Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
If you’re looking for an appetizer that brings together flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and vibrant greens in every bite, you’re going to fall in love with Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists. These savory twists are delightfully crisp on the outside, rich and cheesy on the inside, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make, totally crowd-pleasing, and perfect for everything from brunch spreads to game-day snacks. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, creating a snack that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Frozen puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): This is the golden, flaky foundation that makes each twist irresistible.
- Fresh spinach (1 cup, chopped): Bright green color and a fresh, earthy flavor make the filling pop.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Salty and tangy, feta is the star that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup): Adds melty richness and helps hold the filling together.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a little garlic brings a gentle aromatic kick to the mix.
- Egg (1 large, beaten): Brushed on top, it helps the twists bake up with a glossy, golden finish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the garlic and spinach, infusing the filling with Mediterranean flair.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brings out all the savory flavors.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- Dried oregano (1/4 teaspoon): A classic herb that ties the Mediterranean flavors together.
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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this is essential for easy cleanup and ensures your twists won’t stick.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but not browned. Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s wilted and vibrant. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly—this helps keep the pastry crisp later on.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with the crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, salt, pepper, and oregano. Give everything a good stir. You want a filling that’s evenly mixed, creamy, and speckled with green and white.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the sheet in half lengthwise so you have two long rectangles. Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over one of the rectangles, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Place the second rectangle on top and press down gently to seal.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Cut the filled pastry sandwich into 1-inch wide strips. Now comes the fun part: take each strip and twist it a few times, allowing the filling to peek through those beautiful layers. Place each twist onto your prepared baking sheet with a little room in between.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of your twists with the beaten egg. This step is what gives Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists their gorgeous golden sheen. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the twists are puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Garnishes
These twists are already stunning, but a little flourish goes a long way. Try sprinkling them with extra dried oregano, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or even a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra savory finish. If you want to add a touch of color, a few slivers of roasted red pepper on the serving platter look beautiful.
Side Dishes
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are perfect on their own, but they shine alongside other Mediterranean flavors. Serve with a simple Greek salad, bowls of olives, or a creamy tzatziki or hummus dip. They also make a fun addition to brunch spreads or as a side for soups like tomato or roasted red pepper.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, arrange the twists in a spiral or star pattern on a large platter. For parties, tuck them into a basket lined with a tea towel to keep them warm. Or, thread them onto skewers for an easy grab-and-go appetizer—kids and adults alike love this playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists (which is honestly rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay flaky and tasty, especially if you reheat them gently.
Freezing
These twists freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick snack or party treat, just reheat from frozen—no need to thaw.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked crispness, pop leftover twists in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy. If you’re reheating from frozen, add an extra few minutes to the baking time until the twists are hot and flaky again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to keep your filling from getting watery. About half a cup of well-drained frozen spinach is all you need for these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists.
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the twists a few hours in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a fantastic option for entertaining or busy days.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese for a creamy tang or ricotta for a milder flavor. Keep in mind that feta’s salty bite is a big part of the classic Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists experience!
Can I add extra spices or herbs?
Of course! Customize the filling with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap in fresh dill or basil for a different herby twist. The recipe is very forgiving and welcomes your creativity.
Are these suitable for kids?
Definitely. The mild cheeses and buttery pastry are kid-friendly, and you can even let little helpers twist the strips before baking. Just keep in mind there’s garlic and pepper, so adjust if your kids prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about watching a tray of Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists disappear before your eyes—these are the kind of snacks everyone asks for the recipe. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and bursting with fresh, savory flavor. I hope you try them soon and share them with family and friends—happy twisting!
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Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 twists 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are a savory Mediterranean-inspired appetizer combining flaky puff pastry with a flavorful filling of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, oregano, and a touch of black pepper, these golden-brown twists are an effortless and impressive party snack or light bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté spinach and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. Cut the sheet lengthwise in half to make two long rectangles.
- Assemble the twists: Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over one of the puff pastry rectangles. Place the second rectangle over the top to create a sandwich, gently pressing down to seal.
- Cut and twist: Slice the pastry sandwich into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip several times, then place each twist on the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg wash and bake: Brush each twist generously with the beaten egg to promote browning and shine. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the twists are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained) for fresh spinach if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle spicy kick.
- These twists make an excellent appetizer or party snack that can be prepared ahead of time and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
