These Spinach Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are buttery, cheesy, and just the right mix of savory and sweet.
The puff pastry bakes into golden, flaky layers wrapped around a creamy filling with tangy feta, tart cranberries, and spinach.
They look fancy, but they’re actually quick and easy to make.
Perfect for parties, holiday spreads, or just when you want something a little special.
What You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made these for so many gatherings, and they disappear fast. The mix of flavors feels festive and balanced—the sweetness of cranberries, the tang of feta, and the richness of puff pastry.
- Looks like a bakery treat, but you can whip them up in 20 minutes
- Perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky
- Easy to prep ahead and bake fresh when needed
- Makes a great appetizer that everyone loves
Servings and Time
Servings: 12 pinwheels
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Macros (Per Pinwheel)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Puff pastry puffs up because the thin layers of butter trapped inside release steam in the oven, creating flaky layers. Cream cheese acts like glue to hold the spinach, feta, and cranberries together. The egg wash gives the pastry a glossy golden finish while helping the layers seal.
Common Mistakes
- Using frozen pastry straight from the freezer: It must be thawed but still cold.
- Overstuffing: Too much filling makes them messy and hard to roll.
- Skipping the egg wash: You’ll lose that golden shine.
- Not chilling before slicing: A quick chill helps the roll stay tight and neat.
What to Serve With
- A holiday charcuterie board
- Warm soups like tomato basil or butternut squash
- Fresh salads with citrus dressing
- Sparkling drinks for a festive vibe
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out all the liquid first.
Can I swap the feta?
Goat cheese works beautifully, or even cream cheese only.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes—assemble, chill, and slice. Bake just before serving.
Do they reheat well?
Yes! Pop in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp back up.
Substitutions and Variations
- Try goat cheese instead of feta
- Use dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries
- Add toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Mix in caramelized onions for a richer flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Rolling pin (if pastry needs smoothing)
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet with parchment paper
Make Ahead Tips
- Assemble the roll, wrap in plastic, and chill for up to 24 hours before baking
- You can also freeze the unbaked roll—slice and bake straight from frozen (add 3–4 minutes to cook time)
- Baked pinwheels can be reheated in the oven before serving
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup chopped spinach, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries, and 2 tbsp softened cream cheese until evenly combined.
Step 2: Spread on Puff Pastry
Lay out 1 thawed sheet of puff pastry on a flat surface. Spread the spinach, cranberry, and feta mixture evenly across the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Brush the edge with a little beaten egg to seal. Chill the roll for 10 minutes, then slice into 12 even rounds.
Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels
Arrange pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy warm.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp up again
- Freeze unbaked slices on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months—bake straight from frozen
Wrap-Up
These Spinach Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are flaky, cheesy, tangy, and just plain delicious. They’re a breeze to make but feel like something you’d find at a bakery. Give them a try for your next gathering and let me know how they turn out!