A Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a fantastic savory snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion! It’s flaky, cheesy, and full of flavorful spinach. Here’s a recipe for a delicious and easy-to-make spinach stuffed pastry.
Spinach Stuffed Pastry
Ingredients (Makes about 8-10 pastries):
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spinach (if using fresh spinach, cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes) and cook until the excess moisture is evaporated. If using frozen spinach, just cook it for a couple of minutes to warm it through. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with ricotta, feta, mozzarella, and nutmeg (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into squares (about 4-inch by 4-inch squares, or you can do rectangles depending on your preference).
- Assemble the Pastries:
- Place a generous spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice, decorative seal.
- Egg Wash:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake:
- Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve:
- Let the pastries cool for a couple of minutes before serving. These are great on their own or with a side of tzatziki sauce or marinara for dipping.
Tips:
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for some spice, or mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- For a Crispier Finish: If you have leftover egg wash, you can lightly brush the tops of the pastries halfway through baking to get an extra golden, crispy finish.
- Storage: You can store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave. They also freeze well—just freeze before baking and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
These Spinach Stuffed Pastries are flaky, savory, and absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal!