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
- 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.
- Pastry Foundation: Dust work surface with flour and roll out puff pastry into a rectangular shape, ensuring even thickness and smooth surface.
- Filling Technique: Spread prepared mixture across pastry, leaving a clean 1-inch border along one long edge to facilitate precise rolling.
- Rolling Method: Carefully roll the pastry from the uncovered edge, creating a compact cylindrical log that encapsulates the Mediterranean-inspired filling.
- 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.
- Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the pastry log for 10-15 minutes to firm up the dough, enabling clean and precise cutting.
- Portioning Pinwheels: Slice the chilled log into uniform 1/2-inch rounds, positioning them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Pre-Baking Finish: Brush pinwheel tops with remaining egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden exterior during baking.
- Baking Transformation: Bake in a preheated 375F (190C) oven for 18-22 minutes, allowing the pastries to puff and turn a rich, golden brown.
- 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