Whipped Feta & Artichoke Heart Puff Pastry Swirls with Lemon Zest

Get ready for your new favorite viral appetizer! These Whipped Feta & Artichoke Heart Puff Pastry Swirls are an absolute showstopper, combining the tangy creaminess of whipped feta with tender artichoke hearts, all nestled in flaky puff pastry. Drizzled with lemon zest, they offer a burst of fresh flavor in every bite. They’re deceptively easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests or become your go-to snack.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings (approx. 3-4 swirls each)

Ingredients

• 1 sheet (14 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 8 oz block feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon, plus extra for garnish
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, dill, chopped artichoke hearts, and the zest of 1 lemon. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
3. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet.
4. Evenly spread the whipped feta and artichoke mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) on one long edge.
5. Starting from the opposite long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log.
6. Brush the unspread border with a little beaten egg to seal the seam, then pinch it closed.
7. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12-14 equal 1-inch thick swirls.
8. Place the swirls flat on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Brush the tops of each swirl with the remaining beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Garnish with additional lemon zest before serving.

Chef's Note

For extra flaky swirls, ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold. You can also make the feta-artichoke filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, then spread and bake when ready.

Make-Ahead Tips

The whipped feta and artichoke filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Swirls are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven for a few minutes until crisp.

Substitutions

**Feta Cheese:** Goat cheese or a blend of ricotta and parmesan could offer a similar creamy, tangy profile.,**Artichoke Hearts:** Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated if dry-packed) or roasted red peppers could be used.,**Herbs:** Fresh chives or oregano can be swapped for dill and parsley.,**Puff Pastry:** A homemade rough puff pastry or even a flaky pie crust could work in a pinch, though the texture will differ.