Delightfully flaky, savory, and packed with Mediterranean flavor, these 30-minute spinach feta puff pastry twists are everything I want in a quick snack or elegant appetizer. They’re buttery and crisp on the outside, with a creamy, cheesy filling that always hits the spot. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, these twists never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how fast and fuss-free this recipe is—just 30 minutes from prep to plate. The puff pastry bakes into golden, flaky perfection, while the sautéed spinach and salty feta cheese create a flavor-packed filling. These twists look fancy enough for a party platter, but they’re simple enough for a weekday snack. I can prep them ahead of time, freeze them, or serve them warm straight from the oven—they always turn out beautifully.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 sheet puff pastry – thawed
1 cup fresh spinach – finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese – crumbled
1 egg – beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Prep the Puff Pastry I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roll the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. If it gets too sticky, I pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
2. Add Spinach and Feta I heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped spinach until just wilted. Once it cools a bit, I spread it evenly over the pastry, leaving a half-inch border. Then I crumble feta on top and press everything down gently so it sticks. A quick brush of water along the pastry edges helps it seal.
3. Cut and Twist I fold the pastry in half, press the edges to seal, and cut it into 1-inch strips. Holding each end, I twist each strip a few times and lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space in between.
4. Bake to Perfection I brush the twists with beaten egg and sprinkle garlic powder and pepper over the top. They go in the oven for 15–18 minutes until they’re golden, puffed, and crisp. I let them cool just enough before serving—although I usually sneak one right away.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 12 twists
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Variations
Cheese Swap: I sometimes use goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Add Herbs: A sprinkle of dill or oregano inside adds a fresh, herby note.
Spicy Kick: I like to add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a bit of heat.
Vegan Version: I use vegan puff pastry and cheese, and brush with olive oil instead of egg wash.
Mini Twists: For party platters, I cut smaller strips and make bite-sized versions.
Storage/Reheating
Storing Leftovers I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay crisp and tasty even without reheating.
Freezing After baking and cooling, I freeze the twists in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat beautifully straight from frozen.
Reheating I reheat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving makes them soggy, so I always use the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before sautéing to avoid soggy pastry.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
I swap feta with goat cheese for a tangy twist or ricotta for something creamier. I avoid overly wet cheeses that could ruin the texture.
How can I make these vegan?
I use dairy-free puff pastry, a vegan cheese substitute, and brush the tops with plant-based milk or olive oil instead of egg wash. It works really well.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Gluten-free puff pastry is available in some stores, and it works just as well. I follow the same steps and enjoy the same crispy, flaky results.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble the twists, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. That way, they’re fresh and hot when I need them.
Conclusion
These spinach feta puff pastry twists are one of my favorite go-to recipes when I need something quick, elegant, and deeply satisfying. The combination of crispy puff pastry with a warm, cheesy spinach filling always wins hearts—mine included. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these little spirals deliver the perfect bite every single time.
Flaky puff pastry twists filled with sautéed spinach and tangy feta cheese, baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a quick snack, appetizer, or party platter favorite.
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry – thawed
1 cup fresh spinach – finely chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese – crumbled
1 egg – beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roll thawed puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté spinach until wilted, then let cool slightly. Spread evenly over pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and press gently. Brush pastry edges with water to help seal.
Fold pastry in half, press edges, and cut into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush twists with beaten egg, sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper on top, then bake for 15–18 minutes until golden, puffed, and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Swap feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta for variation.
Add dill, oregano, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
For vegan version, use dairy-free puff pastry and cheese, brushing with olive oil instead of egg.
Store at room temperature up to 2 days, or freeze and reheat in oven.
Microwaving makes them soggy—always reheat in the oven.