Spinach-Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Filling
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta, feta, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
   • Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares (approximately 4×4 inches).
4. Fill the Pastries
   • Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
   • Fold the corners over the filling to form a triangle or pocket. Press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork for a decorative finish.
5. Brush with Egg Wash
   • Arrange the pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve
   Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!

Variations and Tips for Spinach-Stuffed Puff Pastry

Variations:

1. Cheese Alternatives
   • Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture or use mozzarella for a milder flavor.
   • Add cream cheese for an extra creamy filling.
2. Vegetable Additions
   • Include diced mushrooms, artichokes, or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
   • Use kale or arugula as a spinach substitute.
3. Meaty Options
   • Add cooked bacon, prosciutto, or diced ham for a savory twist.
   • Incorporate cooked and crumbled sausage for a hearty filling.
4. Spice it Up
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
   • Mix in some fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley for added depth.
5. Shape Variations
   • Instead of squares, cut the puff pastry into circles or rectangles for different shapes.
   • Create mini turnovers or roll the dough into spirals for bite-sized appetizers.
6. Sweet Twist
   • For a sweet-savory combo, mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the filling.
7. Dairy-Free Option
   • Use dairy-free ricotta or tofu as a filling base and skip the Parmesan.

Tips:

1. Thaw Puff Pastry Properly
   • Let the puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft or sticky.
2. Prevent Sogginess
   • Ensure the spinach is well-drained after cooking to avoid a watery filling. You can press it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Don’t Overfill
   • Use just enough filling to ensure the pastry seals properly and doesn’t burst during baking.
4. Work Quickly
   • Keep the puff pastry cold as you work to maintain its flakiness. If it gets too warm, chill it briefly in the refrigerator.
5. Customize Size
   • Cut the pastry into smaller pieces for appetizers or larger ones for a main dish.
6. Reheat Gently
   • Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to preserve their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

Enjoy experimenting with these variations and tips to create your perfect spinach-stuffed puff pastry!