Mediterranean Cheesy Spinach Pesto Rolls
Soft, golden rolls filled with creamy spinach, basil pesto, garlic, and melty cheese. They taste like a Mediterranean-style savory cinnamon roll — cheesy, herby, and festive. Perfect as an appetizer, breakfast, snack, or party side.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Assembly: 10 minutes
Bake: 18–20 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
For the Spinach Pesto Filling:
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup feta (optional for Mediterranean flavor)
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Pinch of black pepper
Pinch of oregano
For the Rolls:
Choose one:
1 can puff pastry sheet
OR
1 sheet pizza dough
OR
1 sheet crescent dough (for soft rolls)
For Topping:
1 tbsp melted unsalted butter
½ tsp dried oregano or basil
Optional: extra mozzarella or parmesan
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Spinach Pesto Filling
1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Add garlic → sauté 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped spinach → cook until wilted and dry.
4. Remove from heat → mix in pesto, mozzarella, feta, parmesan, pepper, and oregano.
5. Let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough
1. Roll out your pastry or pizza dough into a rectangle.
2. Spread the spinach pesto cheese mixture evenly across the surface.
3. Roll tightly from one long side.
4. Slice into 1.5-inch rounds.
3. Bake
1. Arrange rolls on a lined baking tray or in a round baking dish.
2. Brush tops lightly with melted butter and oregano.
3. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella if desired.
4. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 18–20 minutes until golden.
4. Serve
Serve warm with:
A drizzle of pesto
A spoon of Greek yogurt
A light marinara dip
Or eat them plain — they’re perfect!
💡 Notes & Tips
For crispier rolls → use puff pastry.
For soft pillowy rolls → use pizza or crescent dough.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a festive December touch.
Add chili flakes if you want heat (optional).
Make ahead: assemble, chill, then bake when needed.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I make them vegetarian?
They already are! All cheese-based.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes — use vegan pesto, vegan mozzarella, and omit parmesan/feta.
Can I freeze them?
Yes — freeze after slicing; bake from frozen for 22–25 minutes.
🔢 Nutrition information
Calories: 130
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g