Spinach Goat Cheese Sun Dried Tomato Pinwheels Recipe

Zesty Spinach Goat Cheese Sun Dried Tomato Pinwheels Recipe

Spinach goat cheese sun-dried tomato pinwheels dance with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that instantly elevate any appetizer spread.

These elegant rolled delicacies combine creamy textures with intense, bold taste profiles that surprise and delight guests.

Soft, spreadable cheese meets verdant leafy greens in a harmonious blend of complementary ingredients.

Bright colors and intricate spiral designs make these pinwheels a visual masterpiece that catches everyone’s attention.

Rich, tangy notes from sun-dried tomatoes provide a distinctive punch of concentrated sweetness and depth.

Delicate herbs and carefully balanced seasonings enhance simple ingredients into something extraordinarily sophisticated and memorable.

The combination promises an irresistible culinary experience that feels both rustic and refined.

Why Spinach Goat Cheese Pinwheels Are Irresistible

  • Unleash Flavor Explosion: Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy goat cheese, earthy spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes that dance together in a delightful taste symphony.
  • Create Effortless Elegance: These pinwheels are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal cooking skills yet producing a stunning appetizer that looks professionally prepared and impresses guests instantly.
  • Pack Nutrient-Rich Bites: Loaded with fresh spinach, protein-packed pine nuts, and creamy cheeses, these pinwheels offer a nutritious snack that doesn't compromise on taste or visual appeal.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for quick gatherings, game nights, potlucks, or elegant cocktail parties, these colorful pinwheels can be prepared ahead of time and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food that suits any occasion.

The Best Ingredients for Spinach Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and rich flavor for the pinwheel filling.
  • Goat Cheese: Tangy cheese that adds a distinctive, creamy element with a slightly sharp taste.
Vegetable and Herb:
  • Spinach: Fresh, tender green that brings color, nutrition, and a light, earthy flavor to the pinwheels.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely sweet and concentrated tomato pieces that provide a robust, slightly chewy texture.
Nuts and Additional Ingredients:
  • Pine Nuts: Delicate, buttery nuts that contribute a subtle crunch and nutty undertone to the pinwheels.
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap that serves as the base for rolling and creating the pinwheel shape.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Flavorful oil that enhances moisture and adds a rich, concentrated tomato essence to the mixture.

Crafting the Perfect Spinach Pinwheels

Step 1: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese, goat cheese, and sun dried tomato oil using a hand mixer until smooth and silky.

Step 2: Layer Tortilla Base

Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly across each tortilla, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Toppings

Sprinkle toppings in this order:
  • Chopped sun dried tomatoes
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Remaining goat cheese crumbles

Step 4: Roll Tightly

Starting from one edge, carefully roll the tortilla into a compact cylinder, pressing gently to seal.

Step 5: Slice Pinwheels

Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled tortilla into 1 1/2 inch bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange pinwheels on a serving platter and watch them disappear at your next gathering.

Pinwheel Tips for Better Results

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Choose Fresh Tortillas: Select soft, pliable tortillas that won't crack when rolling to maintain the pinwheels' elegant shape.
  • Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Thoroughly: Pat sun-dried tomatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the tortillas soggy.
  • Slice with Sharp Knife: Use a sharp serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to create clean, even pinwheel cuts without crushing the roll.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate pinwheels for 15-30 minutes before slicing to help them hold their shape and enhance flavor melding.

Store and Reheat Spinach Pinwheels Easily

  • Refrigeration: Store pinwheels in an airtight container and keep chilled for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve flavor.
  • Freezing: Layer pinwheels between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the tortilla's crisp texture and prevent soggy edges.

Sides That Complement Goat Cheese Pinwheels

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc's bright acidity perfectly complements the tangy goat cheese and cuts through the rich cream cheese, creating a refreshing balance with the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Serve with Light Mediterranean Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette enhances the pinwheels' Mediterranean flavors, adding a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the creamy, nutty appetizer.
  • Match with Sparkling Rosé: The bubbly, berry-forward notes of a chilled rosé provide a delightful contrast to the savory pinwheels, making each bite more vibrant and exciting.
  • Accompany with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: A drizzle of basil or rosemary-infused olive oil adds an aromatic dimension, elevating the pinwheels' existing herb and sun-dried tomato profile.

Pinwheel Flavors You Should Try

  • Mediterranean Feta Fusion: Swap goat cheese with crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired appetizer that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Remix: Replace sun dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers, incorporate chopped basil, and use cream cheese with Italian herbs for a vibrant, zesty pinwheel option.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix cream cheese with jalapeños, substitute spinach with cilantro, use pepper jack cheese instead of goat cheese, and add diced green chiles for a bold, southwestern kick.
  • Smoked Salmon Sensation: Layer thin smoked salmon slices with cream cheese, capers, fresh dill, and replace pine nuts with chopped chives for an elegant, elevated pinwheel experience.
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Spinach Goat Cheese Sun Dried Tomato Pinwheels Recipe

Spinach Goat Cheese Sun Dried Tomato Pinwheels Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired pinwheels blend tangy goat cheese, earthy spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes into elegant party appetizers. Perfect for social gatherings, these rolled delights promise sophisticated flavor in each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 flour tortillas (810 inches)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) crumbled goat cheese
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) spinach leaves, chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sun dried tomato oil (from sun dried tomato jar)
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Garnish/Optional:

  • Additional goat cheese (remaining ⅓ cup)

Instructions

  1. Combine softened cream cheese, of crumbled goat cheese, and sun-dried tomato oil in a compact mixing vessel, whisking with an electric mixer until achieving a velvety, homogeneous consistency.
  2. Lay out the tortillas on a clean, flat surface and meticulously spread the cream cheese blend across each tortilla, ensuring an even, edge-to-edge coating.
  3. Generously distribute sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped fresh spinach leaves, toasted pine nuts, and the remaining goat cheese crumbles uniformly over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Carefully initiate the rolling process from one edge, applying gentle pressure to create a tightly wound cylindrical shape, maintaining an even thickness throughout.
  5. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the rolled tortilla into approximately 1.5-inch (3.8-centimeter) pinwheel segments, creating uniform, bite-sized appetizers.
  6. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter, presenting them with the spiral pattern facing upward to showcase the vibrant ingredient layers within each delicate morsel.

Notes

  • Prep these delightful pinwheels ahead of time for stress-free entertaining, storing them wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
  • Toast pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch to the pinwheels.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and goat cheese for smoother, easier spreading and better blending of ingredients.
  • Choose soft flour tortillas that are pliable and fresh to ensure easy rolling without cracking.
  • Pat sun-dried tomatoes dry with paper towels to prevent excess oil from making the tortillas soggy.
  • Slice pinwheels with a sharp serrated knife for clean, precise cuts that maintain their beautiful spiral shape.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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