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This Mediterranean-inspired puff pastry pinwheel recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy olives, and sweet roasted peppers creates a flavor profile that transports you straight to a Mediterranean coastline.
I first created these pinwheels for a neighborhood potluck when I needed something that could be eaten without utensils. They disappeared faster than anything else on the table, and I've been making them for gatherings ever since.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Serves as the creamy binding agent that holds everything together and provides richness
- Frozen spinach: Adds nutrition and beautiful color contrast, use well squeezed dry to prevent soggy pastry
- Marinated artichoke hearts: Bring tangy flavor, make sure to chop them finely for even distribution
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh like table salt
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory notes throughout the filling
- Puff pastry: Creates the perfect flaky golden exterior, look for all-butter versions for best flavor
- Feta cheese: Provides that distinctive Mediterranean saltiness and tang
- Kalamata olives: Deliver bold briny flavor and beautiful color, make sure they're pitted and sliced thinly
- Jarred red peppers: Contribute sweet notes and vibrant color, pat them dry to prevent sogginess
- Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly and provides a mild counterpoint to the stronger Mediterranean flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Begin by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Having everything ready before you start assembling will make the process much smoother.
- Create The Filling Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use an electric mixer on low speed to create a smooth, uniform spread. The key is ensuring no water remains in your spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
- Assemble The First Roll:
- Lay one sheet of thawed puff pastry on a clean, flat surface. Spread half of your cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, leaving about a quarter-inch border. Layer half of the feta, olives, red peppers, and Swiss cheese in even distributions across the pastry.
- Roll And Chill:
- Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one edge and rolling away from you. Apply gentle pressure to keep the roll compact. Once rolled, place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This brief chilling makes slicing much easier and helps the pinwheels hold their shape.
- Repeat The Process:
- Follow the same procedure with the second sheet of puff pastry and remaining ingredients, creating another log that also needs to chill.
- Slice And Arrange:
- Remove the chilled logs and slice into half-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Place the pinwheels on your prepared baking sheets, allowing about an inch between each for expansion during baking.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Bake in your preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. You want them golden brown with puffed, flaky layers. The filling should be hot throughout with cheese melted to perfection.
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The marinated artichoke hearts are truly the secret star of this recipe. Their tangy, slightly acidic flavor cuts through the richness of the cheeses and adds an unexpected depth. My grandmother, who spent summers in Greece, always insisted that artichokes were essential to authentic Mediterranean flavors, and she would be proud of how they shine in these pinwheels.
Make Ahead Magic
These pinwheels are perfect for planning ahead. You can assemble the logs completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them ideal for entertaining when you want to spend time with guests rather than in the kitchen. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking them straight from the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
While these pinwheels are delicious on their own, they pair beautifully with a simple tzatziki sauce for dipping. The cool cucumber yogurt sauce complements the warm, savory pastries perfectly. For a complete Mediterranean appetizer spread, serve alongside hummus, fresh vegetables, and warm pita triangles. These pinwheels also make an excellent addition to a brunch menu alongside fresh fruit.
Flavor Variations
The Mediterranean theme offers endless possibilities for customization. Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes for intense umami flavor, or incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or dill into the cream cheese mixture. For a protein boost, add finely chopped prosciutto or crispy pancetta. Vegetarians can enhance the vegetable content with finely diced zucchini or eggplant that's been lightly sautéed and cooled before adding to the filling.
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These pinwheels are a surefire hit for entertaining—they're elegant, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these Mediterranean pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Slice and bake just before serving for the freshest results. You can also completely bake them ahead, refrigerate, and then reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- → What can I substitute for artichoke hearts?
Sun-dried tomatoes make an excellent substitute for artichoke hearts in these pinwheels. You could also use roasted eggplant, sautéed mushrooms, or additional spinach if you prefer.
- → How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling while baking?
Chilling the rolled logs for at least 10 minutes before slicing is crucial as it firms up the filling. Place the pinwheels cut-side down on the baking sheet, and ensure they're at least 1 inch apart to allow for expansion without forcing them to rise upward.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta and Swiss?
Absolutely! Goat cheese works beautifully in place of feta for a tangier flavor. For the Swiss cheese, you could substitute provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyère depending on your preference. Just ensure you use a good melting cheese for the Swiss replacement.
- → How do I store leftover pinwheels?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness, or enjoy them cold as they're delicious at room temperature too.
- → Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the rolls, slice them, place on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time. Already baked pinwheels can be frozen and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.