Description
Elegant appetizer featuring flaky pastry and a savory spinach and feta filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet (about 9 x 12 in) puff pastry, thawed but cold
- 8 oz fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thoroughly drained)
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley), finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add shallot and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add spinach and wilt until just soft. Season lightly, then transfer to a sieve and press out all excess moisture with the back of a spoon.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine squeezed spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, and chopped herbs. Stir until the mixture is cohesive but still slightly textured; adjust pepper.
- Roll the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll the cold puff pastry into a roughly 12 x 10-inch rectangle.
- Assemble: Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Gently roll the pastry into a tight log from the long side, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg. Chill the log for 15–20 minutes.
- Slice and finish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled log into 12–16 rounds about 1/2-inch thick. Arrange cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle seeds if using.
- Bake: Bake 12–16 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the log for cleaner slices and to maintain pastry texture. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest for brightness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg