Delight in these Spinach Feta Pinwheels, a perfect appetizer or snack featuring a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic, all rolled up in a soft tortilla. These pinwheels are simple to make and are sure to impress at any gathering, making them suitable for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These pinwheels come together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of fresh spinach and creamy feta delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as finger foods at parties or as a light lunch option; they fit any occasion!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and low-fat cream cheese, these pinwheels offer a nutritious snack alternative.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and chill before serving, saving you time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Spinach Feta Pinwheels, having the right tools will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without making a mess.
- Plastic wrap: Helps keep the pinwheels tightly wrapped while chilling, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing the pinwheels so they look appealing on the platter.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas
How to Make Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined into a cohesive filling.
Step 2: Spread the Mixture
Lay a tortilla on a flat surface. Evenly spread about ¼ of the spinach and feta mixture over the surface of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 3: Roll the Pinwheels
Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly away from you. Ensure that the filling stays inside. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling mixture.
Step 4: Chill
Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up; this makes it easier to slice.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator. Unwrap each roll and slice into 1-inch wide pinwheels. Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
How to Serve Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Spinach Feta Pinwheels are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will make your pinwheels a hit at any gathering.
As Part of a Platter
- Cheese Board: Pair your pinwheels with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and fruits for a colorful spread.
- Veggie Tray: Serve with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes, along with a dip.
Dipping Sauces
- Tzatziki Sauce: This refreshing yogurt-based sauce complements the flavors of the spinach and feta beautifully.
- Hummus: A creamy hummus adds an extra layer of flavor and pairs well with the Mediterranean theme.
For Brunch
- Egg Dishes: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata for a delicious brunch option.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the savory pinwheels perfectly.
As Party Appetizers
- Cocktail Drinks: These pinwheels pair wonderfully with cocktails or mocktails, adding a fun touch to your appetizer table.
- Buffet Style: Set them out on a buffet table for guests to grab as they mingle.
How to Perfect Spinach Feta Pinwheels
To ensure your Spinach Feta Pinwheels turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality feta cheese make all the difference in flavor.
- bold Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing; this will help create a smooth filling.
- bold Roll Tightly: When rolling the tortillas, make sure they are tight enough to keep the filling secure but not so tight that they burst.
- bold Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the rolled pinwheels for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and maintain their shape when sliced.
- bold Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for added flavor variations.
- bold Keep it Simple: Don’t overload the tortillas with filling; less is more for easier rolling and slicing.
Best Side Dishes for Spinach Feta Pinwheels
Pairing side dishes with your Spinach Feta Pinwheels can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement these tasty snacks.
- bold Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
- bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add a healthy side option.
- bold Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon makes a light yet filling accompaniment.
- bold Pita Bread & Dip: Serve warm pita bread alongside hummus or baba ganoush for dipping pleasure.
- bold Stuffed Grape Leaves: These traditional Mediterranean bites bring additional flavors that pair well with pinwheels.
- bold Mixed Olives: A simple bowl of marinated olives provides a briny contrast to the creamy pinwheels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Spinach Feta Pinwheels is simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using stale tortillas: Always choose fresh tortillas for a better texture. Stale tortillas can cause your pinwheels to crack when rolling.
- Overfilling the tortilla: Adding too much filling makes it hard to roll tightly. Use only about ¼ of the mixture per tortilla for the best results.
- Not chilling before slicing: Skipping the chilling step can result in messy pinwheels. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to set properly.
- Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned filling may taste bland. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Cutting too thickly: If you slice the pinwheels too thick, they can be difficult to eat. Aim for 1-inch wide slices for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Wrap each pinwheel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Best if used within 2 months.
Reheating Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spinach Feta Pinwheels?
Spinach Feta Pinwheels are savory snacks made with fresh spinach, feta cheese, and cream cheese rolled in tortillas. They make great appetizers!
Can I make Spinach Feta Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
How do I customize my Spinach Feta Pinwheels?
Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor. You can also use different cheeses.
Are Spinach Feta Pinwheels healthy?
These pinwheels are made with fresh ingredients and can be a nutritious snack option. They provide vitamins from spinach and protein from cheese.
What drinks pair well with Spinach Feta Pinwheels?
These appetizers pair nicely with refreshing beverages like lemonade, iced tea, or even white wine for adult gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Feta Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize them with various ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering; it’s sure to impress everyone!
Spinach Feta Pinwheels
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in the deliciousness of Spinach Feta Pinwheels, a quick and easy appetizer that is sure to impress at any gathering. These savory rolls are packed with fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and a hint of garlic, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers, they offer a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. With only 15 minutes of prep time, these healthy pinwheels make for an ideal last-minute snack option. Serve them as finger foods or alongside your favorite dips; their versatility makes them a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a surface and spread about ¼ of the filling evenly over it.
- Starting from one end, tightly roll the tortilla away from you to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Wrap each rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, unwrap and slice into 1-inch pinwheels. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking involved
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels (60g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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