Why You’ll Love Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry is a delightful fusion of flaky pastry and a rich, creamy filling. The combination of sautéed spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic encased in buttery puff pastry creates a mouthwatering treat. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or light main course, these pastries are sure to impress with their golden, crispy exterior and flavorful interior.
Ingredients
1 package (1 lb) of puff pastry (thawed)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in the sautéed spinach, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape.
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Fill the Pastry: Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach filling in the center of each pastry square or circle. Be careful not to overfill.
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Seal the Pastry: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket or a crescent shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
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Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the egg wash over the tops and edges of the pastries for a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
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Bake: Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
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Cool & Serve: Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 12 pastries
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Cheese Blend: Substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer filling.
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Herb Addition: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the filling for added flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy twist.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free puff pastry and substitute cheeses with vegan alternatives.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the pastries for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
How can I make these pastries gluten-free?
To make these pastries gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Ensure it is thoroughly thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before using.
Can I prepare these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, cooked and crumbled sausage or ground beef can be added to the filling for a heartier option.
How do I prevent the pastries from becoming soggy?
Ensure the spinach is well-drained and not too wet before mixing with the cheeses.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like goat cheese, cheddar, or Gruyère can be used for a different flavor profile.
Are these pastries suitable for freezing?
Yes, these pastries freeze well. Assemble them and freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen when ready to serve.
Can I bake these pastries in advance?
Yes, you can bake the pastries in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I make these pastries smaller for appetizers?
Absolutely! Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
While phyllo dough can be used, it will result in a different texture. Puff pastry provides a flakier and more substantial base.
Conclusion
Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Its flaky exterior and creamy, flavorful filling are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or light main course, these pastries are a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry
Indulge in these flaky puff pastry pockets filled with a creamy blend of sautéed spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these pastries are both delicious and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Pastry:
- 1 package (1 lb) puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in the sautéed spinach, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape.
- Fill the Pastry: Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach filling in the center of each pastry piece. Be careful not to overfill.
- Seal the Pastry: Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pocket or crescent shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops and edges of the pastries. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
- Bake: Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool & Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main course!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- You can substitute puff pastry with phyllo dough for a different texture.
- These pastries can be made ahead and frozen before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time when baking from frozen.
