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.
