Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls
Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls are a flaky, savory appetizer or snack inspired by classic Greek spanakopita but made easier with puff pastry. These golden rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic—all wrapped in buttery, crisp pastry. They’re perfect for parties, brunch, or as a grab-and-go lunch with a side salad.
Whether you serve them hot out of the oven or at room temperature, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Total Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and cooled)
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
1 large egg, beaten (reserve 1 tbsp for brushing the pastry)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a traditional touch)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, feta, ricotta (if using), Parmesan, egg (reserve 1 tbsp for brushing), garlic, herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Rolls:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12 inch rectangle.
Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side.
Roll the pastry up tightly from the filled long side, like a jelly roll, sealing the edge with a little water.
Slice & Brush:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with the reserved egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Optional Additions:
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives to the filling.
Use goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Mix in pine nuts for extra texture.
Tips
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly:
Let puff pastry thaw in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to prevent cracks. Don’t let it sit too long at room temperature, or it will become sticky.
Drain the Spinach Well:
If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy pastry. For fresh spinach, sauté and cool it first, then press out any liquid.
Sharp Knife for Cutting:
Use a very sharp knife or serrated blade to slice the rolled pastry cleanly without squashing it.
Chill Before Baking (Optional):
For extra flaky results, chill the prepared rolls in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help the pastry puff better.
Serve Warm or Room Temperature:
These rolls are perfect straight from the oven but also taste great at room temp—ideal for parties and lunchboxes.
Variations:
Filling Variations:
Add Protein:
Mix in crumbled cooked chicken, turkey, or lamb for a more filling snack.
Vegan Version:
Use vegan puff pastry and swap feta/ricotta for plant-based cheese alternatives or extra sautéed veggies.
Cheesy Swap:
Replace feta with goat cheese or creamy labneh for a tangy twist.
Mediterranean Flavor Boost:
Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the filling.
Serving Ideas:
Serve with tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip on the side.
Pair with a Mediterranean salad for a light lunch.
Cut into smaller pinwheels for party appetizers.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then refrigerate or freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Q: Can I freeze baked rolls?
A: Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I use filo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes! Filo will make the rolls more like traditional spanakopita rolls, but the method will be different—you’ll need to layer filo sheets with oil or butter.
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 130 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 9g |
Fat | 9g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 1g |
Sodium | 230mg |
Note: Nutrition varies depending on portion size and cheese type.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls are a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer with minimal effort and maximum flavor. They offer all the rich, herby notes of traditional spanakopita but with the convenience of store-bought puff pastry. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, parties, or as a savory snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!