Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Savory: The puff pastry offers a light, crispy texture that complements the rich, cheesy spinach filling.
- Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 15-20 minutes, these pastries come together swiftly.
- Versatile: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them suitable for various occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Assemble the Pastries:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into 4 squares, yielding 8 squares in total.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over to form a rectangle or triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet.
-
Apply Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields approximately 8 pastries.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Variations
- Crust Options: If puff pastry is unavailable, consider using phyllo dough or pre-made pie crusts, adjusting baking times as necessary.
- Filling Variations: Incorporate other ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, or artichoke hearts for added flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute ricotta with feta or goat cheese for a different taste profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Ensure it’s thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before mixing with the cheeses.
Are these pastries suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare these pastries in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble them, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the pastries from becoming soggy?
Ensure the spinach is well-drained after cooking to remove excess moisture.
Can I freeze these pastries?
Yes, freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry offers a delightful combination of flaky pastry and savory filling, making it a versatile addition to any meal or event. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe worth adding to your culinary repertoire.
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Yield: approximately 8 pastries
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired Mediterranean Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a savory delight that combines crispy, flaky puff pastry with a creamy filling of sautéed spinach and a blend of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, this recipe is quick and easy, ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the spinach cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Pastries:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each sheet into 4 squares, yielding 8 squares in total.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over to form a rectangle or triangle, and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Apply Egg Wash:
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
