Indulge in these delicious Spinach Stuffed Pastries! Perfect as a savory snack, appetizer, or light meal, these pastries feature a flaky puff pastry filled with a cheesy spinach mixture, creating a delightful and flavorful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Pastries:

Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
Cut each sheet into 4 squares (you should have 8 squares total).
Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each square.
Fold the pastry over to form a rectangle or triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Transfer the pastries to the prepared baking sheet.

Apply Egg Wash:

Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

Serve:

Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these Spinach Stuffed Pastries warm or at room temperature.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

Warm and Fresh: Serve these pastries warm right out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings: Pair with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a light yogurt dip for added flavor.

Appetizer Plate: Arrange on a platter with other appetizers like cheese, olives, and cured meats for a delightful spread.
Breakfast Option: These pastries also make a delicious breakfast treat paired with a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the pastries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Freezing: These pastries can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each pastry in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy.
Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the pastry soggy, so it’s best to use the oven or a toaster oven.

Variations:

Cheese Variations:
- Feta and Spinach: Replace the ricotta and Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. The tangy feta complements the spinach perfectly.
- Goat Cheese Delight: Use creamy goat cheese for a rich and slightly tangy filling.
Herb Additions:
- Fresh Basil: Add chopped fresh basil leaves to the spinach mixture for a fragrant and flavorful touch.
- Dill and Parsley: Mix in finely chopped dill and parsley for an herbaceous flavor boost.
Protein Boost:
- Bacon and Spinach: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the spinach and cheese mixture for a smoky, savory addition.
- Sausage Filling: Use cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier, protein-packed pastry.
- Shredded Chicken: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken for a satisfying and nutritious filling.

Veggie Mix:
- Mushroom and Spinach: Sautéed mushrooms add a deep, umami flavor to the filling.
- Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Artichokes: Chopped artichoke hearts provide a tangy and unique flavor.
Spicy Kick:
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a subtle heat.
- Jalapeños: Finely diced jalapeños give the pastries a spicy punch.
- Hot Sauce: Mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a zesty kick.
Sweet Spinach:
- Honey: Add a teaspoon of honey to the spinach mixture for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Mediterranean Style:
- Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes give a Mediterranean flair.
- Pine Nuts: Add toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Nutty Flavor:
- Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts add a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
- Almonds: Sliced almonds provide a delicate crunch and subtle nutty taste.
Vegan Option:
- Vegan Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is vegan-friendly.
- Vegan Cheese: Use vegan ricotta and Parmesan substitutes.
- Flaxseed Egg Wash: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water as an egg wash substitute.

Mini Pastries:
- Bite-Sized: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for mini, bite-sized appetizers.
- Perfect for Parties: These mini pastries are ideal for serving at gatherings and parties.

Greek Style:
- Feta and Dill: Crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Creamy Addition:
- Cream Cheese: Mix a few tablespoons of cream cheese into the spinach mixture for extra creaminess.
- Double Cream: For an even richer filling, use double cream instead of ricotta.

Smoked Flavor:
- Smoked Salmon: Add small pieces of smoked salmon to the filling for a smoky flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle smoked paprika into the spinach mixture for a subtle smoky taste.

Pesto Twist:
- Pesto Spread: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the puff pastry before adding the spinach mixture.
- Basil Pesto: Use basil pesto for a classic flavor, or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique twist.

Buffalo Spinach:
- Buffalo Sauce: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the spinach mixture for a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Blue Cheese: Crumble blue cheese into the filling for a bold, creamy taste.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the filling.
Can I make these pastries ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pastries ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for best results.
What can I use instead of puff pastry? You can use phyllo dough or make a homemade pastry dough as an alternative.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy? Ensure the spinach is well-drained and avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent sogginess.
Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage can be added to the filling for a protein boost.
Are these pastries freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze the baked pastries. Thaw and reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with these pastries? Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a yogurt-based dip pair well with these pastries.
Can I make a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free puff pastry or a gluten-free pastry dough to make these pastries gluten-free.
How can I make the pastries more flavorful? Add more herbs, spices, or cheese to the filling to enhance the flavor.

Can I use other greens instead of spinach? Yes, kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can be used as alternatives to spinach.

These Spinach Stuffed Pastries are a delightful and versatile treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. With their flaky puff pastry exterior and savory spinach and cheese filling, they are sure to impress. Experiment with the variations and serve with your favorite dips for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite!

Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Ingredients

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions