Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls
Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls are a flaky, savory appetizer or snack inspired by classic Greek spanakopita but made easier with puff pastry. These golden rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic—all wrapped in buttery, crisp pastry. They’re perfect for parties, brunch, or as a grab-and-go lunch with a side salad.
Whether you serve them hot out of the oven or at room temperature, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Total Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Ingredients
For the Filling:
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and cooled)
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
1 large egg, beaten (reserve 1 tbsp for brushing the pastry)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for a traditional touch)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pastry:
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, feta, ricotta (if using), Parmesan, egg (reserve 1 tbsp for brushing), garlic, herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Rolls:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 10×12 inch rectangle.
Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side.
Roll the pastry up tightly from the filled long side, like a jelly roll, sealing the edge with a little water.
Slice & Brush:
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 12 equal pieces.
Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with the reserved egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed.
Cool & Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Optional Additions:
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives to the filling.
Use goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Mix in pine nuts for extra texture.
Tips
Thaw Puff Pastry Properly:
Let puff pastry thaw in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to prevent cracks. Don’t let it sit too long at room temperature, or it will become sticky.
Drain the Spinach Well:
If using frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy pastry. For fresh spinach, sauté and cool it first, then press out any liquid.
Sharp Knife for Cutting:
Use a very sharp knife or serrated blade to slice the rolled pastry cleanly without squashing it.
Chill Before Baking (Optional):
For extra flaky results, chill the prepared rolls in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help the pastry puff better.
Serve Warm or Room Temperature:
These rolls are perfect straight from the oven but also taste great at room temp—ideal for parties and lunchboxes.
Variations:
Filling Variations:
Add Protein:
Mix in crumbled cooked chicken, turkey, or lamb for a more filling snack.
Vegan Version:
Use vegan puff pastry and swap feta/ricotta for plant-based cheese alternatives or extra sautéed veggies.
Cheesy Swap:
Replace feta with goat cheese or creamy labneh for a tangy twist.
Mediterranean Flavor Boost:
Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the filling.
Serving Ideas:
Serve with tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip on the side.
Pair with a Mediterranean salad for a light lunch.
Cut into smaller pinwheels for party appetizers.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and slice the rolls, then refrigerate or freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Q: Can I freeze baked rolls?
A: Absolutely! Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I use filo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes! Filo will make the rolls more like traditional spanakopita rolls, but the method will be different—you’ll need to layer filo sheets with oil or butter.
Nutrition Facts (Per Roll Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
Note: Nutrition varies depending on portion size and cheese type.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Rolls are a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer with minimal effort and maximum flavor. They offer all the rich, herby notes of traditional spanakopita but with the convenience of store-bought puff pastry. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, parties, or as a savory snack, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!