Description
Savory Italian Spinach and Cheese Pastry blends Mediterranean flavors into a delightful handheld delight. Rich herbed cheese and tender spinach nestled in golden-brown pastry create pure comfort that calls you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 2 cups (473 ml) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Binding Ingredient:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 400°F (200°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal pastry baking.
- Sauté chopped spinach in olive oil over medium heat until completely wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the spinach to cool slightly, then combine with ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Dust a work surface with flour and carefully unfold the puff pastry sheets.
- Slice each pastry sheet into 4 equal squares, creating 8 total pastry sections.
- Distribute the spinach-cheese mixture precisely in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry diagonally to create triangular or rectangular shapes, ensuring complete ingredient enclosure.
- Crimp the pastry edges using a fork to create a tight seal and prevent filling leakage.
- Position the assembled pastries onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Generously brush the pastry surfaces with beaten egg to achieve a rich, golden exterior.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until pastries become puffy and deeply golden.
- Remove from oven and let the pastries rest for a few minutes to stabilize their structure.
- Serve these delectable spinach-cheese pastries warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Mix the spinach-cheese filling in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development and save cooking time.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly version or swap ricotta with dairy-free alternatives for vegan guests.
- Assemble unbaked pastries, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals that can be baked directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg