Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
If you’re searching for a snack that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists. These golden, flaky twists are loaded with savory spinach, tangy feta, and a hint of garlic, making them irresistibly flavorful. They’re not only ridiculously easy to make but also eye-catchingly pretty on any party platter, brunch table, or as a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee. Whether you’re new to puff pastry or a seasoned baking enthusiast, you’ll love the taste and simplicity of this Mediterranean-inspired delight—one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists is in their short and sweet ingredient list. Each component plays a starring role, contributing something unique to the texture, flavor, or irresistible golden color of each twist. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
- Puff pastry: The crisp, flaky base that turns gorgeously golden in the oven and provides the irresistible crunch for each bite.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Adds vibrant green flecks and earthy notes; make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid so the pastry stays crisp.
- Feta cheese: Salty and creamy, this cheese is a classic pairing with spinach and delivers rich Mediterranean flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, umami boost and helps brown the tops beautifully.
- Egg: Brushed on top, it creates a shiny, golden finish no one can resist.
- Garlic powder: Subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the filling—a little goes a long way!
- Black pepper: Just a touch to season and enhance all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (optional): A must if you’re using fresh spinach, adding flavor and helping wilt the leaves perfectly.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Getting your tray ready in advance ensures those twists don’t stick, making cleaning up a breeze later.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
If you’re going the fresh spinach route, heat the olive oil in a skillet and sauté the leaves until just wilted, then let them cool and chop finely. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out every bit of liquid—the drier, the better for crisp pastry layers.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and combine your spinach, crumbled feta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a fork to gently toss everything together so the cheeses are evenly dispersed with the spinach. This mixture is where the magic (and flavor!) happens.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface, then unroll your thawed puff pastry into a nice rectangle. Evenly spread your spinach and cheese mixture over half of the pastry, taking it almost to the edges. Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling, sandwiching it gently. Run a rolling pin lightly over the top to flatten it a bit and seal the layers together.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry sandwich into strips about 1 inch wide. Carefully take each strip and give it a few gentle twists—this is what creates those beautiful spirals that bake up so impressively.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Place your twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, which guarantees a deeply golden, shiny crust. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the twists are puffed up and deeply golden. Let them cool just a bit before serving, though they’re hard to resist straight from the oven!
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Garnishes
Give your twists an extra dash of flair by sprinkling them with a little more grated Parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes right out of the oven. Finely chopped fresh parsley or dill also makes a lovely, fresh finishing touch that really pops against the golden pastry.
Side Dishes
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists go beautifully with a crisp green salad, a tray of marinated olives, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad. For brunch, pair with a cup of creamy tomato soup or a platter of roasted veggies for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the twists in a criss-cross tower for a fun appetizer centerpiece, or serve them standing upright in a tall glass or jar for grab-and-go snacking. You can also arrange them in a star or sunburst shape on a platter for an eye-catching party display that spotlights your homemade Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any twists left (which is rare!), let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three days at room temperature, but for maximum crispness, enjoy within 24 hours.
Freezing
To freeze, first let your Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with a bit of parchment. Freeze for up to two months. When a snack attack strikes, you’ll be so glad you have them ready to go!
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, reheat twists in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up and be every bit as delicious as the first day. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply sauté your fresh spinach until wilted, then let it cool and chop before using. Just make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture to keep your pastry crisp.
What’s the best way to thaw puff pastry?
Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results. If you’re in a rush, lay it out on the counter for 30–40 minutes, but don’t let it sit too long or it could get sticky and hard to handle.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the feta for goat cheese for a creamier filling, or try using ricotta with extra Parmesan for a milder flavor profile. The cheese choice makes the Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists your own.
How do I keep the twists crispy after baking?
Let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness if needed.
Are Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists suitable for freezing before baking?
It’s best to freeze them after baking. Freezing unbaked pastry can affect texture, but if you must, flash-freeze the raw twists on a tray before packing and bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
Spending a few minutes in the kitchen yields a tray full of crispy, savory Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists that are just begging to be shared. Whether served for a cozy family gathering or as the star at your next get-together, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
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Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful combination of savory flavors wrapped in crispy puff pastry. Perfect for a party appetizer or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Spinach Mixture:
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for sautéing fresh spinach)
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Spinach Mixture: Mix spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Roll Out Pastry: Roll out puff pastry into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Add Filling: Spread spinach mixture on half of the pastry, then fold the other half over it.
- Cut and Twist: Cut into strips, twist each strip, and place on the baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush twists with beaten egg and bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Perfect for appetizers or brunch.
- Add chili flakes for heat or use goat cheese for a creamier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
