The kitchen feels different during Christmas. The air smells like butter and cinnamon, the oven hums softly, and there’s laughter in every corner. This spinach dip recipe takes that holiday warmth and wraps it in flaky pastry. It’s creamy, savory, and perfectly bite-sized—just right for sharing while carols play in the background.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Dip Recipe
You’ll love how quick and satisfying this spinach dip recipe feels. It has all the creamy richness of classic spinach dip but tucked inside golden puff pastry pinwheels. The contrast of crisp layers and warm, cheesy filling is pure comfort.
It’s also wonderfully convenient. You can make the log ahead, chill it overnight, and bake right before guests arrive. Whether you serve it as part of your Christmas dinner spread or an easy party snack, these little bites always disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these savory spinach dip pinwheels:
- Frozen chopped spinach: Use a 10 oz package, thawed and squeezed completely dry for the best texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing and a creamy base.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a bit of tang and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Garlic and onion powder: Simple pantry spices that boost the flavor.
- Black pepper and red pepper flakes: Add gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
- Puff pastry sheet: Keep it cold so it bakes up crisp and flaky.
- Egg wash: A shiny golden finish after baking.
Each ingredient plays its part, creating a dip that’s rich, balanced, and easy to handle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Creamy Spinach Filling
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The mixture should look smooth and fluffy.
Next, fold in the spinach. Make sure it’s bone dry—wrap it in paper towels and squeeze hard. This step keeps the pastry crisp and prevents sogginess later.
Step 2: Roll and Assemble the Pinwheels
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread the spinach filling evenly across the pastry, leaving about an inch bare along one long edge.
Start from the filled edge and roll it tightly, like a jelly roll. Wrap it in plastic wrap to hold its shape.
Step 3: Chill, Slice, and Bake
Chill the roll in the fridge for about 30 minutes so it firms up. This helps you get clean slices.
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the log into half-inch rounds, then place them cut-side up on the sheet. Brush each one lightly with the egg wash.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and puffed. The smell of buttery pastry and warm spinach filling will fill your kitchen. Let them cool just enough to handle before serving.
Tips for Perfect Spinach Dip Pinwheels
- Always dry the spinach completely; moisture is the enemy of crisp pastry.
- Keep the puff pastry cold so it puffs beautifully.
- Make the roll ahead and chill overnight for quick baking later.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
- These pair nicely with a light dipping sauce, though they’re flavorful enough on their own.
If you love snackable bites, you might also enjoy baked taco bites with puff pastry or cheesy stuffed peppers for party appetizers.
Recipe Card: Spinach Dip in Bite-Sized Pinwheels
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Spinach Dip Recipe | Easy & Delicious Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy spinach dip baked in golden puff pastry pinwheels—an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for Christmas dinner or any holiday party.
Ingredients
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but kept cold
1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water for brushing
Instructions
1. Mix the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. Ensure spinach is bone dry (wrap in paper towels and squeeze thoroughly) and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
3. Lightly flour the work surface, roll out puff pastry, and spread spinach mixture over it, leaving one long edge bare.
4. Roll up tightly like a jelly roll and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Chill the log for 30 minutes to firm it up.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Slice log into 1/2-inch rounds and place on baking sheet.
8. Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg wash.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
10. Let cool briefly before serving.
Notes
Spinach must be completely dry to prevent soggy pastry.
Cold puff pastry puffs better and stays crisp.
You can prepare the log a day ahead, chill overnight, and bake fresh when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Christmas Dinner Ideas
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 202mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
More Such Recipes
Looking for more festive bites? Try how to make taco ranch bites for game day or flag taco dip for festive party trays. For summer events, garlic parmesan grilled corn for summer gatherings is always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spinach dip made of?
Spinach dip usually combines spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan or mozzarella. Garlic and onion powder add depth.
What to dip in spinach dip?
You can dip crackers, toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or even fresh veggies like carrots and celery.
Is spinach dip healthy to eat?
It’s rich and creamy, so enjoy it in moderation. Using light cream cheese or Greek yogurt can make it lighter without losing flavor.
How to make spinach cheese dip?
Mix softened cream cheese, spinach, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Heat until creamy and bubbly, or bake until golden on top.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, just cook it down and squeeze out all the liquid before mixing. You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked, drained spinach.
Final Thoughts
These spinach dip pinwheels bring comfort and cheer to any Christmas dinner table. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and beautiful to serve. Every flaky bite reminds you that good food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to be made with care.
So go ahead and save this recipe for your next get-together. You’ll be glad you did.
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