Mediterranean 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
Scale
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
