If you are looking for a delightful snack or appetizer that combines crisp, buttery layers with a savory, cheesy filling, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe. These twists deliver a mouthwatering combination of fresh spinach, tangy feta, and creamy cheese all wrapped in light, flaky puff pastry. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a tasty treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy with every flaky, flavorful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building layers of flaky texture to infusing the filling with vibrant flavors that balance perfectly together.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry: The base that creates those beautiful, crispy, and flaky twists we all adore.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, earthy element and lovely green color that brightens the filling.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Brings a tangy, salty punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds richness and creaminess, helping to bind the filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and spinach, contributing a smooth, slightly fruity undertone.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Lends a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the spinach beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a fragrant herby note that ties the filling together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Ensures a gorgeous golden-brown finish on those puff pastry twists.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Having the oven at the right temperature ensures your puff pastry will puff perfectly and bake evenly, giving you that irresistible golden finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—this gentle cooking brings out garlic’s mellow, sweet qualities.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach
Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s wilted, transforming the raw greens into tender, flavorful leaves that blend beautifully with the cheeses. Set the skillet aside to let the spinach cool slightly before mixing.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the warm spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so every bit of the mixture melds into a creamy, savory filling full of character.
Step 5: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and unroll the puff pastry sheet. Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over one half of the pastry; this even layer ensures every twist gets a lush filling in each bite.
Step 6: Fold and Seal
Fold the plain side of the puff pastry over the filled half, forming a rectangle. Press down along the edges firmly to seal in the filling and prevent any cheese or spinach from leaking out during baking.
Step 7: Cut and Twist
Cut the sealed pastry into 1-inch strips. Then, take each strip and gently twist it into a spiral shape. These twists not only look fun, but they also maximize the crispy-to-filling ratio for every mouthful.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your twists on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk the egg and brush it over each twist to develop a deep golden color as they bake. Place them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until puffed up and beautifully browned.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, these twists are lovely on their own but can be enhanced with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of zaatar. A light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil right before serving brings a zesty brightness that complements the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists go wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of chilled tomato soup for dipping. They also pair great with Mediterranean dips like tzatziki or a roasted red pepper hummus for added flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the twists in a circular pattern on a large platter, nestling small bowls of complementary dips in the center. Another fun idea is to serve them as finger food alongside a variety of cheeses and olives as part of a Mediterranean-themed appetizer board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover spinach and feta twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Their flaky texture holds up surprisingly well, making for an easy snack or light meal the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange uncooked twisted pastries on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the twists on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness, unlike microwaving which can make the puff pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before cooking to avoid soggy filling.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the feta and cream cheese with vegan cheese alternatives, and use a plant-based puff pastry. You can also swap the egg wash with a little almond milk or olive oil for browning.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Cooking the spinach and using cheese that isn’t too wet helps reduce sogginess. Also, sealing the edges well and brushing with egg wash creates a moisture barrier during baking.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Sure thing! Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a pinch of nutmeg can add interesting flavors without overpowering the classic spinach and feta combo.
What can I serve these twists with for a party?
They’re perfect finger foods alongside a range of dips like hummus, baba ganoush, or a tangy yogurt sauce, plus some fresh-cut veggies and olives to round out the spread.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself the gift of delicious simplicity by making this Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull off, guaranteed to win hearts and empty plates in no time. So warm up that oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these flaky, flavorful wonders—you won’t regret it!
Print
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, tangy feta cheese, and creamy cream cheese, seasoned with garlic and oregano, these twists offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They bake up golden and crisp, making them a crowd-pleaser for parties, gatherings, or even a delightful treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the puff pastry twists.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully blended.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Evenly spread the spinach and feta mixture over one half of the pastry sheet.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
- Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife, cut the sealed pastry into 1-inch wide strips. Twist each strip into a spiral shape to form the twists.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have some space to expand while baking.
- Egg Wash: Beat the egg thoroughly and brush it over each twist to give a golden and glossy finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake the twists in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic quantity or add garlic powder to the filling.
- Use cold puff pastry for better puff and flakiness.
- These twists can be made ahead and baked just before serving for freshness.
- To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
