Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe
A delicious and flaky cheese and spinach stuffed pastry perfect for a savory breakfast, snack, or appetizer. This recipe combines fresh spinach with creamy ricotta and sharp Parmesan cheese, all wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked to golden perfection.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pastries 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Egg Wash
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic (powder or minced), salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Pastries: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets slightly if needed. Cut each sheet into equal squares or rectangles, generally 4 per sheet. Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal in the filling.
- Add Egg Wash & Bake: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each filled pastry with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color once baked. Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a breakfast item, appetizer, or savory snack.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen chopped spinach, just ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry to prevent sogginess.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold to make handling easier and prevent tearing.
- These pastries can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Variations: Add cooked mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or substitute ricotta with cream cheese for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry (approximately)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: spinach stuffed pastry, cheese pastry, ricotta pastry, spinach ricotta puff pastry, savory puff pastry snack