Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels: A Breezy, Savory Recipe

Twirling with flavor, these mediterranean pastry pinwheels dance across your plate like culinary ballerinas.

Crisp layers promise delightful surprises in every bite.

Mediterranean ingredients whisper stories of sunny coastlines and vibrant markets.

Flaky pastry embraces savory fillings that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Delicate spirals pack bold Mediterranean traditions into compact, irresistible packages.

Spices weave intricate patterns through buttery dough, creating a sensory experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

You won’t be able to resist these delectable little miracles that bring the essence of Mediterranean cuisine right to your kitchen.

How to Bake Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels with Ease

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Filling

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • Sliced kalamata olives
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Mix ingredients until perfectly blended and fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Dust work surface with light flour.

Gently unroll puff pastry sheet.

Roll into a rectangular shape.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Goodness

Spread filling evenly across pastry surface.

Leave small border along one long edge.

Step 4: Roll Into Delightful Spirals

Begin rolling from long edge without border.

Create tight, compact log.

Brush final edge with beaten egg to seal.

Chill log in freezer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Shape Pinwheel Medallions

Remove log from freezer.

Slice into half-inch thick rounds.

Arrange cut-side up on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush pinwheel tops with additional beaten egg.

Slide into preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake until golden and gorgeously puffy, approximately 18-22 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let pinwheels cool slightly.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Watch guests devour these Mediterranean delights!

Tips to Make Mediterranean Pinwheels Even Better

  • Maximize Flavor Blend: Mix filling ingredients thoroughly to ensure each bite bursts with Mediterranean tastes.
  • Chill Before Slicing: Freeze the pastry log briefly to get clean, precise cuts without squishing the delicate layers.
  • Perfect Egg Wash Technique: Brush pastry tops gently with beaten egg for a shiny, golden-brown finish that looks professionally baked.
  • Customize Filling Options: Swap ingredients like replacing spinach with kale or adding pine nuts for personal dietary preferences or creative twists.
  • Serve Smart: Let pinwheels rest for a few minutes after baking to stabilize their structure and enhance overall texture and taste.

Save and Reheat Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Properly

  • Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm pinwheels at 350F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Place pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before reheating. This method helps restore their original golden-brown crunch.

Perfect Pairings for Mediterranean Pinwheels

  • Enjoy a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the rich, salty flavors of feta and sun-dried tomatoes while complementing the herbal notes of oregano.
  • Toss together a light Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing to balance the pastry's richness and add freshness to the meal.
  • Serve a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping, providing a smooth, garlicky counterpoint to the crispy, savory pinwheels and enhancing the Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Serve with a light sparkling wine like Prosecco or a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the pastry's delicate, flaky texture.

Creative Spins on Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free phyllo dough or almond flour-based pastry for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Mediterranean Pinwheels: Swap feta cheese with firm tofu or cashew cheese, using nutritional yeast for extra flavor and maintaining the Mediterranean profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute puff pastry with thin zucchini or eggplant slices, rolling them with traditional Mediterranean filling for a vegetable-based alternative.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add cooked quinoa or diced grilled chicken to the filling for increased protein content, creating a more substantial appetizer or light meal.

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels: Frequently Asked Questions

  • What ingredients make the filling unique?

The combination of spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives creates a bold Mediterranean flavor profile with tangy and rich taste notes.

  • Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the log and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This allows for easy prep and convenience.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these pinwheels?

No special equipment is required. A basic rolling pin, baking sheet, and parchment paper are all you need to create these delicious pastries.

  • Are these pinwheels vegetarian?

Yes, these Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels are completely vegetarian, featuring a filling made of vegetables, cheese, and herbs without any meat ingredients.

Why Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Are Tasty

  • Mediterranean pinwheels deliver restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen skills needed.
  • These pastry rolls take just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute party prep.
  • Easily customize the filling by swapping ingredients like switching olives or experimenting with different cheeses to match personal preferences or dietary needs.
  • Prepare these elegant pinwheels ahead of time by assembling and chilling the log, then slice and bake right before serving- impressing guests without kitchen stress.

What’s Inside Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Tender, flaky foundation for the Mediterranean-inspired pinwheels, best when using all-butter variety.
Main Filling Components:
  • Spinach, Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olives: Classic Mediterranean flavor combination, providing rich and tangy taste profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic punch to the filling.
  • Oregano: Traditional Mediterranean herb with robust, earthy notes.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
Binding and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps seal pastry roll and creates golden, shiny exterior when brushed on top.
Preparation Extras:
  • Flour: Used for light dusting when rolling out pastry.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during baking.
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Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delightful Mediterranean Pastry Pinwheels bring Mediterranean charm to your appetizer table, offering a delectable blend of rich flavors and elegant presentation. Crisp, flaky layers combined with savory herb-infused filling promise a delicious journey through Mediterranean culinary traditions you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (75 grams) crumbled feta cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ¼ cup (40 grams) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
  • ¼ cup (40 grams) chopped black or Kalamata olives
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired mixture by blending spinach, crumbled feta, diced sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, minced garlic, aromatic oregano, and a sprinkle of black pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients harmonize seamlessly.
  2. Transform your workspace into a culinary canvas by lightly dusting a clean surface with flour, then gently unfurl the delicate puff pastry into a rectangular shape approximately 10-12 inches wide.
  3. Artfully distribute the prepared filling across the pastry’s surface, carefully preserving a pristine 1-inch border along one elongated edge to ensure clean rolling.
  4. Embark on the rolling technique by initiating from the uncovered long edge, meticulously coiling the pastry into a tight cylindrical form, creating a elegant pinwheel log.
  5. Secure the pastry’s seam using a delicate egg wash, pressing gently to create a perfect seal that will hold the intricate layers together.
  6. Expedite the slicing process by briefly chilling the pastry log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, which will enhance precision and structural integrity.
  7. Slice the chilled log into elegant 1/2-inch rounds, positioning them cut-side upward on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Enhance the pastry’s golden potential by tenderly brushing the pinwheel tops with remaining beaten egg, creating a lustrous finish.
  9. Nestle the pinwheels into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing them to transform into golden, puffy delicacies over 18-22 minutes.
  10. Permit the pinwheels a brief moment to cool, then serve either warmly or at ambient temperature, celebrating their Mediterranean-inspired essence.

Notes

  • Customize the filling by swapping spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
  • Reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium feta cheese and rinsing the olives before chopping to cut down on salt.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative or using phyllo dough for a lighter texture.
  • Prep the pinwheels ahead of time by assembling and freezing the log, then slicing and baking directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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