Crispy Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Top Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe For All To Enjoy

Delicate pastry holds a secret weapon of gooey cheese and vibrant spinach that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of golden, flaky dough encase a creamy, savory filling bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, melted interior.

This recipe brings together simple ingredients with expert technique for an irresistible appetizer or light meal.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, these stuffed pastries elevate everyday cooking to something special.

Warm from the oven, they beckon you to savor every delectable morsel and share the joy of homemade comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry

For Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery foundation for creating flaky golden layers that cradle the delicious filling.
  • Flour: Essential for dusting work surface to prevent sticking and ensure smooth pastry rolling.
For Filling:
  • Spinach: Fresh green powerhouse packed with nutrients, providing earthy flavor and vibrant color.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that binds ingredients and adds smooth texture.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that introduces sharp, salty notes to the filling.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates stretchy, gooey consistency.
  • Egg Yolk: Binding agent that helps hold filling together and adds richness.
For Finishing and Flavor Enhancement:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone to the spinach mixture.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle flavor.
  • Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances and elevates overall taste profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the filling.
  • Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice that complements cheese and spinach beautifully.
  • Beaten Egg: Creates glossy, golden-brown exterior when brushed on pastry.
  • Sesame Seeds: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Nigella Seeds: Provides unique, slightly peppery taste and visual interest.

Cooking Tools For Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for even baking and catching any drips.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining spinach filling ingredients.
  • Skillet or Saute Pan: Needed for cooking spinach and garlic.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll out puff pastry evenly.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for applying egg wash to create a golden crust.
  • Chef's Knife: Useful for chopping garlic and cutting pastry.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps measure salt, pepper, and spices accurately.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.

How To Put Together Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry

  • Create Spinach Magic

Grab a pan and warm up some olive oil. Toss in garlic and let it dance around for half a minute until it smells amazing. Drop in spinach and watch it melt down into a gorgeous green pile. Let the mixture cool slightly.

  • Mix Creamy Goodness

Blend spinach with soft, creamy cheeses and a touch of egg yolk. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to make your filling sing with flavor.

  • Wrap and Shape

Roll out your pastry on a lightly dusted surface. Place a generous dollop of spinach mixture in the center of each piece. Fold and seal the edges, creating little pockets of deliciousness.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush the tops with beaten egg to create a stunning golden shine. Scatter some sesame or nigella seeds for extra crunch. Pop into a hot oven and bake until the pastries puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Pull out these gorgeous pastries and let them cool for a moment. Serve alongside a cool yogurt dip or fresh salad. These are perfect for munching during game night, as a quick lunch, or to impress friends at a casual gathering.

Smart Tips For Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry

  • Smart Storage Hack: Cool stuffed pastries completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in oven for crispy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cheese with firm tofu or cashew cheese for vegan-friendly version. Use plant-based egg substitute to bind filling ingredients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry sheets available in specialty grocery stores. Check packaging to ensure complete gluten-free certification.
  • Flavor Boost Tricks: Experiment with additional herbs like dill, basil, or oregano to enhance filling's taste. Roast garlic beforehand for deeper, caramelized flavor profile.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or ground turkey to spinach filling for extra protein. Adjust seasoning accordingly to complement meat selection.

Ways To Serve Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry

  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a colorful spread with these pastries as the centerpiece, surrounded by hummus, olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh cucumber slices for a stunning appetizer.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Pair these golden pastries with a light Greek salad, soft-boiled eggs, and a crisp white wine for an elegant weekend brunch that will impress your guests.
  • Picnic Perfect Pack: Wrap individual pastries in parchment paper for a delightful portable lunch option that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature or slightly warmed.
  • Dipping Delights: Serve alongside various cool dips like herbed yogurt, spicy harissa sauce, or classic tzatziki to add extra flavor and excitement to each bite of the cheesy spinach pastry.

Keep Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Fresh

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm pastries in a preheated oven at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the pastry soggy and lose its delightful crunch.
  • Freezing Magic: Prepare and freeze unbaked pastries for future enjoyment. Place uncooked stuffed pastries on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: These pastries work brilliantly for make-ahead lunches or quick snacks. Portion and pack individually for easy grab-and-go meals. They taste delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or office meals.
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Crispy Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Crispy Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean spinach and cheese pastry promises a delightful culinary journey through Greece’s traditional flavors. Crisp phyllo layers encase creamy feta and tender spinach, delivering a perfect balance of texture and taste for passionate home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (or cream cheese)
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Spinach Mixture Preparation: Warm olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted and moisture evaporates.
  2. Cheese and Seasoning Blend: Combine cooled spinach with ricotta, feta, mozzarella, egg yolk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, mixing thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Pastry Foundation: Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface, cutting into uniform squares or rectangles with precise edges.
  4. Filling and Folding: Place spinach-cheese mixture in the center of each pastry piece, leaving space around the edges for sealing, then brush pastry borders with beaten egg.
  5. Shaping and Embellishing: Fold pastry corners to create elegant parcels, ensuring a tight seal, then brush with additional egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.
  6. Baking and Serving: Slide pastries into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, baking until golden and puffy, then allow to cool briefly before presenting with a yogurt dip or crisp salad.

Notes

  • Control Moisture: Remove excess liquid from spinach by gently squeezing with a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy pastries.
  • Perfect Pastry Seal: Press pastry edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal and prevent cheese filling from leaking during baking.
  • Temperature Timing: Let pastries rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burns when eating.
  • Customize Cheese Blend: Swap cheeses based on dietary needs or preferences – try goat cheese for tanginess or dairy-free alternatives for vegan options.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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