing and baking. While it chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Slice and bake to golden perfection

Once chilled, unwrap your roll and slice it into half-inch thick rounds with a sharp knife (a serrated knife works wonders here). Lay them cut side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to puff. Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush each pinwheel to get that irresistible golden gloss. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until you see them puff up and turn beautifully golden—you’ll know they’re done when the edges are crisp and the filling is heated through.

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Pro Tips for Making Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

  • Drain the Spinach Thoroughly: Squeezing the spinach dry is crucial—excess water leads to soggy pastry, and trust me, it’s worth the effort to get it right.
  • Use Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the pastry cold until you roll and bake; if it warms up too much, it gets sticky and hard to work with.
  • Sharp Knife for Clean Slices: A really sharp knife prevents squishing the roll while slicing, keeping your pinwheels neat and uniform.
  • Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the rolled log helps keep the shape and ensures prettier, puffier pinwheels.

How to Serve Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

This close-up image shows a pile of spiral rolls with three main layers visible in each piece. The outer layer is light golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, wrapping around a creamy white middle layer that looks soft and smooth. Inside this creamy layer, there is a dark green leafy layer, possibly spinach, arranged in a spiral forming the innermost part of each roll. The rolls are stacked closely together on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the varying textures from crispy edges to creamy filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spinach Dip Pinwheels, spinach puff pastry appetizers, easy spinach dip snacks, party spinach pinwheels, healthy spinach appetizer

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or finely chopped fresh parsley on top right after baking—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil can be a lovely finishing touch too, especially if I’m serving these warm right out of the oven.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a fresh vegetable platter. I love serving them alongside some roasted red pepper dip or a zesty marinara for extra dipping fun. For a heartier spread, you can also add some sliced olives, cheese cubes, and cured meats.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the pinwheels upright in a round platter to mimic a blooming flower—looks stunning and makes grabbing one so easy. Another fun idea is to thread the pinwheels onto decorative skewers paired with grape tomatoes or olives for cute mini kabobs that are irresistibly fun to snack on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pinwheels store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in a toaster oven or regular oven to bring back the crispiness—microwaving tends to make the pastry chewy, which is less delightful.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the rolled dough log before slicing several times with great success. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, slice, and bake as usual. This saves tons of time when planning ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. This way, you keep that flaky texture and avoid any sogginess that comes with the microwave.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, just sauté it briefly until wilted, then drain and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing with the other ingredients. This prevents sogginess and keeps the filling creamy.

  2. How do I prevent the pinwheels from getting soggy?

    The key is removing excess moisture from the spinach and chilling the rolled pastry before slicing and baking. Also, don’t overload the filling—spread it evenly and leave a border to allow the dough to seal properly.

  3. Can I make Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the filled and rolled pinwheel log, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining with less last-minute prep.

  4. What if I don’t have puff pastry on hand?

    Puff pastry is ideal for that flaky, buttery texture, but you might try phyllo dough layers with butter or even crescent roll dough for a similar handheld snack—though the texture and flavor will change slightly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those recipes I’m so happy to share because it’s accessible, quick, and yields impressive results without drama. I started making these when I wanted something fresh beyond your typical chip-and-dip, and now they’re a staple at our house—my family literally goes crazy for them. If you want a tasty, flaky treat packed with savory, creamy spinach flavor, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to impress everyone around your table.

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Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

Spinach Dip Pinwheels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 764 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels are perfect savory appetizers combining a creamy spinach and cheese filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Easy to make and ideal for parties or snacks, they bake up golden and delicious with a touch of garlic and Parmesan flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz), thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove all water
  • 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
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Pastry & Finishing

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold
  • 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water (for egg wash)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Squeeze the thawed spinach until all water is expelled, then add it to the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and smooth.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the pastry, leaving one long edge free of filling. This edge will help seal the pinwheels when rolled.
  3. Form the Log and Chill: Carefully roll the puff pastry with the filling into a tight jelly roll, starting from the filled edge and rolling toward the empty side. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, which helps with easier slicing and prevents filling from spilling out.
  4. Preheat and Slice: While the roll chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once chilled, unwrap the log and slice it into half-inch thick rounds. Place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
  5. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels puff up and turn golden brown.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach to prevent soggy pinwheels.
  • You can add extra spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for different flavor variations.
  • Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
  • These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
  • Use gluten-free puff pastry if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pinwheels
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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