If you love dishes that combine flaky, buttery puff pastry with a rich, flavorful filling, then this Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. Picture tender spinach mingling with creamy ricotta and tangy feta, all wrapped in golden, crispy layers of puff pastry. It makes for a delightful appetizer, snack, or even a light meal that is as impressive to serve as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Fresh spinach brings vibrant green freshness, while flaky puff pastry lends that delicious crispiness that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: Provides the crispy and buttery encasing for the filling.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Offers a tender, fresh base and vibrant color to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to soften onions and spinach, adding a subtle richness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a slight sweetness and texture contrast to the filling.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Delivers tangy, salty flavor that complements the spinach perfectly.
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese: Brings creaminess that balances out the saltiness of the feta.
- 1 egg: Used for egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish on the pastry.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the filling without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Necessary to season and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your puff pastries go in for baking, giving you that perfect rise and golden crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped red onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, toss in the chopped spinach and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until it wilts and all the moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before moving forward.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cooled spinach and onion mixture with crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients while the spinach is slightly warm helps the flavors meld beautifully. Stir until well combined but still retaining some texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet if needed. Cut the pastry into four equal squares, giving you four perfect pockets to fill. This portioning helps with even baking and manageable serving sizes.
Step 5: Fill and Fold
Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and feta mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Then fold the squares over into triangles or rectangles—whichever shape you prefer—and pinch the edges firmly to seal them completely, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the egg to create a smooth wash and brush it over the tops of each pastry. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden shine that makes these pastries irresistible. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes—it helps the filling set a bit and prevents any burns. Then serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flaky pastry with savory spinach and feta filling.
How to Serve Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or dill over the warm pastries just before serving. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can also introduce lovely, complementary textures and flavors.
Side Dishes
These stuffed puff pastries pair wonderfully with a crisp, tangy salad—think arugula with a simple lemon vinaigrette or cucumber and tomato salad. If you want something heartier, a warm bowl of tomato soup or a light lentil stew can balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming appetizer platter, cut the puff pastries into smaller bites and arrange on a wooden board with bowls of tzatziki or roasted red pepper dip. You can also serve them alongside olives, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit for an enticing Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover savory spinach and feta stuffed puff pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep that crispness, try reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
These pastries freeze beautifully! Place them flat on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen pastries in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method revives their flaky texture and ensures the filling warms evenly without becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the filling. Excess water can make the pastry soggy.
Is ricotta cheese necessary in this recipe?
While ricotta adds creaminess and helps bind the filling, you can substitute it with cream cheese or omit it if you prefer a lighter filling, though texture and taste will be slightly affected.
Can I make these pastries vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a vegan puff pastry and replace the cheeses with plant-based alternatives. The egg wash can be substituted with a little non-dairy milk or a flax egg for browning.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking?
Make sure to pinch the edges tightly when folding the pastry, and avoid overfilling each pocket. A firm seal is key to keeping all that tasty filling inside.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like dill and mint to customize the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little joy and elegance to your table with minimal effort. Its perfect balance of flaky pastry and flavorful filling means it’s loved by kids and adults alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and delicious 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
This Savory Spinach and Feta Stuffed Puff Pastry recipe combines flaky, buttery puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, red onion, creamy ricotta, and tangy feta cheeses. Perfect as a savory appetizer or light meal, these golden-baked pastries offer a delightful blend of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour for rolling
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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the puff pastry.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and onion mixture with crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Roll and Cut Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares for individual pastries.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and feta filling into the center of each pastry square, keeping the filling away from the edges.
- Seal Pastry: Fold each square over to form triangles or rectangles and pinch edges firmly to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg well and brush the tops of each pastry with the egg wash to encourage a golden, shiny crust during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Remove pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy warm, flaky, and flavorful stuffed puff pastries.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach mixture is cooled before filling to prevent puff pastry from becoming soggy.
- Use freshly chopped spinach for best texture and brightness in the filling.
- The egg wash is essential for a beautiful golden finish but can be omitted to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- These pastries can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- For a variation, add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling for extra aroma and flavor.
