Crispy Flaky Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Buttery layers of pastry conceal a delectable cheese and spinach filling that promises pure culinary magic.

Crisp edges and golden-brown surfaces hint at the delightful surprise waiting inside this irresistible pastry.

Delicate sheets of dough embrace a savory blend of creamy cheese and tender spinach, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flakiness and rich, satisfying ingredients.

The combination of melted cheese and earthy spinach transforms simple pastry into an elegant appetizer or light meal.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this mouthwatering creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and adds subtle flavor depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a punchy, aromatic essence that elevates the entire flavor profile of the stuffed pastry.
• Spinach: Delivers vibrant green color, earthy nutrients, and tender texture when cooked; choose fresh or high-quality frozen for best results.

• Ricotta: Creamy base that creates a smooth, luxurious texture in the stuffing.
• Feta: Adds tangy, salty notes that brighten the overall cheese blend.
• Mozzarella: Provides stretchy, melty characteristics for a classic cheese experience.
• Egg Yolk: Binds ingredients together and creates a rich, velvety consistency.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the complex flavors of the cheese and spinach.
• Pepper: Introduces a mild, warm spiciness that complements the cheeses.
• Nutmeg: Offers a subtle, warm undertone that elevates the entire filling's sophistication.

What Tools You’ll Need for Stuffed Pastries

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic and spinach evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining cheese mixture and spinach.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps mince garlic and chop ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Instructions to Make Spinach Stuffed Pastry

• Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium warmth. Toss in minced garlic and dance it around for half a minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

• Wilt Green Goodness

Add fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it surrenders and collapses into soft, emerald ribbons. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and squeezed dry.

• Create Creamy Filling

Transfer the spinach mixture to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly. Fold in creamy ricotta, crumbly feta, melty mozzarella, a golden egg yolk, a pinch of salt, a whisper of pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Blend everything until the ingredients become best friends.

• Prepare Pastry Shell

Gently unfold your pastry dough, creating a canvas for your delicious filling. Spread the cheesy spinach mixture across half the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Seal and Bake

Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling, creating a delightful pocket. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal in all the deliciousness. Brush the top with an egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. Bake in a preheated oven until the pastry turns a beautiful, flaky golden brown.

Stuffed Pastry Tips & Custom Fills

• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare these pastries ahead of time and freeze unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect golden crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond ricotta or vegan mozzarella to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Protein Power Boost: Add crumbled cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to the spinach and cheese mixture for extra protein and a delicious flavor enhancement.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace traditional pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use large lettuce leaves as a wrapper for a low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Herb Garden Magic: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme mixed into the cheese filling to elevate the overall flavor profile and add a fresh aromatic dimension.

Serving Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastries

• Cheese Lover's Dream Plating: Arrange the golden-brown pastries on a rustic wooden board, sprinkled with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Companion Serve: Pair with a crisp Greek salad or light cucumber tzatziki sauce to complement the rich, cheesy filling and create a balanced meal experience.
• Brunch Elegance Presentation: Slice pastries into smaller bite-sized pieces for a sophisticated appetizer at brunches or cocktail parties, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Prosecco to cut through the creamy cheese and enhance the delicate spinach flavors.

Store Your Stuffed Pastry the Right Way

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let the spinach mixture rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, preventing soggy pastry and allowing flavors to meld together.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store prepared, uncooked pastries in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping them fresh and ready to cook.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Wrap unbaked stuffed pastries individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Leftover Love: Cooked pastries stay delicious when refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy texture and warm filling.

Flaky Cheese And Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Simple Sicilian cheese and spinach stuffed pastry delights Mediterranean palates with its rich, herbal profile. Crisp layers of golden pastry encase creamy ricotta and tender spinach, offering a perfect balance of rustic comfort you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Sesame seeds
• Nigella seeds

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Instructions

1. Sauté Preparation: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, creating a gentle cooking surface for garlic to release its aromatic essence without browning.
2. Spinach Transformation: Add minced garlic and fresh spinach leaves, stirring consistently until spinach collapses into a compact, vibrant green mass. For frozen spinach, ensure thorough moisture drainage to maintain ideal filling consistency.
3. Flavor Fusion: Cool spinach mixture slightly, then incorporate ricotta, feta, mozzarella, egg yolk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Blend ingredients meticulously to create a harmonious, creamy filling with balanced flavors and uniform texture.
4. Pastry Assembly: Carefully spread the cheese-spinach mixture onto prepared pastry, ensuring even distribution and leaving appropriate margins for sealing.
5. Baking Finale: Position stuffed pastry on a lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash for golden sheen, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until pastry achieves a crisp, bronzed exterior and filling reaches optimal temperature.

Notes

• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from spinach (fresh or frozen) to prevent soggy pastry and maintain a crisp, flaky texture.
• Balance Cheese Ratios: Mix ricotta, feta, and mozzarella carefully to create a creamy, rich filling without overwhelming the delicate spinach flavor.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté garlic briefly on low heat to release aromatic oils without burning, ensuring a subtle, smooth flavor profile.
• Prevent Filling Separation: Allow spinach mixture to cool slightly before adding cheese to maintain a consistent, smooth filling texture and prevent ingredient curdling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg