Flaky, golden, and bursting with creamy spinach and tangy feta, these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are the perfect quick snack or lunch bite. They’re easy to prepare, bake beautifully in just 20 minutes, and look like something straight from a bakery window. Whether you serve them warm at brunch, as party appetizers, or alongside a bowl of soup, these savory twists will disappear fast. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together for such big flavor in every crispy, cheesy bite.
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Why You’ll Love These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
These twists are the kind of treat you can whip up anytime cravings hit. The puff pastry bakes into light, crisp layers while the creamy filling melts into every twist. They’re versatile enough for brunch spreads, lunch boxes, or an easy weeknight snack. Plus, you can prep them ahead or freeze them for later. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want something satisfying and warm, this recipe will always hit the spot. And since the steps are simple, even beginner cooks can pull off these bakery-style twists with confidence.
Ingredients for Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
To make these twists, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beaten egg for brushing
This short list makes it easy to keep everything on hand. Each ingredient adds texture and flavor: buttery puff pastry for crisp layers, feta for tang, and spinach for freshness. The cream cheese helps bind it all together for a creamy finish.
Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
If you prefer milder cheese, try ricotta or mozzarella instead of feta. For a richer filling, mix in shredded parmesan. You can also swap the puff pastry for phyllo dough, though the texture will be thinner and crunchier. Frozen spinach works fine if drained thoroughly. For vegan versions, use dairy-free cheese and brush with oat milk instead of egg wash. Adding sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, or cooked bacon bits is another fun twist for extra flavor.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
This recipe comes together quickly, and the steps are simple enough to follow even on busy days. The trick is keeping your puff pastry cold so it stays crisp and flaky in the oven.
Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Then stir in spinach and cook until wilted and dry. Let it cool before mixing it with feta, cream cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. The filling should be thick, creamy, and not watery.
Assemble and Twist the Puff Pastry
Unroll the puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over half, then fold the other half on top. Press gently to seal, and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut 1-inch strips. Twist each strip and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush lightly with beaten egg for that beautiful golden sheen.
Bake Until Golden and Flaky
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
Pro Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Twists Every Time
Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This helps it puff beautifully in the oven. Always dry your spinach well, especially if it’s frozen, to avoid soggy layers. Don’t overload the filling—it’ll make twisting messy and uneven. For the prettiest results, use a pizza cutter for clean strips. Lastly, always preheat your oven fully before baking; puff pastry needs that quick heat blast for best rise and flakiness.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
These twists taste amazing fresh from the oven, but they’re also great served at room temperature. Pair them with soups, salads, or dips like tzatziki or marinara. They make fun brunch bites next to eggs and fruit. For a heartier lunch, serve them alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a light lunch or cheesy garlic chicken wraps. They even work as elegant appetizers for holiday gatherings.
Flavor Variations and Creative Add-Ins
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize. Try different cheese blends, flavorful herbs, or add-ins that suit your taste.
Cheese Swaps and Add-Ons
You can substitute feta with goat cheese for tang, mozzarella for mild stretchiness, or parmesan for extra saltiness. Add roasted red peppers, olives, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for color and a burst of flavor. Even a touch of chili flakes can give these twists a gentle kick.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
Make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan feta. Instead of egg wash, brush with oat or almond milk to achieve a golden crust. Nutritional yeast also gives a “cheesy” flavor while keeping things plant-based and light.
Make Ahead, Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
You can make these ahead easily. Store baked twists in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch. To freeze, prepare the twists but don’t bake them. Freeze flat, then bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes. Perfect for when you want fresh, warm snacks without fuss.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Don’t overfill or the twists will break and leak. Make sure your spinach isn’t wet, as moisture prevents the pastry from puffing properly. Also, never roll out puff pastry too thin—it needs its layers to rise. Finally, don’t skip the egg wash; it gives the golden, bakery-style finish that makes these irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
How long to cook puff pastry twists?
Bake for 15–20 minutes at 375°F, until golden brown.
What are common puff pastry mistakes?
Overhandling the dough, baking at too low a temperature, or using warm pastry.
How do you keep spanakopita from getting soggy?
Always drain and squeeze spinach thoroughly before mixing with cheese.
What things should we avoid with puff pastry?
Avoid re-rolling scraps too often or using wet fillings—they ruin the texture.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- crispy and cheesy ham and mozzarella sticks
- flaky caramel apple puff pastries
- gourmet BLT wraps with secret sauce
- easy sourdough pesto grilled cheese
Final Thoughts
These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists are simple, flaky, and full of flavor. They make any meal feel special without taking much effort. You can serve them warm from the oven or prep a batch ahead for later. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to snack or lunch recipes. For more fun food inspiration, check out my boards on Pinterest.
Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Twists
Equipment
- Skillet For cooking spinach and garlic.
- Mixing bowl To combine filling ingredients.
- Baking sheet Line with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Rolling Pin Optional for flattening puff pastry.
- Knife or pizza cutter For cutting pastry strips.
- Pastry brush For applying egg wash.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or frozen, well-drained)
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 0.25 cup softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook minced garlic for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted and dry. Let cool.
- In a bowl, combine cooled spinach, feta, cream cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Roll out puff pastry and spread filling on half. Fold the other half over and press gently. Cut into 1-inch strips and twist each one.
- Place twists on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
