Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Here’s a delicious recipe for Spinach Stuffed Pastry, perfect for a savory snack or appetizer. This dish features flaky pastry filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture.

Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz (about 280g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten (for the filling)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pastry:

• 1 package (about 17 oz) puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
2. Cook the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (if using fresh), about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s heated through and any excess moisture is evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Pastry:

4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll out the pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sheet of puff pastry to smooth out creases. Cut each sheet into squares or rectangles (about 4-5 inches per side).
6. Fill the pastry: Place a generous tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as it can spill out while baking.
7. Seal the pastries: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
8. Egg wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.

Bake the Pastry:

9. Bake: Place the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
10. Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

11. Enjoy: Serve warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a side of marinara sauce or yogurt dip for dipping.

Recipe Notes:

• Freezing option: These pastries can be assembled and frozen before baking. Just place them in the freezer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Filling variations: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or different cheeses based on your preference.
• Puff pastry tip: Make sure to keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it, as it works best when chilled.

Time and Temperature:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Oven temperature: 400°F (200°C)

These Spinach Stuffed Pastries are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering and are sure to be a hit with everyone! Enjoy!