These gluten-free spinach pinwheels bring a warm and simple way to serve vegetarian party food, and the creamy filling stays tender while the pastry bakes into soft golden layers. The simple method helps you assemble a tray that fits well on food platters, and you can shape it early to keep the day calm.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
This recipe offers a smooth mix of spinach and feta wrapped in flaky gluten-free dough, and it works for both small family snacks and larger catering ideas food events. The gentle filling helps the rolls stay neat, and the gluten-free texture stays light after baking.
- Balanced spinach and feta flavor
- Gluten-free dough that stays tender
- Easy slicing for party food appetizers
- Good warm or room temperature
- Perfect addition to high tea displays
Ingredient Breakdown
These ingredients stay simple so you can roll the dough quickly, and the combination of greens and cheese brings reliable spinach and feta flavor without extra steps.
- Gluten-free puff pastry for soft layers
- Fresh spinach for mild greens
- Feta cheese for salty contrast
- Cream cheese for smooth binding
- Garlic and herbs for aroma
- Egg wash for color and shine
How to Make It
Prep
- Thaw the gluten-free puff pastry in the refrigerator until soft enough to unroll.
- Rinse and dry the spinach well to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
- Mix the spinach, feta, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs in a bowl until smooth.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook
- Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border on all edges.
- Roll the pastry tightly from the long side to form a log.
- Chill the log for 20 to 30 minutes to help the slices hold their shape.
- Slice the log into even rounds and place them on the prepared sheet.
- Brush with egg wash and bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- Cool the pinwheels for a few minutes on the sheet so they set.
- Transfer to a platter and arrange in a neat spiral pattern.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Time Saving Options
These simple steps help you prepare appetizers easy enough for busy days, and they keep the texture soft while saving time. When planning larger food platters, you can streamline a few parts without losing flavor, especially if you already enjoy make-ahead treats like new years eve cake ball drops.
- Use bagged prewashed spinach.
- Mix the filling the day before.
- Chill the rolled log overnight for quick slicing.
- Freeze unbaked slices for fast baking later.
Gluten-Free Spinach Pinwheels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thaw the gluten-free puff pastry in the refrigerator until soft enough to unroll.
- Rinse and dry the spinach well to remove extra moisture.
- Mix the spinach, feta, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs in a bowl until smooth and combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border on all sides.
- Roll the pastry tightly from the long edge to form a log and chill it for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the chilled log into even rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
- Cool slightly before serving. Arrange on a platter and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can prepare the rolled pastry a day in advance or freeze unbaked slices for easy baking later.
- Variations include adding sun-dried tomatoes, swapping feta for goat cheese, or mixing in chopped artichokes for a softer filling.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe adapts well for diy food projects, and you can adjust the filling to match your event theme. The gentle dough works with mild flavors, and it stays flexible for creative appetizer choices similar to many party friendly options.
- Add sun dried tomatoes for brightness.
- Swap feta for goat cheese for tang.
- Use chopped artichokes for a softer filling.
- Blend in fresh basil for herbal notes.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead for a large event?
You can prepare the filled log one day early and keep it chilled so the slices stay firm when you cut them. This method works well for buffets, especially when you plan several trays of party food appetizers and need everything ready to bake quickly. The dough holds its shape overnight, and the filling stays smooth without drying out, so the finished rolls keep their swirl even after reheating.
Can I freeze the pinwheels before baking?
Freezing the unbaked slices gives you a simple way to prepare for catering ideas food setups, and the pieces bake directly from frozen while keeping their golden color. Lay the slices flat on a sheet, freeze until firm, then place them in a container with parchment between layers. They will bake evenly within a few extra minutes, and the texture stays light as the steam lifts the gluten-free dough.
What can I serve with these pinwheels?
These rolls pair well with crisp salads, light dips, or small bites such as bacon wrapped little smokies for mixed platters, and the contrast of flavors creates a balanced spread. The mild spinach filling blends smoothly with both salty and creamy sides, making it easy to build a varied table without extra prep. The pinwheels sit nicely beside other appetizers and hold up well for several hours, which makes them a strong choice for events with steady foot traffic.
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free spinach pinwheels bring a gentle mix of greens and cheese that fits many occasions, and their tidy shape works for quiet nights or larger food platters. They help you build a table with color and warmth, and they pair well with other make-ahead appetizers like the cranberry pecan and cheese log to keep hosting simple.