Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

I absolutely love this Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe because it takes the classic creamy dip we all adore and turns it into a fun, handheld snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a savory treat, these flaky, golden swirls hit the spot every time. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and that cheesy goodness wrapped in puff pastry is simply irresistible.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull together but still looked so impressive on the table. You’ll find that it’s a fantastic appetizer to prepare ahead of time, and your guests will be asking for the recipe once they taste these delicious bites. If you love spinach artichoke dip, this swirled-up version is definitely worth baking at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have these ready in no time.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect finger food that works great for parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
  • Versatile Flavor: The creamy spinach and artichoke filling combines perfectly with flaky puff pastry for a savory hit.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling and assemble these swirls ahead of time, saving you stress on event day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe are simple but pack a flavorful punch. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll want to grab and why each piece is essential for that perfect savory swirl.

  • Puff Pastry Sheet: Using a good-quality puff pastry makes all the difference in achieving that light, flaky texture that’s key to the swirls.
  • Fresh Spinach: Fresh really shines here for a vibrant, natural green and bit of freshness; be sure to chop it finely so it mixes well.
  • Artichokes: Canned or jarred artichokes work fine—just drain and chop them well to keep the filling balanced.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a touch of nutty, salty savoriness that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature for easy mixing and that creamy, smooth texture inside every swirl.
  • Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and richness, making the filling extra luscious.
  • Garlic Clove: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch of flavor that makes each bite deliciously aromatic.
  • Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: To season just right and bring out the taste of the filling.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I love the little kick of heat it adds to balance the creaminess.
  • Egg (for egg wash): Brushing these with egg wash gives you that gorgeous golden, glossy finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to tweak this Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s on hand. It’s very adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

  • Cheese Swap: I’ve tried substituting mozzarella or fontina for parmesan when I wanted a creamier melt, and it works beautifully.
  • Protein Addition: Adding cooked bacon bits or diced ham gives a smoky twist that my family goes crazy for.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh basil or dill stirred into the filling adds a fresh herbal note that’s super tasty.
  • Spicy Kick: Boost the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne if you prefer your swirls with some heat.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Filling with Care

Start by thawing your puff pastry according to the package instructions—usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature works best. While that’s thawing, mix together the chopped spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mayonnaise, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. I like to use a fork or small whisk to really blend everything until it’s smooth and evenly combined. This is where the magic happens—the filling needs to be creamy but still spreadable so it holds together inside the swirls.

Step 2: Assemble Your Swirls

Lay out your puff pastry sheet and cut it in half, giving you two long rectangular pieces. Spread the spinach artichoke filling evenly over one half, reaching all the edges so every swirl has that rich flavor inside. Now, carefully place the other puff pastry half on top to sandwich the filling inside. Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into 6 long strips along the width—longer strips hold the swirls together better.

Step 3: Twist and Shape Your Swirls

Here’s the fun part! Take each strip and gently twist it several times to create that pretty spiral effect. Then, coil the twisted strip into a swirl shape, tucking the ends underneath so they stay secure while baking. The twisting gives you crispy layers on the outside, with the creamy filling beautifully swirled inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place each swirl spaced evenly apart.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake to Golden Perfection

Whisk one egg with about a teaspoon of water and brush this gently over each swirl to help them develop that irresistible golden-brown sheen. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) and bake for about 25 minutes or until puffed up and golden. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-browning. Once done, let them cool slightly so the filling firms up a bit—then dive in!

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Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

  • Thaw Puff Pastry Slowly: Let it thaw at room temperature for a flaky texture—microwaving can ruin the layers.
  • Don’t Overload Filling: Too much filling makes twisting tricky and can cause leaks during baking.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: Clean cuts make twisting easier and keep swirls looking neat and uniform.
  • Watch Bake Time Closely: Puff pastry bakes quickly—check after 20 minutes to avoid burning.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra parmesan or cracked black pepper on top right after baking to make the flavors pop. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely color contrast and hint of freshness. Occasionally, I drizzle a tiny bit of hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist—trust me, it’s a game changer!

Side Dishes

These swirls pair perfectly with a crisp green salad or a tangy tomato-based dipping sauce, especially if you want to balance the richness. For a heartier option, I like serving them alongside grilled chicken or a simple bowl of soup—makes for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange these swirls on a wooden board with small bowls of marinara or ranch dip. Sometimes, I stack them in a spiral shape on a tiered tray to make them extra eye-catching. They also look adorable wrapped with a little fresh basil leaf held by a toothpick—super cute and easy to grab!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover swirls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly flavorful, but the pastry loses some crispness. To bring back that lovely crunch, I always reheat them in an oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze these pre-baked swirls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. When you’re ready, just thaw them completely before reheating in the oven. I don’t recommend freezing after baking because the pastry texture suffers.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the swirls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This revives the flakiness and warms the filling nicely. If you’re in a hurry, a few minutes in the microwave followed by a quick oven crisp works well too.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe vegan?

    Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese and mayonnaise for vegan versions, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and double-check that your puff pastry is vegan-friendly (some contain butter). The recipe will still be delicious, just with a plant-based twist.

  2. How do I prevent the swirls from leaking filling while baking?

    Make sure not to overfill the pastry and tuck the ends of each twisted strip securely underneath the swirl. Also, using a sharp knife to cut and gentle twisting helps maintain the structure. An egg wash seals the top and locks in moisture during baking.

  3. Can I prepare the swirls ahead of time and bake them later?

    Definitely! You can assemble the swirls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

  4. What can I serve with Spinach Artichoke Swirls?

    They go wonderfully with fresh salads, assorted dips like marinara or ranch, and heartier mains like grilled chicken or soup. I also love pairing them with a chilled glass of white wine for a special treat.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, scrumptious, and always impresses whoever I serve it to. I love how the flaky pastry beautifully cradles that creamy, flavorful filling—it’s a total comfort food upgrade. I wholeheartedly recommend you try making these swirls soon; they’re a perfect way to elevate a casual snack or appetizer into something special that everyone will enjoy.

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Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Swirls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 539 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 swirls
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Spinach Artichoke Swirls are a deliciously flaky and savory appetizer perfect for parties or a delightful snack. Featuring a creamy mixture of fresh spinach, tangy artichokes, parmesan, and a hint of garlic, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry, baked to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Spinach Artichoke Filling

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup artichokes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/8 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

Pastry and Finishing

  • 1 puff pastry sheet
  • 1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water (egg wash)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Thaw Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry according to package instructions so that it is pliable for rolling.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped spinach, chopped artichokes, shredded parmesan cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, fresh cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful filling.
  3. Prepare Pastry Sheets: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet in half evenly to create two rectangular pieces.
  4. Assemble Swirls: Spread the spinach artichoke mixture evenly over one half of the puff pastry. Carefully lay the second half of the puff pastry sheet on top, creating a sandwich with the filling in the middle.
  5. Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry sandwich into 6 even long strips along the longer side. Twist each strip gently and then roll the twisted strip into a swirl shape, tucking the ends underneath to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Place the swirls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each swirl generously with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
  7. Bake: Bake the swirls in the preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the swirls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed to prevent cracking when rolling and twisting.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach thawed and drained can be used.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to spice preference.
  • These swirls can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 swirl (approx.)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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