Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Twists. Flaky, golden puff pastry enrobes a creamy, savory filling of vibrant spinach, tangy feta, and a hint of garlic and oregano. Perfect for entertaining or a delightful snack, these twists are deceptively easy to make yet deliver impressive flavor and texture that will impress your guests.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
18–22 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 40-45 minutes
Servings
Makes 12-16 twists (serves 4-6 as an appetizer)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly elegant appetizer perfect for any occasion.
- Combines the irresistible flakiness of puff pastry with a savory, creamy filling.
- Quick to prepare and bakes in under 25 minutes, ideal for last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile and customizable with additional herbs or cheeses.
- A crowd-pleasing vegetarian option that's bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet (approximately 300-350 g or 10-12 oz) ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 100 g (1 cup) fresh spinach, finely chopped and lightly sautéed until wilted, or 250 g (1/2 lb) frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry
- 120 g (1/2 cup) crumbled feta cheese
- 60 g (1/4 cup) softened cream cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (approximately 5 g or 1 teaspoon)
- 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 0.5 g (1/4 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt (optional, adjust based on feta's saltiness)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped and sautéed fresh spinach (or thoroughly squeezed dry thawed frozen spinach), crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together with a fork or spatula until the mixture is creamy, well-combined, and evenly distributed. Taste and add a small pinch of salt only if necessary, remembering that feta is naturally quite salty.
- Prepare your workstation and oven. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface or directly onto the parchment paper. If needed, use a rolling pin to slightly smooth out any creases or gently enlarge the sheet to a uniform thickness, about 3 mm (1/8 inch).
- Assemble the twists. Carefully spread the prepared spinach and feta mixture evenly over half of the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges if desired. Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, aligning the edges to create a rectangular sandwich. Lightly press down to seal the edges and gently flatten the pastry over the filling.
- Cut and twist. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the filled pastry into strips about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. Take each strip and gently twist it several times from end to end, creating a spiral shape. Be mindful not to over-twist, as this can tear the pastry. Carefully transfer the twisted strips to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for puffing.
- Bake to golden perfection. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each pastry twist with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and crisp exterior. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the tops for added texture and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the twists are gloriously puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool and serve. Once baked, remove the Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Twists from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or fork
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl for egg wash
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. This keeps it manageable and helps it puff beautifully when baked.
- Thoroughly squeeze out all excess moisture from frozen spinach to prevent a soggy filling and ensure a crisp pastry.
- Don't overfill the pastry; a thin, even layer of filling will allow the pastry to seal and twist effectively without bursting.
- Twist the strips gently, but firmly enough to hold their shape. Over-twisting can tear the delicate pastry, while under-twisting might cause them to untwist.
- Brush evenly with egg wash for that perfect golden, shiny finish and a wonderfully crisp exterior.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor complexity, briefly sauté the minced garlic in a tiny bit of olive oil for about 30 seconds before adding it to the filling. This mellows its pungency and enhances its sweet, aromatic notes.
- To achieve an even crispier bottom on your twists, consider baking them on a perforated baking mat or, if you have one, a preheated baking steel or stone (with parchment paper to prevent sticking) for the final few minutes of baking.
- Experiment with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or nigella seeds on top along with the coarse sea salt. This adds an additional textural crunch and a distinct nutty aroma that complements the feta beautifully.
Notes
- These Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Twists are best served warm, fresh from the oven, but they are also delicious at room temperature. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. For optimal texture, reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave.
- For a delightful spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture. You can also experiment with different fresh herbs like chopped dill, chives, or parsley to vary the flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Twists in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these twists ahead of time. Assemble them up to the point of baking, then cover the unbaked twists loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What kind of puff pastry should I use for the best results?
For the absolute best flavor and flakiest texture, we recommend using an all-butter puff pastry, commonly found in the frozen section of your grocery store. Ensure it is thawed in the refrigerator according to the package directions before you begin, as proper thawing is key to its performance.
Can I freeze these twists?
Both unbaked and baked twists can be frozen. To freeze unbaked twists, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Baked twists can also be frozen and reheated, though their texture might be slightly softer after thawing and reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per twist (based on 16 twists): Calories: 150-180, Fat: 10-12g, Saturated Fat: 5-6g, Cholesterol: 25-30mg, Sodium: 200-250mg, Carbohydrates: 12-15g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 1g, Protein: 4-5g.
Allergy Information
Contains wheat, dairy (feta cheese, cream cheese), and egg. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free puff pastry, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
No comment