Spinach Artichoke Pinwheel Rolls

Meta Description: This easy recipe for spinach artichoke pinwheel rolls is your new go-to appetizer! Filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip and wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these baked rolls are perfect for parties, game days, or a simple snack.

I used to be the person who brought a bag of chips and store-bought dip to every party. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for that, but I always felt a little envious of the friends who showed up with a beautiful, homemade appetizer that everyone immediately gravitated towards. I wanted to be that person! I loved the idea of a warm, cheesy dip, but I found that serving a big bowl of it was always a bit messy and required a lot of extra serving utensils and plates. I was looking for something that was just as delicious but a little more elegant and easy to serve.

My solution came one evening while I was staring at a tub of my favorite spinach artichoke dip and a sheet of frozen puff pastry in my freezer. I had a sudden thought: what if I combined them? I could spread the creamy dip over the pastry, roll it up, slice it, and bake it. It seemed too simple to work, but I decided to give it a shot. The result was a revelation. The puff pastry baked up into a golden, flaky, and buttery delight, and the spinach artichoke filling became even more rich and savory from the heat of the oven. Each slice was a perfect, bite-sized spiral of cheesy, herbaceous goodness. My husband, who had been skeptical of my “pinwheel experiment,” stole a few from the cooling rack before I could even get a picture. They were the perfect marriage of a classic dip and a fantastic pastry, and they were so easy to pick up and eat. From that day on, these spinach artichoke pinwheel rolls became my new signature party contribution.

This recipe is a testament to the idea that a little bit of creativity can turn two simple ingredients into a showstopping appetizer. They are incredibly easy to make, but they look and taste like you spent hours on them. They are the perfect addition to a holiday gathering, a game-day party, or a simple get-together with friends. They are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from the table.

🌟 The Magic Behind the Pinwheels

The success of these spinach artichoke rolls comes down to two key components: the filling and the pastry. When they come together and are baked, they transform into something truly special.

The filling is a simple take on a classic creamy spinach artichoke dip. We’ll use a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for the creamy base, which adds a wonderful tang and richness. The stars of the show are the chopped artichoke hearts and a generous amount of fresh or frozen spinach. The artichoke hearts add a subtle, briny flavor and a soft, meaty texture, while the spinach brings a fresh, earthy element that balances the richness of the cheese. A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory flavor and ensures the filling is perfectly gooey when baked.

The pastry is the other crucial element. Puff pastry, a simple sheet of flaky, buttery dough, is the perfect vessel for our creamy filling. As it bakes, it rises into hundreds of light, airy layers, creating a delicate, crisp texture that beautifully contrasts with the rich, soft filling. Using a pre-made frozen sheet of puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut that saves a ton of time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture. No one will ever know you didn’t make the dough from scratch!

✅ Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Spinach Artichoke Filling:
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Rolls:
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)

😋 Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pinwheels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise and mix until well combined. Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, thawed spinach (make sure you squeeze out all the excess water!), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in ¾ cup of the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese.
3. Prepare the puff pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and gently roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle. It’s okay if it’s not perfect—just try to get it into a rough rectangle shape.
4. Spread the filling: Spread the spinach artichoke filling evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving about a one-inch border on the top and bottom of the long sides of the rectangle. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan over the filling.
5. Roll it up: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the puff pastry into a log. The key is to roll it as tightly as you can to ensure the pinwheels hold their shape. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.
6. Chill the log: Transfer the log to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! Chilling the log makes it firm and much easier to slice without squishing the filling.
7. Slice the rolls: Once the log is firm, use a sharp, non-serrated knife to slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 16-18 rolls.
8. Bake the pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the egg wash.
9. Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
10. Serve: Let the spinach artichoke pinwheel rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. They are best served warm, when the cheese is still gooey and the pastry is at its flakiest.

🍽 Serving & Pairing Suggestions

These cheesy pinwheel appetizers are so delicious they don’t need any accompaniment, but they do pair wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a full appetizer spread, serve them with a fresh, vibrant side like a caprese skewer with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. A simple bowl of marinated olives or a platter of roasted red pepper hummus and pita chips would also be a great addition.

To drink, the rich, cheesy flavor of the pinwheels pairs beautifully with a crisp, acidic white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese. For a non-alcoholic option, a light, bubbly sparkling water with a twist of lemon would be a refreshing choice.

These rolls are also fantastic for making ahead. You can prepare them up to the slicing step and store the log, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just slice and bake right before your guests arrive!

📝 Creative Recipe Variations

This recipe is a perfect canvas for your own culinary creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors.

• Different cheese blends: Swap out the cheese for a new flavor. A blend of provolone and smoked gouda would add a smoky, rich flavor. You could also use a little bit of crumbled feta cheese for a salty, briny kick.
• Add a protein: To make these more of a meal, you can add a cooked protein to the filling. Crumbled, cooked bacon or diced prosciutto would be delicious. You could also use some chopped chicken for a heartier roll.
• Spice it up: For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You could also stir in a tablespoon of a zesty, flavorful condiment like Sriracha or harissa for a spicy kick.
• Different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling. Sautéed mushrooms, chopped sundried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would all be fantastic additions. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture before adding them to the filling.

❓ Common Questions & Troubleshooting

My puff pastry isn’t flaky. What went wrong?

The most common reason for a puff pastry not being flaky is that it wasn’t kept cold enough. Puff pastry relies on cold butter to create its layers. Make sure your puff pastry is still cool but pliable when you’re working with it. If it gets too warm, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. Also, make sure your oven is properly preheated to a high temperature.

Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes, absolutely! If you are using fresh spinach, you will need a large amount as it wilts down significantly. You will need about 20 ounces of fresh spinach to get the same amount as a 10-ounce frozen package. Sauté it in a pan until it has completely wilted, then squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the filling.

How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?

The key to preventing the filling from oozing out is to roll the log as tightly as you can and to chill it for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This firms up the filling and the pastry, making it much easier to slice clean rounds. A sharp, non-serrated knife also helps a lot.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! To cook these in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pinwheels in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You may need to cook in batches.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size. This data is for a standard serving and may change with substitutions.

❤️ My Final Thoughts

These spinach artichoke pinwheel rolls are a perfect example of how a simple idea can lead to a truly delicious and satisfying result. They’re a stress-free, foolproof appetizer that looks impressive and tastes incredible. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your friends and family asking for your secret, and you can simply smile and tell them that the secret is a little bit of creativity and a lot of cheese.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try your hand at a homemade appetizer for your next gathering. It’s a wonderful, fun way to share your love of food with others. I’d love to hear how your rolls turned out and what kind of delicious variations you came up with. Happy baking!