Indulge in the perfect harmony of flaky, buttery pastry and a savory, creamy spinach filling with this irresistible spinach-stuffed pastry recipe. This dish combines the richness of cheese and a medley of fresh spinach, seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course, this pastry promises to be a crowd-pleaser that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ideal for brunch, special occasions, or an impressive side dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 sheets of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Spinach Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional for added tanginess)
Instructions:
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté Spinach and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Wilt the Spinach: Toss in the spinach, cooking until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. Once wilted, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until smooth and well combined. If using feta cheese, fold it in at the end for a tangy bite.
Assembling the Pastry:
- Prepare the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Cut each sheet into rectangles or squares, depending on your desired pastry size.
- Fill the Pastries: Place a spoonful of the spinach filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, and press the edges together using a fork to seal.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of each pastry with the egg wash to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Transfer the pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.