Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for game day or any occasion! These baked roll-ups are stuffed with a creamy spinach and artichoke mixture, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until golden brown. They’re a delicious twist on the classic spinach and artichoke dip, wrapped up in a convenient pinwheel form that everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

• 1 cup sour cream

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 2 (8-ounce) tubes crescent rolls

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a pie plate or coat with nonstick spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine artichoke hearts, spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan.

3. Unroll crescent rolls, pressing perforations to seal and form a 13×18-inch rectangle. Spread the artichoke mixture on top.

4. Starting at the shortest side, roll up the dough tightly and press edges to seal. Cut into 8 pieces and place, cut side down, on the prepared pie plate.

5. Brush with the beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 18g

• Sodium: 300mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 4g

Why Choose Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels?

Spinach and artichoke dip has long been a favorite appetizer for any occasion, known for its creamy texture and indulgent taste. However, while the dip is delicious, it’s often served in a bowl, requiring utensils for dipping and adding to the mess. Enter Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels: this recipe combines all the elements of the dip but in a convenient, handheld form. No need for scooping or dipping—these pinwheels are pre-assembled, easy to serve, and easy to eat.

Not only are these pinwheels delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm right out of the oven or make them ahead of time and bake them when needed. They can be customized with extra cheese, herbs, or even a little kick of spice, making them adaptable to suit your taste preferences.

The Appeal of Spinach and Artichoke

Spinach and artichokes are the perfect pairing in many dishes, and this appetizer highlights their flavors wonderfully. Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that provides vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, making it a great addition to any meal. Artichoke hearts are equally beneficial, offering antioxidants, fiber, and a deliciously subtle earthy flavor that complements spinach perfectly.

In this recipe, the combination of spinach and artichoke hearts is folded into a creamy mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise, creating a rich and velvety filling that stays soft and smooth as it bakes. The creamy center is contrasted by the crispy, golden crescent roll crust, making each bite a perfect balance of textures.

The Crescent Roll Twist

One of the most notable features of this recipe is the use of crescent rolls as the base. Crescent rolls are a quick and easy way to create a flaky, buttery crust without the need for homemade dough. When baked, they puff up and turn golden, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy filling inside.

The crescent roll dough adds a slight sweetness that helps balance out the richness of the spinach and artichoke mixture. It also creates a sturdy vessel for the filling, allowing the pinwheels to hold their shape as they bake, making them both visually appealing and easy to serve.

Mozzarella and Parmesan: The Perfect Cheeses

No dish is complete without cheese, and in Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels, the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan adds an irresistible element to the filling. Mozzarella, known for its meltability, provides a gooey, stretchy texture that binds the ingredients together. On the other hand, Parmesan, with its sharp, nutty flavor, adds depth to the overall taste, making each bite of the pinwheels savory and satisfying.

Together, the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses elevate the dish, adding flavor and richness that complement the spinach and artichokes beautifully. These cheeses also contribute to the golden, slightly crispy top layer that forms when the pinwheels are brushed with egg wash before baking.

A Simple Yet Elegant Presentation

Although Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels are easy to make, they have a stunning presentation that will make them a standout at any gathering. The golden-brown, spiraled pinwheels look visually appealing and are perfect for serving to guests. The crispy, flakey exterior and the soft, creamy filling make these appetizers irresistible, and their bite-sized form makes them ideal for casual snacking.

The vibrant green of the spinach, combined with the light golden-brown crust and topped with freshly chopped parsley, makes these pinwheels not only delicious but also visually striking. This makes them perfect for serving at parties, where they’re sure to be gone in minutes.

How to Serve and Enjoy

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is crispy. However, they can also be served at room temperature, making them an excellent option for a make-ahead appetizer. If preparing them ahead of time, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

To serve, simply place the pinwheels on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and watch your guests enjoy the warm, cheesy bites. These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo, but they’re also flavorful enough to stand on their own. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, these pinwheels are sure to be a hit.

Nutritional Benefits of Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels

While Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels are indulgent and full of flavor, they also provide some nutritional benefits. Spinach and artichokes contribute to the fiber content of the dish, which aids digestion and helps maintain satiety. The cheeses used in the filling, mozzarella and Parmesan, offer a good source of calcium and protein, essential nutrients for bone health and muscle maintenance.

Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making these pinwheels a relatively moderate option for an appetizer. They also offer a decent amount of protein, with 7 grams per serving, which helps to keep you satisfied. The fat content, primarily from the mayonnaise and cheese, provides richness without overwhelming the dish.

Customizing Your Pinwheels

While the original recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize these Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels to suit your tastes. For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even finely chopped jalapeños to the filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the garlic and onion powders, or swap the sour cream for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt.

For those who love extra cheese, you can easily add a layer of shredded cheddar or Gruyère to the filling, creating a more robust flavor. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or mushrooms, for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings all the comfort and flavor of the classic spinach and artichoke dip into a fun, portable form. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a savory snack, these pinwheels are the perfect choice. With their creamy, cheesy filling and flaky crescent roll crust, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Easy to make and sure to impress, these pinwheels are a must-try for your next gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, prepare a batch, and get ready to enjoy these cheesy, delicious pinwheels with friends and family.