Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a savory, flaky pastry filled with a delicious spinach and cheese mixture. It’s easy to make and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a main meal. The combination of creamy spinach with cheese wrapped in buttery, crispy pastry is irresistible. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
- 1 lb fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds great flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it into small pieces. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s well-drained by pressing out excess moisture with a clean towel.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes until wilted (if using fresh spinach) or heated through (if using frozen). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the spinach mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until fully combined and creamy.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. If they’re not already in a rectangular shape, you can gently stretch them into rectangles about 10×12 inches.
- Cut the pastry sheets into desired sizes, typically about 4-6 pieces depending on how large you want each pastry.
3. Assemble the Pastries:
- Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling onto the center of each pastry square or rectangle.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on the shape you cut. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pastry. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and better sealing.
4. Brush with Egg Wash:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for extra flavor and decoration.
5. Bake the Pastries:
- Place the stuffed pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Let the pastries cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack with a dipping sauce like marinara, tzatziki, or garlic butter.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: Add a little crushed red pepper flakes or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mixture for a kick.
- Vegetarian options: These are already vegetarian, but you can also add mushrooms or artichoke hearts to the filling for more variety.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the pastries ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezing: These pastries freeze well. Assemble them, freeze before baking, and bake directly from the freezer for a few extra minutes.
Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a versatile and delicious treat that’s sure to please a crowd! Whether you enjoy them as a snack or pair them with a salad, they’re always a hit.