Delicious and addictive spinach stuffed pastry featuring a creamy ricotta and Parmesan filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, these golden-brown pastries are easy to prepare and bake to perfection.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Ingredients
Pastry
2 sheets puff pastry sheets, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
Spinach Filling
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (can substitute with baby kale or Swiss chard)
1 cup ricotta cheese (cottage cheese works as a substitute)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Pecorino Romano can be used)
1 tsp garlic powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional for sautéing spinach)
Other
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash to achieve golden color)
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pastries.
Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped spinach until wilted. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4 to 6 squares, depending on desired pastry size.
Fill the pastry: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold each into triangles or rectangles and seal the edges firmly using a fork to prevent filling from leaking.
Apply egg wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish upon baking.
Bake: Place the prepared pastries on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm: Let the pastries cool for 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed alone or with sides such as tzatziki or marinara sauce.
Notes
For a different flavor, try substituting baby kale or Swiss chard for the spinach.
Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.
Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting and filling to prevent cracking.
Use an egg wash to get a glossy, golden-brown crust, but it can be omitted for vegan or egg-free versions.
Serve the pastries warm for the best texture and flavor.
