Name: Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained well; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash; sesame seeds, optional for topping

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If you’ve ever craved the warm, flaky comfort of Greek spanakopita but didn’t want to deal with dozens of layers of phyllo, say hello to your new favorite snack: Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls. These beauties take all the classic flavors—earthy spinach, briny feta, fresh herbs—pack them into tender puff pastry, and bake up into golden, crispy spirals that are almost impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer that always gets rave reviews, a vibrant addition to your brunch spread, or simply a make-ahead treat to stash in the freezer, these swirls never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls is refreshingly short but each component is truly essential. From the buttery puff pastry to the bright dill, every item brings something memorable to the flavor, texture, and lush green color that makes these swirls a showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Puff Pastry Sheets: These provide all the flaky, buttery layers without any fuss—just thaw and roll!
Olive Oil: Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil draws out a mellow richness essential for the spanakopita flavor.
Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the savory filling.
Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic note you’ll miss if you skip it!
Frozen Spinach: Convenient and packed with nutrition; make sure to drain it well to avoid soggy swirls.
Feta Cheese: Brings the classic tangy bite you expect in any spanakopita-inspired bite.
Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of umami and a hint of nutty sharpness.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill lifts up all the flavors with its unmistakable bright, herby pop.
Dried Oregano: Adds a Mediterranean note that ties everything together.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the filling.
Egg (for egg wash): Gives every swirl a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.
Sesame Seeds (optional): For a bit of crunch and traditional Greek flair on top.

How to Make Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls won’t stick and will bake to a perfect golden brown. Take a quick moment to make sure your puff pastry has thawed, too—it’s key for easy handling.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it gently soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute more. This process lays the foundation for that signature savory flavor found in original spanakopita.

Step 3: Add and Prep the Spinach

Next, stir in the thawed and well-drained spinach. This is your moment to be diligent—extra moisture is the enemy of crisp, flaky pastry! Let the mixture cook until any remaining water in the spinach has evaporated, then remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. Cooling the filling will prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy or melting.

Step 4: Mix Up the Filling

In a large bowl, blend together your cooled spinach mixture, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, fresh dill, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until well combined—the blend should look marbled with herbs and cheese, and will smell positively mouthwatering.

Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Slice the Swirls

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one sheet of puff pastry just to smooth out any seams. Evenly spread half of the spinach filling all over the pastry, leaving a slight border at the edges. Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, starting from the long side. With a sharp knife, slice the log into 1-inch rounds. Repeat this process with your second pastry sheet and the rest of the filling.

Step 6: Arrange and Finish for Baking

Arrange all the spinach-flecked swirls, cut side up, on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with an egg wash to guarantee a glossy, irresistible crust. For a final flourish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’d like a little crunch and visual flair.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deeply golden, beautifully puffed, and making your kitchen smell intoxicatingly savory. Serve them warm straight from the oven for ultimate comfort, or let them cool for an easy-to-share snack.

How to Serve Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls

Garnishes

Elevate your Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls by showering them with a handful of fresh chopped dill or parsley right before serving. A sprinkle of extra feta or a light dusting of grated Parmesan also adds a delicious final touch. If you like a little zest, a few drops of lemon juice can brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these golden spirals with a crisp Greek salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside a bowl of cool, garlicky tzatziki for dipping. For brunch, they shine next to sliced tomatoes and olives or nestled into a colorful Mediterranean mezze spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the swirls in concentric circles on a large platter and tuck in a few wedges of lemon or sprigs of dill for an inviting, rustic look. For picnics, pack them in parchment-lined baskets. Hosting a brunch buffet? Pop them onto a tiered cake stand—they’re just as pretty as they are tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent any condensation from making them soggy. These swirls are just as lovely the next day, especially when re-crisped in the oven.

Freezing

For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the unbaked swirls and freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or container and they’ll keep for up to two months. Bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly crisp results.

Reheating

To reheat, skip the microwave and go for a quick 5-10 minute blast in a 350°F (175°C) oven. This will restore their signature crispness and fluffiness. If you like, you can pop them under the broiler for the last minute to get those tops extra golden.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure to sauté it down and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the cheeses and herbs. You’ll need about a pound of fresh spinach to equal the amount in the recipe once cooked and drained.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

The secret is to eliminate excess liquid from the spinach filling. Thaw frozen spinach thoroughly and squeeze out all the water. Additionally, let the spinach mixture cool before spreading it onto the pastry to preserve that crisp, flaky finish.

Can I make Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls in advance?

Yes, these are fantastic for making ahead! Prepare and slice the unbaked swirls, then refrigerate or freeze them. When ready, simply bake straight from the fridge or freezer for effortless entertaining.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can experiment with your favorite non-dairy cheeses such as vegan feta and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The texture will be a little different, but the herby, savory profile is still delicious.

Can I serve these at room temperature?

Definitely! While warm Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are irresistible, they taste wonderful at room temperature too, making them perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or a potluck where oven space is at a premium.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about a tray of Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls—the combination of buttery pastry, savory cheese, and fresh herbs is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a swirl as a cook’s treat, don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect. Give these a go and let your kitchen be filled with the irresistible scents (and smiles) that only homemade treats can bring!

Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 20 swirls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are a delightful twist on the classic Greek spinach pie. Flaky puff pastry is filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs, then rolled into bite-sized swirls for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other:

1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash
sesame seeds, optional for topping

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Mix Spinach Filling: Stir in spinach and cook until moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and cool slightly. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture with feta, Parmesan, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Pastry: Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. Spread half the spinach filling on the sheet. Roll up the pastry and slice into rounds. Repeat with the second pastry sheet and filling.
Bake Swirls: Arrange swirls on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.