Spinach Artichoke Swirls have been a family favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my mom would make a batch of these flaky, cheesy swirls for every holiday gathering, and they were always the first thing to disappear from the appetizer table. There was just something so irresistible about the rich, creamy spinach and artichoke filling wrapped in that buttery, pillowy dough. I can still smell the aroma wafting through the house – it was enough to make everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. Even as a picky kid, I’d happily gobble down at least three or four of these Spinach Artichoke Swirls before anyone else could get their hands on them. They were just that good.
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Why This Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Spinach Artichoke Swirls
This recipe for Spinach Artichoke Swirls is truly special because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. The filling is a rich, creamy blend of spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, and three kinds of cheese that packs a serious punch of savory goodness. But the real secret is in the dough – it’s flaky, buttery, and oh-so-tender, creating an irresistible contrast to the filling. What’s even better is that this recipe makes a generous 12 servings, so you’ll have plenty to share (or hoard for yourself!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering Spinach Artichoke Swirls, you’ll need:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Spinach Artichoke Swirls Instructions
Preparing Your Spinach Artichoke Swirls
This recipe takes 28 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 18 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a rolling pin, a baking sheet, and a sharp knife to get started. Let’s dive in!
1- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, chopped artichoke hearts, thawed and squeezed spinach, and minced garlic. Mix until well blended.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of the puff pastry into a 12×12-inch square. Spread half of the spinach artichoke filling evenly onto the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
3- Starting from one side, tightly roll up the pastry like a jelly roll. Cut the roll into 6 equal slices and arrange them, cut-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry and filling to make 12 Spinach Artichoke Swirls total.
4- Brush the tops of the swirls with the egg wash, which will give them a beautiful golden-brown sheen when baked.
5- Bake the Spinach Artichoke Swirls at 400°F for 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6- Remove the swirls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your 12 perfect Spinach Artichoke Swirls!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Spinach Artichoke Swirls turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips:
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the thawed spinach – this will prevent the filling from becoming watery.
- Don’t overstuff the pastry – stick to the recommended amount of filling to avoid leakage.
- Let the swirls cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- For an extra crispy crust, brush the tops with melted butter instead of egg wash.
Serving and Storing Your Spinach Artichoke Swirls
Perfect Pairings for Spinach Artichoke Swirls
These Spinach Artichoke Swirls make a fantastic appetizer or snack, especially when served with a crisp white wine or a light, fruity cocktail. They also pair beautifully with a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner. Remember, this recipe makes 12 servings, with each portion being 1 swirl, so there’s plenty to go around!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Spinach Artichoke Swirls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the swirls up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Spinach Artichoke Swirls
Creative Spinach Artichoke Swirls Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing things up with your Spinach Artichoke Swirls! You could swap in different cheeses, like Gruyère or pepper jack, or add a touch of heat with some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. For a seasonal twist, try using roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes in the filling. The possibilities are endless!
Making Spinach Artichoke Swirls Diet-Friendly
To make these Spinach Artichoke Swirls gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or wrap the filling in large, sturdy lettuce leaves instead of dough. For a vegan version, substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives, like vegan cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. And for a low-carb option, you can serve the spinach artichoke filling in hollowed-out mushroom caps or on top of grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 1 pound, which you’ll want to sauté until wilted before adding to the filling.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 12 servings, with each serving being 1 swirl.
Q: Can I make the swirls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the swirls up to 1 day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the unbaked swirls until ready to bake.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover swirls?
A: To reheat, place the leftover swirls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Q: My swirls won’t stay together – what did I do wrong?
A: Make sure you’re not overstuffing the pastry with the filling. Stick to the recommended amount and be gentle when rolling and cutting the dough to prevent it from splitting.
Spinach Artichoke Swirls
- Total Time: 28
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Spinach Artichoke Swirls! This easy, 10-minute appetizer is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and roll it out into a 12×12 inch square.
4. 4. Spread the spinach-artichoke mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. 5. Starting from one side, tightly roll up the puff pastry to create a log.
6. 6. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces and place them, cut-side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. 7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These Spinach Artichoke Swirls can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later. When ready to serve, simply bake according to the instructions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Spinach Artichoke Swirls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, and I just know you’re going to love them as much as my family does. With their irresistible combination of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry, these swirls are sure to disappear quickly no matter where you serve them. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get baking – your 12 perfect Spinach Artichoke Swirls are just 28 minutes away!
