Deliciously flaky, savory, and bursting with the timeless Mediterranean flavors we all crave, Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are the kind of treat that make you wonder why you’d ever serve plain old snacks again. With layers of buttery pastry hugging a vibrant spinach and tangy cheese filling, these twists look impressive but are a breeze to pull together. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a party, or seeking a tasty mid-day nibble, you’ll keep coming back to this irresistible recipe for Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of classic, quality ingredients and you’re well on your way to a mouthwatering appetizer. Each element brings something special to the table—flavor, texture, and color—making these twists as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is delightfully flaky and ensures golden layers without fuss.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawed and squeezed dry, it packs in that deep, earthy green color and flavor without excess moisture.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds salty, creamy, and tangy notes that stand out beautifully in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Just a touch brings that nutty, umami-rich undertone to the filling.
- Egg: Beaten and brushed on top, the egg wash guarantees that gorgeous golden sheen after baking.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with subtle savory depth—no need for fresh garlic.
- Black pepper: A little freshly ground pepper sharpens the flavors and balances the richness.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the spinach mixture and helps meld the cheeses and seasonings.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start things off the easy way—preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. Puff pastry needs that hot oven to get extra puffy and beautifully browned.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Combine the thawed, well-drained spinach, crumbled feta, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until you have a cohesive, creamy filling. The key is making sure the spinach isn’t watery, which keeps your twists light and crisp.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry in half lengthwise, giving you two big rectangles ready for filling. This makes handling easier and keeps your twists just the right size for snacking.
Step 4: Spread and Fold
Evenly spread the spinach and feta mixture over just one half of each rectangle. Fold the other half over the filling, gently pressing along the edges and surface to seal. This keeps that flavorful filling snugly tucked inside during baking.
Step 5: Slice and Twist
Cut the sealed pastries into 1-inch wide strips. Take each strip, hold both ends, and give it a few twists. The result? Spirals of pastry with beautifully marbled layers of vivid green and white peeking through—hello, Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists magic!
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Arrange the twists on your prepared baking sheet and brush them generously with the beaten egg for maximum shine. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re puffed and gloriously golden. Let them cool slightly before digging in—you’ll want to enjoy every flaky bite to the fullest!
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Garnishes
Sometimes a simple garnish makes the whole dish sing! Sprinkle your twists with extra grated Parmesan or fresh chopped dill while they’re still warm. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds can also add a cute finishing touch and delicate flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These twists shine solo, but they also play beautifully with others. Serve alongside a Greek salad, a bowl of tangy tzatziki for dipping, or assorted olives for a colorful, Mediterranean mezze spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists look stunning piled high on a wooden board for easy grazing at parties. For brunch or tea, display them in a basket lined with a lovely tea towel. Want extra flair? Serve each twist in a parchment cone for a playful, grab-and-go vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any twists left (they tend to vanish quickly!), cool them completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll retain a good deal of their crispiness, though nothing beats them fresh from the oven.
Freezing
To freeze, let baked twists cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month—perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings!
Reheating
To revive that gorgeous crunch, reheat twists straight from the fridge or freezer in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes. This returns them to their just-baked, melt-in-your-mouth state—no soggy microwave snacks here!
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply chop fresh spinach and sauté it in a pan until wilted. Let it cool, then squeeze out any extra liquid before using. This ensures the filling stays rich and not watery.
Can Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists be made in advance?
You can assemble the twists up to a day before baking. Store them covered in the fridge, then brush with egg wash and bake when you’re ready. You’ll still get that beautiful puff and golden color!
What if I don’t have feta cheese?
No worries—goat cheese or ricotta are flavorful swaps. Goat cheese will give you a sharper tang, while ricotta will be milder and creamier, both delicious options for this versatile recipe.
Do I need to thaw the puff pastry first?
Yes, always thaw puff pastry before using—it’s much easier to work with and will rise more evenly during baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30-40 minutes.
How do I prevent the twists from unraveling during baking?
Twisting tightly and sealing the edges securely make all the difference. If you want extra insurance, gently press the ends down onto the baking sheet so the twists stay put as they puff up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a memorable, cheesy, and easy-to-make snack, these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are about to become your go-to recipe. Colorful, flaky, and packed with flavor, they promise to delight everyone at your table. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear before you’ve had a chance to sneak a second one!
Print
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 twists
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are a delightful combination of flavorful spinach, tangy feta, and crispy puff pastry. Perfect for a quick appetizer or a tasty snack, these twists are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Spinach Mixture:
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the spinach mixture: In a bowl, mix the spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, cut it in half lengthwise, and spread the spinach mixture over one half of each rectangle.
- Shape the twists: Fold each piece in half lengthwise over the filling, press lightly to seal, cut into strips, twist each strip, and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the twists with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- These make great appetizers or brunch snacks.
- You can substitute the feta with goat cheese or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
