Name: Savory Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4

A savory snack that many children love: These crispy puff pastry pinwheels with a mild spinach and feta filling are perfectly sized for little hands. They make a wonderful addition to a picnic, a great after-school snack, or a tasty surprise in the lunchbox.

The combination of green vegetables and creamy cheese provides valuable energy for active days. At the same time, young explorers get to experience new textures and flavors. Sharing a meal offers a lovely opportunity to try different types of vegetables in a relaxed atmosphere.

The recipe is straightforward, and little helpers can easily join in when it is time to roll up the dough. Cooking together makes the preparation twice as fun.

Ingredients

1 roll of fresh puff pastry (approx. 275 g, refrigerated)
150 g fresh baby spinach (organic preferred)
100 g mild feta cheese (pasteurized)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small garlic clove (optional)
1 pinch of black pepper
1 tsp mild herbs (e.g., oregano or thyme)

(Makes about 10 to 12 pinwheels, equals 2 to 3 portions)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F) conventional or 180 °C (350 °F) convection, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash the baby spinach, shake off excess water, and wilt it in a pan with the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Let the spinach cool slightly, squeeze out the excess water thoroughly, and chop the leaves finely.
Mash the feta in a bowl using a fork, then mix it with the chopped spinach, pepper, and herbs until a smooth, even mixture forms.
Unroll the puff pastry and spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over it, leaving a narrow border around the edges.
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut the roll into slices about 2 cm (approx. 1 inch) thick.
Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
Allow them to cool down well before serving, and always do a temperature test before feeding, as the filling can be very hot at first.

Variations & Tips

Different Veggies: The spinach can easily be swapped out for finely grated zucchini or carrots. Squeeze the vegetables well beforehand to ensure the pastry stays crispy during baking. Many children also enjoy a filling with finely diced bell peppers.
Storage: The baked pinwheels will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. They also freeze beautifully. It works best to freeze them individually on a board first, before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Adjusting Texture: For younger children, chop the spinach extra fine or even puree it slightly. For older children, the filling can remain a bit chunkier.
For the Whole Family: Parents can spice up their own portions with chili flakes, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking. This quickly turns a mild children's snack into a flavorful side dish for adults.

Allergy & Safety Information

Allergens (EU14): This recipe contains gluten (puff pastry) and milk (feta). Always check the exact ingredient list on store-bought puff pastry, as some products may contain traces of egg or soy.
New Foods: Introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts. This allows you to easily monitor for any potential intolerances while your child gets used to the new taste at their own pace.
General Safety: Honey is strictly off-limits for children under 12 months (risk of botulism). Whole nuts and seeds pose a choking hazard and may only be offered to toddlers finely ground or as a smooth butter.
Spinach: Due to its natural nitrate content, it is generally recommended not to reheat spinach dishes multiple times for young children. It is best to prepare the pinwheels fresh or serve leftovers cold.
Medical Advice: If you have any uncertainties about introducing solid foods, specific ingredients, or your child's diet, please consult your pediatrician at any time.

Nutritional Information

Thanks to the spinach, this dish provides valuable iron and folic acid. The feta contributes calcium, which plays a role in bone growth. Meanwhile, the puff pastry offers quick energy that active children can put to good use on exciting days.

Ingredients

1 roll of fresh puff pastry (approx. 275 g, refrigerated)

150 g fresh baby spinach (organic preferred)

100 g mild feta cheese (pasteurized)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small garlic clove (optional)

1 pinch of black pepper

1 tsp mild herbs (e.g., oregano or thyme)

(Makes about 10 to 12 pinwheels, equals 2 to 3 portions)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F) conventional or 180 °C (350 °F) convection, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wash the baby spinach, shake off excess water, and wilt it in a pan with the olive oil over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Let the spinach cool slightly, squeeze out the excess water thoroughly, and chop the leaves finely.

Mash the feta in a bowl using a fork, then mix it with the chopped spinach, pepper, and herbs until a smooth, even mixture forms.

Unroll the puff pastry and spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over it, leaving a narrow border around the edges.

Roll the dough up tightly from the long side and cut the roll into slices about 2 cm (approx. 1 inch) thick.

Place the pinwheels on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

Allow them to cool down well before serving, and always do a temperature test before feeding, as the filling can be very hot at first.

Variations & Tips

Different Veggies: The spinach can easily be swapped out for finely grated zucchini or carrots. Squeeze the vegetables well beforehand to ensure the pastry stays crispy during baking. Many children also enjoy a filling with finely diced bell peppers.

Storage: The baked pinwheels will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. They also freeze beautifully. It works best to freeze them individually on a board first, before transferring them to a freezer bag.

Adjusting Texture: For younger children, chop the spinach extra fine or even puree it slightly. For older children, the filling can remain a bit chunkier.

For the Whole Family: Parents can spice up their own portions with chili flakes, chopped olives, or sun-dried tomatoes before baking. This quickly turns a mild children's snack into a flavorful side dish for adults.

Allergy & Safety Information

Allergens (EU14): This recipe contains gluten (puff pastry) and milk (feta). Always check the exact ingredient list on store-bought puff pastry, as some products may contain traces of egg or soy.

New Foods: Introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts. This allows you to easily monitor for any potential intolerances while your child gets used to the new taste at their own pace.

General Safety: Honey is strictly off-limits for children under 12 months (risk of botulism). Whole nuts and seeds pose a choking hazard and may only be offered to toddlers finely ground or as a smooth butter.

Spinach: Due to its natural nitrate content, it is generally recommended not to reheat spinach dishes multiple times for young children. It is best to prepare the pinwheels fresh or serve leftovers cold.

Medical Advice: If you have any uncertainties about introducing solid foods, specific ingredients, or your child's diet, please consult your pediatrician at any time.