Crispy Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Flaky Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe: A Tasty Twist

Pastry lovers delight in these magical mediterranean pastry pinwheels that blend rich, tangy flavors into a compact spiral of pure deliciousness.

Layers of delicate dough wrap around savory fillings, creating a stunning appetizer that catches everyone’s eye.

The golden-brown edges promise a crisp crunch with every single bite.

Herbs and spices dance through the filling, bringing Mediterranean warmth to your table.

Each pinwheel offers a perfect balance of texture and taste that will transport you to sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

You’ll find these elegant pastries surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for casual gatherings or elegant parties.

Prepare to be the star of any culinary occasion with these irresistible pinwheels.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Mediterranean Pinwheel Snacks

For Filling Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutrient-packed base for Mediterranean flavors.
  • Feta Cheese: Brings tangy, creamy texture with traditional Greek character.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Delivers concentrated sweet-savory punch and rich Mediterranean essence.
  • Olives: Introduces briny, bold Mediterranean complexity with deep flavor undertones.
  • Garlic: Provides robust aromatic foundation and sharp flavor enhancement.
  • Oregano: Contributes authentic Mediterranean herbal notes and earthy undertones.
  • Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and warmth to balance other ingredients.
For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Creates light, flaky golden exterior with delicate layers.
For Egg Wash:
  • Egg: Helps achieve gorgeous golden-brown shine and helps seal pastry edges.
For Preparation:
  • Flour: Prevents pastry from sticking during rolling process.

Tools That Help Roll the Perfect Pinwheels

  • Baking sheet: Flat metal tray for even cooking and easy transfer.
  • Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent pastry from sticking.
  • Medium bowl: For mixing filling ingredients thoroughly.
  • Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out puff pastry smoothly.
  • Sharp knife: For precise slicing of pastry log into pinwheels.
  • Pastry brush: Used to apply beaten egg for golden finish.
  • Measuring cups/spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Freezer: Helps firm up pastry log for clean, even slices.

Baking Mediterranean Pinwheels With Flavor

  • Whip Up the Flavor Mix

Grab a bowl and combine spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, oregano, and black pepper into a mouthwatering blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Roll Out the Magic

Dust your workspace with flour and stretch the puff pastry into a tempting rectangle, creating the perfect canvas for your Mediterranean masterpiece.

  • Create the Pinwheel Swirl

Spread your flavor mix across the pastry, leaving a tiny border. Roll the pastry into a tight log, sealing the edge with a touch of beaten egg.

  • Chill and Slice

Pop the log into the freezer for a quick 10-minute chill to make slicing a breeze. Cut into delicate rounds and arrange them on a baking sheet.

  • Transform in the Oven

Brush the tops with beaten egg and slide into a preheated 375F oven. Watch as they turn golden and puffy in about 20 minutes.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let the pinwheels cool slightly, then serve these crispy, flavor-packed bites that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Perfect Tips for Your Pinwheels

  • Perfect Pinwheel Techniques: Chill the pastry log for easier, cleaner slicing without crumbling.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like basil for extra Mediterranean depth.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough for celiac-friendly version.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pastry log ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, then slice and bake when ready to serve for convenient entertaining.
  • Vegan Transformation: Swap feta with crumbled plant-based cheese, use vegan puff pastry, and replace egg wash with olive oil or plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Mediterranean Pinwheels With Style

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden pinwheels on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs for an elegant appetizer spread that'll wow guests.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Pair with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a light Greek salad to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired small plate experience.
  • Cocktail Hour Star: Serve these bite-sized pastries alongside chilled white wine or sparkling aperitif for a sophisticated pre-dinner nibble that's sure to impress.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Include these pinwheels on a weekend brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit, quiche, and mimosas for a delightful morning gathering centerpiece.

Storing Pinwheels So They Stay Flaky

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their crisp texture and delicious Mediterranean flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheel log up to 24 hours before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep refrigerated until ready to slice and bake for a convenient meal prep option.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Uncooked pinwheel rounds can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispness and prevent sogginess from microwave reheating.
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Crispy Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Crispy Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mediterranean pastry pinwheels blend savory herbs, feta cheese, and roasted vegetables into elegant spiral appetizers. Delicate phyllo layers create a crisp texture that delights guests at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup (100 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup (40 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
  • ¼ cup (40 g) chopped black or Kalamata olives
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Combine spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, garlic, oregano, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, blending until ingredients form a cohesive filling.
  2. Pastry Foundation: Dust work surface with flour and roll out puff pastry into a rectangular shape, ensuring even thickness and smooth surface.
  3. Filling Technique: Spread prepared mixture across pastry, leaving a clean 1-inch border along one long edge to facilitate precise rolling.
  4. Rolling Method: Carefully roll the pastry from the uncovered edge, creating a compact cylindrical log that encapsulates the Mediterranean-inspired filling.
  5. Sealing Process: Apply egg wash along the pastry’s seam, pressing gently to create a secure and seamless closure that maintains the pinwheel’s structural integrity.
  6. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the pastry log for 10-15 minutes to firm up the dough, enabling clean and precise cutting.
  7. Portioning Pinwheels: Slice the chilled log into uniform 1/2-inch rounds, positioning them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Pre-Baking Finish: Brush pinwheel tops with remaining egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden exterior during baking.
  9. Baking Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven for 18-22 minutes, allowing the pastries to puff and turn a rich, golden brown.
  10. Serving Suggestion: Allow pinwheels to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature, showcasing their vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Drain sun-dried tomatoes and olives thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making pastry soggy, ensuring crisp and flaky texture.
  • Optimize Pastry Rolling: Roll puff pastry evenly and gently to maintain consistent thickness, preventing uneven baking and ensuring uniform golden-brown color.
  • Chill for Precision: Freezing pastry log before slicing creates clean cuts and helps pinwheels maintain structural integrity during baking, resulting in professional-looking appetizers.
  • Adapt Dietary Needs: Substitute feta with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for dairy-free version, making recipe accessible to various dietary preferences without compromising Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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