Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are the answer for your next gathering.
They bring a fresh, Mediterranean flair to your table this spring. You will love how the buttery layers shatter with every single bite. It is the perfect crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe uses simple store-bought shortcuts to save you precious time. You get all the flavor of a gourmet bakery at home. It is beginner-friendly and nearly impossible to mess up.
The combination of salty feta and earthy spinach is a classic for a reason. These twists are perfect for busy spring weeknights or fancy weekend brunches. Everyone will ask you for the secret recipe!
Simple Method
Making these twists is actually quite fun and very therapeutic. You just sauté the filling, spread it out, and start twisting. Even if you have never baked, you can do this easily. The puff pastry does all the hard work for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or freezer. Fresh seasonal spinach or frozen both work beautifully here.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 200g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 60 seconds.
- Add the squeezed spinach and nutmeg to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir the crumbled feta cheese and black pepper into the cooled spinach mixture.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over one half of the pastry rectangle.
- Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling and press down firmly.
- Cut the pastry into 12 strips approximately 2.5cm wide using a pizza cutter.
- Twist each strip 3-4 times and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl for an egg wash.
- Brush the pastry twists with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm right off the baking sheet for the best crunch. They pair wonderfully with a cool bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce. You can also serve them alongside a fresh garden salad.
For a spring brunch, place them in a pretty basket. They look beautiful next to a platter of fresh seasonal fruit. Your guests will love grabbing these handheld treats while they mingle.
Keep It Fresh
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To regain that signature crispiness, avoid using the microwave for reheating.
Instead, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This wakes up the butter in the pastry layers perfectly. You can also freeze the unbaked twists for a future quick snack.
Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze your spinach until it is completely dry to avoid soggy pastry.
- Keep your puff pastry cold until the very moment you need it.
- Use a pizza cutter for the cleanest and fastest pastry lines.
- Don’t skip the nutmeg as it elevates the earthy spinach flavor.
- Press the ends of the twists down firmly so they don’t unravel.
- For a spring twist, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest.
- Double the batch for large holiday gatherings or potluck parties.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier, tangier filling.
- Add a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this snack allergy-friendly.
- In summer, add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mix.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh spinach for this recipe. Just sauté it down until wilted and squeeze out all the moisture. You will need a large bag since it shrinks significantly.
Can I make these twists ahead of time?
You can assemble the twists and keep them chilled before baking. This is a great trick for stress-free entertaining. Just bake them right before your guests arrive for maximum freshness.
I hope these crispy twists bring a little joy to your kitchen today. They are such a simple way to make any moment feel special. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 200 g frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large eg g
- 1 tablespoon wate r
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the squeezed spinach and nutmeg to the skillet, cooking for 3 minutes to evaporate remaining moisture; remove from heat and cool.
- Stir the crumbled feta cheese and black pepper into the cooled spinach mixture.
- Roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over one half of the pastry rectangle.
- Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling and press down firmly to seal the edges.
- Cut the pastry into 12 strips approximately 2.5cm wide using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Twist each strip 3-4 times and place on the prepared baking sheet, pressing the ends down to secure.
- Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl to create an egg wash.
- Brush the pastry twists with the egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp.
