Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible crunch, golden color, and savory filling of Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists. With flaky pastry enveloping a Mediterranean-inspired mixture of spinach, two cheeses, and aromatic spices, these twists are the very definition of crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for a party or simply a new favorite snack, these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with a handful of straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, delivering taste, texture, and that trademark appetizing look. Here’s what you’ll need for Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists:
- Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): The foundation for perfect layers of golden, flaky pastry.
- Frozen Chopped Spinach (1 cup, thawed and drained): Adds color, nutrients, and a tender earthiness—just be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (½ cup): Brings bold, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Lends a nutty richness and helps the filling hold together.
- Egg (1): Binds the filling and makes the topping glossy with a perfect sheen.
- Milk (1 tablespoon, for egg wash): Helps create an even, golden-brown finish on every twist.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the twists with a gentle savory kick.
- Dried Oregano (½ teaspoon): Delivers classic Mediterranean aroma and depth.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every flavor.
- Sesame Seeds or Poppy Seeds (optional, for topping): Sprinkled for extra crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect puff. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Flavor-Packed Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly—you want every bite to hold a bit of everything. Squeezing that spinach dry is the secret to avoiding any hint of sogginess in your pastry.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out your puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Keep the pastry cool but pliable, which ensures it’s easy to handle and puffs up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Layer and Fold
Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly across half of the pastry, leaving a small border at the edge. Gently fold the other half over the filling, like closing a big, delicious book, then press down lightly to seal everything in.
Step 5: Cut and Twist
With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the filled pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Carefully pick up each strip, give it a few twists, and arrange them on your lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each so they bake evenly.
Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with the milk to create your egg wash. Brush it generously over each twist—this is what gives them that irresistible golden sheen. For a final touch, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if you like, adding a nutty crunch and lovely pop of color.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Watch as your Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists puff up and take on a gorgeous golden hue. They’re done when the pastry is crisp, flaky, and deep golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the twists cool for a few minutes before serving. These are fantastic warm for maximum aroma, but don’t stress—they’ll still taste fantastic at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings and snack tables.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with these twists. Try a finishing sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a light dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a touch of lemon zest right before serving. Not only does this add color, but it also brightens the overall flavor.
Side Dishes
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are classics on a mezze board, and they pair beautifully with marinated olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a crunchy Greek salad. If you’re serving them as part of brunch, offer alongside a big bowl of fresh fruit or a simple tzatziki dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the twists in a spiral on a platter or stand them upright in a glass jar for a whimsical display. You can even tie a ribbon around a bundle of cooled twists for a thoughtful edible gift. Their eye-catching look will make them the star of any table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists (a rare phenomenon!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to a day, or in the fridge for 2–3 days; just be aware the pastry may soften a bit as it absorbs moisture.
Freezing
These twists are excellent for stocking ahead. To freeze, arrange baked and fully cooled twists in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just thaw at room temp before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring back their fresh-baked crispness, pop the twists in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can turn the pastry limp. From frozen, add an extra 2–3 minutes to the reheating time.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté fresh spinach until wilted, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible and chop finely. You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked, well-drained spinach for the filling.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re out of feta or prefer a milder flavor, try ricotta or goat cheese. Both offer creaminess, though goat cheese will still give a tangy note similar to feta.
Can I make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists in advance?
Definitely! Assemble and twist the pastries, then refrigerate them on a tray (covered tightly) for up to 8 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash and bake straight from the fridge when ready to serve.
How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
The key is removing as much moisture as possible from the spinach before mixing it with the cheeses. Pat it dry with paper towels or squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel, and don’t go overboard with wet ingredients in the filling.
Are Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian! Just ensure the cheeses you use are made with vegetarian rennet if that’s important for your diet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about pulling apart a Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twist, steam curling up from the flaky pastry and the aroma wafting through your kitchen. These golden beauties are always a hit—whether you’re hosting a big bash or just treating yourself. Roll up your sleeves and give them a try; you might just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these twists are a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to your appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Filling:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Optional Topping:
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix the spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, spread the spinach mixture over half, fold the other half over the filling, and cut into strips.
- Twist and Bake: Twist each strip, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out moisture from spinach.
- Great for appetizers, brunch, or snack boards.
- Consider adding cream cheese for a richer filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
