Mediterranean Appetizer Pinwheels

These flaky, golden pinwheels are bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors—think spinach, feta, olives, and artichokes all wrapped in buttery puff pastry. They’re perfect as a party appetizer, brunch bite, or savory snack. Quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

⏱ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (optional): 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: ~35–40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup spinach, chopped and cooked (squeeze out excess water)

¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped

¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped

¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, mix the spinach, feta cheese, olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder.

Roll Out the Dough:

Lay the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it slightly to smooth out any creases.

Add the Filling:

Spread the Mediterranean mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll It Up:

Roll the pastry tightly into a log, then place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes (this helps with slicing).

Slice and Bake:

Cut the roll into ½-inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

Bake:

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Serve:

Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Mediterranean Appetizer Pinwheels are a delicious and versatile dish. Here are some tips and variations you can try:

Tips:

Use Fresh Tortillas:

Fresh flour or whole wheat tortillas work best because they are more pliable and easier to roll. If you’re using gluten-free tortillas, make sure they are soft and fresh for easier rolling.

Spread Evenly:

When spreading the cream cheese or hummus, make sure it’s an even layer across the entire tortilla. This helps prevent the filling from slipping out when you slice the pinwheels.

Chill Before Slicing:

Once you’ve assembled the pinwheels, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the pinwheels easier to cut.

Slice with a Sharp Knife:

Use a sharp knife to slice the pinwheels into neat, even pieces. You can dip the knife in water between cuts to prevent sticking.

Don’t Overstuff:

If you overstuff the pinwheels, they may be harder to roll and slice. Use moderate amounts of each ingredient to keep things tidy.

Variations:

Greek Yogurt Instead of Cream Cheese:

Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter alternative. You can mix it with herbs like dill or oregano for extra flavor.

Add Roasted Red Peppers:

Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.

Use Pita Bread Instead of Tortillas:

For an even more Mediterranean feel, use pita bread or flatbread instead of tortillas. These provide a thicker, chewier texture.

Add a Protein:

For a more filling appetizer, add grilled chicken, falafel, or even tuna salad to the pinwheels.

Swap Veggies:

Experiment with different veggies like zucchini, cucumber, or carrots to bring a new texture or taste.

Hummus Variations:

Use different hummus flavors like roasted red pepper, spicy harissa, or garlic hummus for an extra kick.

Add Feta or Olives:

Add crumbled feta cheese or sliced Kalamata olives for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Mediterranean Appetizer Pinwheels can be a nutritious option, depending on the ingredients you use. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for a typical Mediterranean pinwheel made with whole wheat tortillas, hummus, veggies, and feta cheese (per serving of 1-2 pinwheels):

Approximate Nutrition (per 1-2 pinwheels):

Calories: 100-150 kcal

Protein: 3-5g

Carbohydrates: 12-15g

Fiber: 2-3g

Sugar: 2-4g

Fat: 4-7g

Saturated Fat: 1-2g

Sodium: 200-350mg

Cholesterol: 10-15mg

Vitamin A: 10-20% DV (from veggies like spinach, red peppers)

Vitamin C: 10-15% DV (from vegetables)

Calcium: 3-6% DV (from feta cheese)

Iron: 3-6% DV (from hummus and whole wheat tortilla)