Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels

Looking for the perfect finger food for your next gathering? These Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels will be the star of your spread! With creamy spinach dip wrapped in flaky pastry, they offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

What makes this recipe special is how the familiar taste of spinach dip transforms into an easy-to-eat treat. Each bite is packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests. Perfect for parties, game day, or casual get-togethers, this recipe is a winning choice!

Why Make This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combo: The blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach creates a rich and savory flavor in each pinwheel.
American Favorite: Spinach dip is a beloved appetizer across the U.S., making these pinwheels a familiar and crowd-pleasing choice.
Texture Highlights: The crispy outer layer of puff pastry contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual picnic, these pinwheels are perfect year-round.
Quick to Prepare: With easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time!

How to Make Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels

Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess water and fold it into the mixture until well combined.
Prepare Puff Pastry: Flour your counter and roll out the puff pastry. Spread the spinach mixture evenly on the pastry, leaving one long side empty to seal later. Roll it up tightly, like a jelly roll.
Chill and Preheat: Wrap the rolled log in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Slice and Bake: Remove the log from the fridge and slice it into half-inch rounds. Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the mixture on top for a golden finish. Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden.

Ingredients

1 bag frozen chopped spinach (10 oz) thaw it and squeeze the life out of it,
1 block cream cheese (8 oz) leave it out so it’s nice and soft,
1/2 cup grated Parmesan,
1/4 cup mayo,
1 tsp garlic powder,
1/2 tsp onion powder,
1/4 tsp black pepper,
pinch red pepper flakes if you want a little heat,
1 sheet puff pastry thawed but still cold,
1 egg for brushing

Directions

"Step 1 grab a bowl and throw in cream cheese, parmesan, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper. Now the spinach, squeeze it till no water comes out at all, then toss it in and mix everything up till it looks even."
"Step 2 flour your counter, roll out the puff pastry, and spread the spinach mix all over it, but leave one long side empty so it can seal later. Roll it up like a jelly roll nice and tight."
"Step 3 wrap the log in plastic, chuck it in the fridge for half an hour so it firms up. Turn the oven on to 400F while you wait."
"Step 4 take the log out, slice it into half-inch rounds, and stick them on a baking sheet with parchment. Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush it on top. Bake 15–20 min till they puff up and go golden."

How to Serve Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels

Best Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with an assortment of dipping sauces, like ranch or marinara.
Pairing Ideas: These pinwheels pair well with wine, beer, or fizzy drinks for a fun gathering.
Tips for Presentation: Arrange them on a colorful platter and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Seasonal Variations: Add seasonal vegetables like roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh twist!

How to Store Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels

Fridge Instructions: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze them before baking for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating Methods: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Shelf Life: Best consumed within a few days of baking for optimal flavor and texture.
Safety Notes: Ensure to store leftover pinwheels promptly and follow food safety guidelines.

Tips to Make Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels Perfect

Expert Cooking Tips: Always squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to avoid soggy pinwheels.
Common Mistakes: Avoid overfilling the puff pastry, which can lead to leaking during baking.
Enhancements to Improve Flavor: Add in some freshly chopped herbs or exchange Parmesan for feta cheese for a different twist.
Texture Control Tips: Ensure the cream cheese is sufficiently softened for an even blend in the filling.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for those who love a kick!
Kid-Friendly Version: Substitute spinach with finely chopped broccoli or a mild cheese blend.
Budget Version: Use store-brand ingredients without sacrificing taste for a more economical option.
Healthy Version: Swap out the puff pastry for whole wheat tortillas for a lighter bite.
Seasonal Twist: Incorporate a layer of sautéed mushrooms or seasonal squash to the filling.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheel log and wrap it in plastic wrap, storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels for later.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen spinach?
To thaw frozen spinach, place it in a colander and run cold water over it. Once thawed, squeeze out as much water as possible with a clean kitchen towel for the best texture.

Are these pinwheels suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can make these pinwheels gluten-free by using gluten-free puff pastry or even using a rice-based or corn tortilla as a substitute.

Can I use fresh spinach instead?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it until wilted before squeezing out the moisture and incorporating it into the filling.

What dipping sauces go well with these pinwheels?
These pinwheels taste great with various dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick.

Closing

Try making these Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels for your next gathering! They’re easy to prepare, delicious, and bound to be a hit. Share them with your friends and family, or save the recipe for later—your taste buds will thank you!