Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy that classic creamy, cheesy spinach artichoke dip in a bite that’s flaky, golden, and perfect for sharing, Spinach Artichoke Swirls are about to become your new favorite treat. They marry the nostalgia of a party dip with the elegance of puff pastry, making each bite irresistibly savory and delicious. Whether you’re entertaining friends, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just indulging in a snacky dinner at home, these swirls promise oohs and aahs all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Spinach Artichoke Swirls come together with just a handful of familiar staples, each bringing something special to the table. Every ingredient plays a critical role, so don’t be shy about treating yourself to the good stuff!

• Puff pastry sheet: This forms the flaky, buttery shell that makes the swirls so perfectly crisp on the outside.
• Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, verdant burst of color and extra nutrition, making each bite vibrant.
• Artichokes, chopped: Offer a mild, tangy heartiness that pairs beautifully with creamy elements.
• Shredded parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, salty punch and some extra golden crispness as it bakes.
• Cream cheese, softened: Provides luscious creaminess that makes the filling so delightfully rich.
• Mayonnaise: A little goes a long way to bind everything together and add a subtle tanginess.
• Garlic clove, minced: Brings that irresistible savory aroma and depth that rounds out the flavors.
• Salt to taste: Enhances every other ingredient—taste before baking to get it just right!
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste: Adds just enough bite to perk up the creamy filling.
• Red pepper flakes to taste: For the tiniest hit of heat—feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
• Egg for egg wash: Brushing this on makes the swirls extra glossy and perfectly golden brown when baked.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Swirls

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and thawing your puff pastry sheet as directed on the package. Letting the pastry soften just enough makes it easy to handle and helps you achieve those signature flaky layers in the finished swirls. Puff pastry likes to be a little cool, so don’t let it sit out too long—just enough to unfold smoothly without cracking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, artichokes, parmesan cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and creamy. This savory mix will be your flavor-packed centerpiece—it should look lush and green with flecks of cheese and artichoke throughout.

Step 3: Assemble the Swirls

Lay out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it in half to make two equal rectangles. Spread the spinach artichoke mixture in an even layer over one half, leaving a slight border at the edges to help everything seal shut. Carefully lay the second sheet of pastry over the top, pressing gently to sandwich the filling between the two layers.

Step 4: Shape and Twist

With a sharp knife, slice the layered pastry into six long strips (cutting lengthwise for longer, more dramatic swirls). Take each strip, gently twist it a few times, and coil it into a swirl shape, tucking the ends underneath so each one holds together beautifully during baking. This step is fun—don’t worry if your swirls aren’t perfect, they’ll puff up charmingly in the oven!

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Place each swirl on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they have room to rise. Whisk your egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash, then use a pastry brush to glaze each swirl. This guarantees a gorgeous golden finish. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the Spinach Artichoke Swirls are puffed and deeply golden. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye out near the end for that perfect color.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the swirls cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers crisp up and makes them easier to handle. Now all that’s left is to dig in!

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Swirls

Garnishes

For a touch of restaurant flair, sprinkle your Spinach Artichoke Swirls with extra parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, or a gentle dusting of red pepper flakes. A quick drizzle of good olive oil can also make them sparkle for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These swirls pair beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in a bright vinaigrette or a platter of seasonal roasted veggies. If you’re serving them for brunch, they’re especially tasty with a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try piling the swirls on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of herby yogurt dip or marinara for dunking. For parties, serve Spinach Artichoke Swirls on skewers, or arrange them in a spiral on a large platter to wow your guests visually before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Puff pastry will lose a bit of its characteristic crunch but the flavors of the spinach and artichoke filling actually deepen and improve overnight.

Freezing

Spinach Artichoke Swirls freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. You can bake them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time and watch for that golden color.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the swirls in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and the pastry is crisp once again—usually about 10 minutes. Microwaving isn’t recommended as it can make the pastry soggy, but an air fryer will do the trick in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from frozen spinach before mixing it in. This helps prevent the filling from getting watery and keeps your Spinach Artichoke Swirls crisp and flaky.

What if I don’t have artichokes?

If you need to skip the artichokes, you can substitute with chopped sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a different twist. The flavor profile will change, but your swirls will still have that creamy, savory bite.

How can I make these ahead for a party?

Prepare the swirls up to the point of baking, then store covered in the fridge up to one day ahead. Just before your guests arrive, pop them into the oven and bake as instructed for freshly puffed, warm Spinach Artichoke Swirls.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Simply use gluten free puff pastry, which is increasingly available at specialty and health food stores. The filling itself is naturally gluten free—just double-check your pantry ingredients to be certain.

Why did my filling leak out?

If your filling tries to escape during baking, it might be because the swirls were overfilled, or the pastry was too warm and soft. Try chilling the assembled swirls for a few minutes before baking next time for neater edges.

Final Thoughts

I hope these Spinach Artichoke Swirls find their way into your kitchen soon! They’re so much more than a simple appetizer—they’re conversation starters, comfort food, and a celebration of classic flavors wrapped up in a playful pastry. Happy baking, and don’t forget to save one for yourself before they disappear!

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