There’s something magical about biting into a warm, flaky pastry filled with a deliciously seasoned spinach mixture. It’s the kind of treat that instantly feels comforting yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you’re making these as a quick snack, a tasty appetizer, or even a light meal, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Imagine golden, crispy layers giving way to a rich, cheesy spinach filling that’s just the right balance of creamy and savory. Trust me, you’re going to love this recipe—it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Stuffed Pastry
Versatile
Perfect for any occasion—serve it as a snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch. These pastries are great for meal prepping and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Budget-Friendly
Made with affordable pantry staples, this recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy
With minimal prep and baking time, you’ll have a batch of these golden, crispy pastries ready in no time.
Customizable
Swap out the cheese, add some protein, or throw in extra herbs—this recipe is easy to adjust to your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Spinach Stuffed Pastry
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with simple ingredients, yet the result is incredibly flavorful. Let’s break it down:
Puff Pastry
The crispy, buttery base that makes these pastries absolutely irresistible. Store-bought or homemade, it works beautifully.
Spinach
The star of the show! Fresh or frozen spinach both work—just make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
Feta Cheese
Tangy, creamy, and slightly salty, feta cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the filling.
Onion and Garlic
Aromatic and essential for building flavor, these ingredients bring warmth and richness to the mix.
Egg
Helps bind everything together and gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen when brushed on top.
Spices and Herbs
A pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper enhances the flavors and makes the filling even more delicious.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives the pastry its perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Prepare Your Puff Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Assemble the Pastries
Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.
Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the pastries with a beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool slightly before serving. These pastries are delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or marinara.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 280-320 (varies based on ingredients used)
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient substitutions.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
How to Serve Spinach Stuffed Pastry
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a fresh Greek salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Enjoy alongside a warm bowl of soup for a cozy, comforting meal.
- Add some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables on the side for extra protein and nutrients.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Pastry: Puff pastry works best when cold, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Drain the Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy filling.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try ricotta, cream cheese, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: These pastries can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked pastries and bake straight from the freezer for a quick snack anytime.
Faq’s
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Just make sure to cook and drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze these pastries?
Yes, both baked and unbaked pastries freeze well. Just reheat in the oven for the best texture.
What other fillings can I use?
You can try mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked ground meat for a variation.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Just brush each layer with butter or olive oil before assembling.
What can I serve with these pastries?
They go well with dips, soups, or a fresh salad.
Can I make mini versions for appetizers?
Definitely! Just cut the pastry into smaller squares and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Why is my pastry not crispy?
Make sure to bake at the right temperature and avoid overfilling the pastry.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Yes! Cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even chickpeas would be great additions.
Conclusion
Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings together crispy, buttery layers with a rich, savory filling. Whether you’re making it for a party, a snack, or a quick meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Try it out, get creative with the fillings, and enjoy every flaky, cheesy bite!
Print
Spinach Stuffed Pastry
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 stuffed pastries) 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean/American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory pastry perfect as an appetizer or light meal featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, cheese (ricotta and Parmesan or feta), garlic, and herbs. Simple to prepare and delicious when served warm.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or crumbled feta, if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (plus extra for egg wash)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté spinach (or warm the frozen spinach) until wilted (about 2–3 minutes). If using fresh garlic, add and cook until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach with ricotta, Parmesan (or feta), garlic powder (or minced garlic), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 4 squares (yielding 8 squares total).
- Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over (diagonally or into rectangles) and press the edges firmly (using a fork works well) to seal.
- Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking dish and brush the tops with extra beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of dried oregano or basil into the filling.
- If desired, add a bit of crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangier taste.
- These pastries can also be made in a muffin tin for individual portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg