Spinach Hummus Pinwheels

Of all the recipes that have become staples in my kitchen, these Spinach Hummus Pinwheels hold a special place. I first made them on a whim for a chaotic family get-together. The guest list had ballooned, my main dishes were running behind schedule, and I needed a fast, crowd-pleasing appetizer that wouldn’t chain me to the stove. I remember grabbing a few simple ingredients—tortillas, a tub of hummus, some cream cheese, and a bag of spinach—and hoping for the best. Within twenty minutes, I had these beautiful, vibrant green-and-white spirals chilling in the fridge. When I finally brought them out on a platter, they vanished. I mean, truly vanished. My notoriously picky nephew, who usually survives on plain cheese sandwiches, was grabbing them by the handful. My health-conscious sister-in-law was asking for the recipe, and my husband was trying to sneak the last one before anyone else noticed. That’s when I knew I had a winner. They are now my go-to for everything: potlucks, school lunchboxes, a light lunch with a side salad, or just a healthy afternoon snack. They look impressive and taste complex, but they are secretly one of the easiest and most versatile recipes you’ll ever make. They are a testament to the idea that delicious, crowd-pleasing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Ingredients

Here is the simple list of ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful and vibrant pinwheels. Each component is chosen to provide the perfect balance of creamy texture, fresh flavor, and savory satisfaction.

• Large Flour Tortillas (10-inch, burrito-size): 4 tortillas. These serve as the foundation of our pinwheels. Using large, soft, and pliable flour tortillas is key to preventing cracking when you roll them. Whole wheat or spinach-flavored tortillas also work beautifully for an extra touch of flavor and color.
• Plain Hummus: 1 cup. This forms the heart of our flavor profile, adding a creamy, earthy, and slightly tangy taste. You can use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience or even a homemade version if you’re feeling ambitious. Garlic or roasted red pepper hummus are also fantastic variations.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature. This is the magic ingredient that provides a rich, tangy base and acts as the “glue” that holds everything together. Softening it is crucial for a smooth, lump-free spread.
• Frozen Chopped Spinach: 10-ounce package, thawed and squeezed very dry. Spinach adds a wonderful color, earthy flavor, and a boost of nutrients. It is absolutely essential to squeeze out as much water as possible after thawing to prevent the pinwheels from becoming soggy.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: ½ cup. Feta introduces a salty, briny kick that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and hummus, adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ¼ cup, finely chopped. These little jewels provide a concentrated burst of sweet and savory tomato flavor. If using oil-packed tomatoes, be sure to drain them well before chopping.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds a subtle, savory depth of flavor that complements the hummus and spinach perfectly without the harsh bite of fresh garlic.
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon. This provides a gentle, sweet onion flavor that rounds out the savory notes in the filling mixture.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground. A touch of pepper enhances all the other flavors and adds a tiny bit of warmth.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to achieve perfectly rolled, beautifully sliced, and incredibly delicious spinach hummus pinwheels every time. The key to success lies in the preparation of the filling and the chilling process.

1. Prepare the Spinach: The most critical step for avoiding soggy pinwheels is preparing the spinach correctly. After thawing the frozen chopped spinach completely, place it in the center of a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or several layers of heavy-duty paper towels. Gather the corners and twist, squeezing firmly over a sink to remove as much liquid as possible. You’ll be surprised at how much water comes out. Continue squeezing until the spinach is very dry and crumbly. Set aside.
2. Create the Creamy Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the hummus. Use a spatula or an electric hand mixer on low speed to beat the two together until they are well combined, smooth, and creamy. Ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature will prevent any lumps and make this step much easier.
3. Combine the Filling Ingredients: Add the thoroughly squeezed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl with the hummus and cream cheese mixture. Use your spatula to fold and stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. You should have a thick, flavorful, and colorful spread.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay one large flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface. Scoop approximately one-quarter of the spinach and hummus mixture onto the tortilla. Using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the mixture in a thin, even layer across the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small ½-inch border along one edge. This empty border will help seal the roll.
5. Roll it Tight: Starting from the edge opposite the clean border, begin to roll the tortilla up as tightly as you can. A tight roll is essential for creating compact, neat pinwheels that won’t fall apart when sliced. When you reach the end, the small amount of filling that may have pushed forward will help the clean border adhere, sealing the log.
6. Wrap and Chill (The Non-Negotiable Step): Tightly wrap the rolled tortilla log in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap helps the roll maintain its shape and prevents it from drying out. Repeat the spreading, rolling, and wrapping process with the remaining three tortillas and filling. Place the four wrapped logs in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4 hours or even overnight. This chilling period is crucial; it allows the filling to firm up, which is the secret to getting clean, beautiful slices. Do not skip this step.
7. Slice and Serve: Once the rolls are firm, remove them from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp serrated knife or a very sharp chef’s knife, trim off and discard the uneven ends of each log. Then, slice the log into even ½- to ¾-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe makes approximately 32-40 pinwheels, depending on the thickness of your slices. The nutritional information is an estimate for one serving, which is considered to be 4 pinwheels.

• Servings: 8-10
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 220-260 kcal
• Protein: A good source of protein, primarily from the hummus, cream cheese, and feta. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• Fiber: Contains a healthy amount of dietary fiber from the spinach, hummus (chickpeas), and whole wheat tortillas (if used). Fiber is essential for digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Healthy Fats: The hummus provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from tahini and olive oil. These fats are beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and iron. The sun-dried tomatoes offer a dose of Vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Preparation Time

This recipe is prized for its quick active preparation time, with the majority of the time being hands-off chilling.

• Active Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes. This includes mixing the filling, spreading it on the tortillas, and rolling them up.
• Chilling Time: Minimum 2 hours, recommended 4 hours or overnight. This passive time is essential for the pinwheels to firm up for perfect slicing.
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes.

How to Serve

These Spinach Hummus Pinwheels are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways to suit any occasion. Here are some creative ideas to present and enjoy them:

• The Classic Party Platter:
  • Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large round platter.
  • Fill the center of the platter with a small bowl of extra hummus or a vibrant red pepper dip for extra dipping.
  • Garnish the platter with fresh parsley, sprigs of dill, or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
  • Surround the pinwheels with complementary finger foods like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, baby carrots, and a variety of olives.
• The Perfect Lunchbox Addition:
  • Pack 4-5 pinwheels snugly in a bento-style lunchbox container to prevent them from unrolling.
  • Pair them with fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices.
  • Add a side of crunchy snacks like pretzels, pita chips, or a small handful of almonds.
  • Include a cheese stick or a hard-boiled egg for an extra protein boost.
• A Light and Elegant Lunch:
  • Serve a generous portion of pinwheels alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
  • Pair them with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a comforting and satisfying meal, especially on a cooler day.
  • Arrange them on a plate with a side of quinoa salad or a scoop of tabbouleh for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
• Festive Holiday Appetizer:
  • For a Christmas or holiday party, arrange the pinwheels on a round platter in the shape of a wreath. Place a small bowl of red dip (like roasted red pepper hummus) or a pile of cherry tomatoes in the center to look like a bow.
  • For a game day spread, arrange them on a rectangular tray alongside other fan-favorites like wings, sliders, and a seven-layer dip.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Spinach Hummus Pinwheels are flawless every single time, keep these eight expert tips in mind.

1. Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: It can be tempting to load up the tortillas with the delicious filling, but resist the urge. A thin, even layer is all you need. Overstuffing will cause the filling to ooze out the sides when you roll and slice, creating a mess and making it difficult to get a tight roll.
2. The Chill is Not a Suggestion, It’s a Rule: I cannot stress this enough. Chilling the wrapped tortilla logs is the most important step for achieving clean, defined spirals. A minimum of two hours is required, but four hours or even overnight is better. This solidifies the filling, preventing it from squishing and smearing when you slice.
3. Use a Sharp, Serrated Knife: For the cleanest cuts, a serrated knife (like a bread knife) is your best friend. Use a gentle sawing motion rather than pressing straight down. This will cut through the soft tortilla and firm filling without compressing the pinwheel into an oval shape. A very sharp chef’s knife can also work if you use the tip to slice cleanly.
4. Warm the Tortillas Slightly: If your tortillas are a bit stiff or you’re worried about them cracking, you can warm them slightly before spreading the filling. Microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
5. Trim the Ends for a Professional Look: The ends of the tortilla log will always be a bit uneven and not as full as the center. For a beautiful, uniform presentation on a party platter, always trim off about a half-inch from each end before slicing the rest of the log. Don’t throw them away—they make a great chef’s snack!
6. Master the Make-Ahead: These pinwheels are a dream for party planning. You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble and roll the tortillas a full 24 hours before you plan to serve them. Just keep them tightly wrapped in the fridge and slice right before your guests arrive.
7. Get Creative with Flavor Variations: Don’t be afraid to customize the filling. Swap the plain hummus for roasted red pepper, garlic, or jalapeño hummus. Add other finely chopped ingredients like black olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or shredded carrots. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
8. Proper Storage for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 2-3 days. Stacking them can cause them to become squished. Note that they may soften slightly over time as the tortilla absorbs moisture from the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making Spinach Hummus Pinwheels.

1. Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the standard flour tortillas with your favorite brand of gluten-free tortillas. Look for ones that are large and flexible to prevent cracking. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your hummus and cream cheese to be safe.

2. My pinwheels came out soggy. What did I do wrong?
Sogginess is almost always caused by one culprit: excess water in the spinach. It is absolutely vital that you squeeze every last drop of moisture out of the thawed spinach before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth is the most effective method. Additionally, if you use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes or other wet ingredients, make sure they are very well-drained.

3. Can I freeze spinach hummus pinwheels?
It is generally not recommended to freeze assembled pinwheels. Cream cheese and hummus can change in texture after being frozen and thawed, often becoming watery or grainy. This will lead to a soggy tortilla and an unpleasant final product. However, you can prepare the filling mixture ahead of time and freeze that in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before spreading it on fresh tortillas.

4. How far in advance can I make them for a party?
These are the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can assemble and roll the tortilla logs up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Wait to slice them until just before you are ready to serve to ensure they are fresh and the cuts are clean. This saves you a ton of time on the day of your event.

5. Can I use homemade hummus for this recipe?
Yes, and it can make them even more delicious! If you have a favorite homemade hummus recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure your homemade hummus has a thick consistency. If it’s too thin or watery, it may contribute to a softer filling that doesn’t hold its shape as well.

6. What other vegetables or ingredients can I add to the filling?
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. You can add many other finely chopped ingredients to the filling. Some great options include drained and chopped roasted red peppers, finely diced bell peppers (red or yellow for color), shredded carrots, chopped Kalamata olives, or finely chopped artichoke hearts (canned in water, well-drained). Just be sure any vegetable you add is well-drained and chopped small to maintain the integrity of the roll.

7. My kids are picky eaters. Will they enjoy these?
Many parents have found these pinwheels to be a surprise hit with picky eaters. The fun, colorful spiral shape is visually appealing to kids. The flavors are creamy and savory rather than overwhelmingly “green.” You can call them “snail shells” or “race car wheels” to make them more fun. If you’re concerned about a specific ingredient like feta or sun-dried tomatoes, you can easily leave it out or substitute it with something milder, like shredded cheddar cheese.

8. How do I keep my tortillas from cracking when I roll them?
Cracking is usually due to the tortillas being too cold or dry. First, make sure you are using fresh, soft tortillas. If they feel a bit stiff, you can warm them for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel. This will make them more pliable. Also, be careful not to roll them too loosely at the start; a tight, confident roll from the beginning helps prevent cracks from forming.

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