If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings together vibrant flavors and flaky, golden goodness, this Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe is an absolute winner. It takes humble ingredients like fresh spinach, tangy feta, and creamy ricotta and wraps them inside a perfectly crisp puff pastry, delivering a mouthwatering bite every time. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner, a fancy brunch, or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, contributing to the rich flavors, pleasing textures, and beautiful colors that make these pastries stand out. The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this dish so approachable yet irresistibly tasty.
- Puff pastry sheet: This flaky base puffs up beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect crisp shell for the filling.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and earthy flavor while keeping things light and nutritious.
- Olive oil: Enhances the sautéed vegetables with a smooth richness and helps soften the onions and spinach.
- Red onion: Offers a mild sweetness and a nice pop of color once sautéed.
- Feta cheese: Brings a salty tang and crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft greens.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy, mild richness that balances the salty feta and juicy spinach.
- Egg (for egg wash): Used to brush the pastry tops, giving them a gorgeous golden-brown shine.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the spinach and cheese beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s hot and ready for baking once your pastries are assembled. This step sets the stage for that perfect, golden puff pastry crust we all love.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Spinach
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add finely chopped red onion. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. Next, toss in the chopped spinach, stirring frequently for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Removing the pan from the heat allows the mixture to cool slightly, which is important before mixing it with the cheeses.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the cooled spinach and onion with crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the filling is evenly combined and fragrant. This mixture is the heart of your Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your workspace and roll out your puff pastry sheet just enough to smooth it out. Cut the sheet into four equal squares – these will become your individual stuffed pastries. Working with puff pastry is so satisfying because it’s easy to handle and yields that flaky texture we all adore.
Step 5: Fill and Seal the Pastries
Spoon a generous mound of the spinach and feta filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over, forming triangles or rectangles – whichever shape you prefer. Press and pinch the edges tightly to seal, preventing any filling from escaping during baking.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg and gently brush the top of each stuffed pastry to give it that stunning, shiny golden finish once baked. Place the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. When they turn puffed and beautifully golden, it’s time to take them out and let them cool slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top right before serving to add a fresh, herbal note and brighten up the presentation. A little lemon zest can also lift the richness of the cheese and spinach, offering a lively balance of flavors.
Side Dishes
These pastries pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, which complements the richness without overpowering it. For a cozy meal, serve alongside a warm tomato soup or a simple roasted vegetable medley to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these into finger foods for a party by cutting them into bite-sized portions. For a brunch spread, arrange the pastries on a platter with colorful fresh fruit and a selection of dips like tzatziki or hummus. These simple touches make your Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe all the more festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to keep the pastry from becoming soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, place unbaked but assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, place them directly into a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked pastries in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the pastry lose its flaky texture and become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid soggy pastry.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can work as alternatives, though they will alter the texture slightly. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This dish contains no meat and is packed with vegetables and cheese, making it a perfect vegetarian option.
Can I make smaller or larger pastries?
Definitely! The puff pastry can be cut into any size you like. Just adjust the filling amount and baking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the pastries are done baking?
Look for a puffed-up pastry with golden-brown, crispy edges. The filling should be hot and fragrant when you take them out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat yet is so easy and quick to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it all to yourself, these flaky parcels of cheesy, spinach goodness are bound to bring smiles and seconds. You really have to try it and see just how delightful and satisfying it can be!
Print
Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastries are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Featuring a flaky, golden puff pastry filled with a flavorful blend of spinach, red onions, feta, and ricotta cheese, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Baked to perfection, these pastries offer a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pastries.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled spinach and onion mixture with crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling into the center of each pastry square.
- Seal Pastries: Fold each square over to form triangles or rectangles, pressing and pinching the edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush the egg wash over the top of each sealed pastry. This will give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pastries cool slightly before serving to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Notes
- You can add herbs like dill or oregano to the filling for extra flavor.
- Ensure the spinach mixture is not too wet to prevent soggy pastries.
- Use cold puff pastry sheets for better puff and flakiness.
- Make sure to seal the edges properly to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal.
