Spinach Stuffed Pastry – Golden, Flaky, and Packed with Flavor
A Classic Vegetarian Delight, Perfect for Any Occasion
These Spinach Stuffed Pastries are the ultimate savory snack or light meal—crisp, flaky pastry wrapped around a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. Whether you’re planning a party, prepping a lunchbox, or looking for a new appetizer, these pastries are sure to impress. The best part? They use pre-made puff pastry for convenience and can be prepped ahead, frozen, or reheated without losing their deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—just 25 minutes of prep
- Works as a starter, lunch, or snack
- Vegetarian and packed with calcium and iron
- Great for meal prep—freeze before or after baking
- Perfectly crispy every time thanks to store-bought puff pastry
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Squeeze out all excess moisture from thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, mix together the spinach, ricotta, feta, Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic, and nutmeg until well blended.
- Unfold puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal squares (for 12 pastries total).
- Place about 2 tablespoons of spinach mixture in the center of each square.
- Brush pastry edges with water. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, pressing edges with a fork to seal.
- Transfer pastries to prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash (egg yolk + water).
- Use a sharp knife tip to make a small steam vent in the top of each pastry.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Use about 20 ounces of fresh spinach. Sauté in a pan until wilted, then cool and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before chopping and using as directed.
How do I keep my pastry from getting soggy?
The key is to remove all excess water from the spinach. Press and squeeze it well before mixing with the cheese.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes, but be sure to drain cottage cheese first for a thicker filling. The flavor will be slightly tangier and less creamy than ricotta.
Essential Tips for Success
- Keep pastry cold before baking—this ensures a flaky, puffed texture.
- Don’t overfill—the filling can leak out during baking if pastries are too full.
- Press edges tightly with a fork and make sure they’re free of filling to seal well.
- Every oven is different—bake until golden, even if it takes a few minutes longer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store baked pastries in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freeze unbaked: Assemble pastries, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to baking time.
- Freeze baked: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for more flavor.
- Use mini pastry squares for bite-size party snacks.
- Pair with salad or soup for a balanced lunch or light dinner.
Try these savory, cheesy pastries for your next gathering or meal prep session—you’ll love the flaky pastry and flavorful spinach filling in every bite!
Perfect for Every Occasion
Spinach Stuffed Pastries are more than just a snack—they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to brunch buffets, lunchboxes, or party platters. Serve them as a savory appetizer at your next family gathering or enjoy a couple with a fresh green salad for a light, vegetarian lunch. They’re equally delicious hot from the oven or packed for a picnic. These pastries are also a great way to sneak extra greens into kids’ diets—just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Cooking with Kids: Get the Family Involved
This recipe is fun and hands-on for cooks of all ages. Invite kids to help with squeezing spinach, mixing the filling, and folding or sealing the pastries. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for a playful twist, or let each family member personalize their filling with extra cheese or herbs. Making memories in the kitchen is just as important as the meal!
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Pastry too sticky to handle? Sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface and keep the pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it.
- Edges not sealing? Be sure to brush with water and press tightly with a fork. If needed, go over edges again before baking.
- Filling leaking out? Avoid overfilling and make sure to leave space around the edges. Small steam vents also help prevent bursting.
Share Your Pastry Creations!
Have you tried this Spinach Stuffed Pastry recipe? Share your favorite mix-ins, tips, or creative shapes in the comments! If you snap a photo, tag us on social media—we love seeing your delicious bakes and hearing your feedback. Whether you made them classic or added your own twist, your ideas can inspire other readers and home cooks.
Thank You & Happy Baking!
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these golden, cheesy, spinach-filled pastries as much as we do. For more simple savory snacks, appetizer inspiration, and step-by-step baking guides, check back often for new recipes. Until next time—happy baking and enjoy every flaky, flavorful bite!
Nutritional Benefits
Not only are these pastries irresistible, they also pack a nutritious punch. Spinach is loaded with iron, calcium, fiber, and essential vitamins, while the cheeses add a boost of protein and even more calcium. Combined with the golden puff pastry, you get a satisfying snack or meal that offers both flavor and nutrition. They’re a smart, delicious way to get your daily greens—perfect for adults and picky eaters alike!
Meal Prep and Freezer Tips
Spinach Stuffed Pastries are a meal-prepper’s dream! Assemble a double batch and freeze the unbaked pastries for easy snacks and lunches on busy days. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time—no need to thaw. Baked pastries also freeze well; just cool completely before wrapping and storing. Reheat in the oven to bring back the flaky texture.
Whether you’re planning ahead for a party or stocking up for quick after-school snacks, these pastries deliver every time.
What to Serve with Spinach Stuffed Pastries
- Soups: Pair with creamy tomato soup, lentil soup, or chicken broth for a comforting meal.
- Salads: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad, cucumber-tomato salad, or a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Dips: Try with tzatziki, marinara sauce, or herbed yogurt dip for extra flavor.
- Brunch spread: Add to a brunch buffet with fruit, scrambled eggs, and roasted potatoes.
These pastries are also perfect as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter with olives, hummus, roasted peppers, and pita chips.
Explore More Easy Savory Bakes
If you loved these Spinach Stuffed Pastries, don’t miss our other crowd-pleasing savory recipes! From Cheesy Garlic Butter Rollups to Mini Meat Pies, our collection of quick, flavorful appetizers and snacks will keep your menu fresh and exciting. Use the search bar or check the “Easy Appetizers” section for more ideas the whole family will love.
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From our kitchen to yours: wishing you golden, flaky pastries and joyful moments with every recipe!