Mediterranean Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean addictive spinach stuffed pastry is a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its golden, crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed (store-bought or homemade)
- 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 Egg, beaten (for egg wash to achieve golden color)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (optional for sautéing spinach)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté spinach until wilted, then let it cool slightly. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4–6 squares.
- Step 4: Place 1–2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta mixture in the center of each square. Fold the pastry into triangles or rectangles and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Step 5: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Step 7: Let the pastries cool for 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with tzatziki or marinara sauce.
Tips & Variations
- You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter filling without losing creaminess.
- Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more pronounced flavor.
- Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling for extra Mediterranean flair.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and an oil-based wash instead of egg.
Storage
Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze these spinach stuffed pastries?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place the filled and sealed pastries on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use fresh spinach without sautéing it?
It’s best to sauté fresh spinach to remove excess moisture and improve flavor. Using raw spinach may result in soggy pastries and uneven cooking.
PrintMediterranean Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe
This Mediterranean Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry features flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, subtly seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Perfect as a warm appetizer or a light snack, these golden, oven-baked pastries are simple to prepare and bursting with rich, comforting flavors inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–12 pastries 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed (Store-bought or homemade)
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)
Egg Wash
- 1 Egg, beaten (For egg wash to achieve golden color)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the spinach filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped spinach and sauté until fully wilted and reduced in volume. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the filling is smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets carefully on a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 4 to 6 squares, depending on your preferred size for the pastries.
- Fill the pastry: Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spinach-ricotta mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form triangles or rectangles, then firmly seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each filled pastry with the beaten egg. This will help them develop a shiny, golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and beautifully golden brown.
- Serve warm: Allow the pastries to cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Serve them warm, optionally accompanied by tzatziki or marinara sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed before cutting to avoid tearing.
- Egg wash is key for achieving that appealing golden crust; don’t skip it.
- These pastries can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain their crispness.
Keywords: spinach stuffed pastry, Mediterranean pastry, ricotta spinach pastry, savory puff pastry, vegetarian appetizer
