Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite snack: cheese and spinach stuffed pastry! It’s like a warm hug wrapped in flaky goodness. I remember the first time I made these little delights—the smell of the pastry baking filled my kitchen, and I just couldn’t wait to dig in. The savory blend of creamy feta and gooey mozzarella mixed with fresh spinach is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite during a busy day or a delightful appetizer for friends, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about that crispy, golden crust and cheesy filling for days! It’s snack time at its finest!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cheese and spinach stuffed pastries. You won’t believe how simple and satisfying these ingredients are!
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed, for that perfect flaky texture)
- 200g spinach (cooked and chopped, fresh or frozen works great!)
- 150g feta cheese (crumbled, the tangy flavor really shines here)
- 100g mozzarella cheese (shredded, for that melty goodness)
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing on top to give a beautiful golden finish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, don’t skip this step; it enhances all the flavors!)
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start, so you can dive right into the fun part—making these tasty pastries!
How to Prepare Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry
Getting ready to make these scrumptious cheese and spinach stuffed pastries is a breeze! Follow my simple steps, and soon you’ll have golden, flaky bites that are sure to impress.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This is super important because a hot oven is key to achieving that lovely golden brown crust. While it’s heating up, you can start preparing your filling!
Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, toss together your cooked and chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper! This blend of cheesy goodness and vibrant spinach is what makes the filling so delicious. Mix it all together until it’s well combined—trust me, the flavors will just sing!
Assemble the Pastries
Now, let’s get to the fun part—assembling those pastries! Roll out your sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s nice and thin. Then, cut it into squares—about 10cm x 10cm should do the trick. Place a generous spoonful of your filling right in the center of each square. Next, fold the pastry over to create a triangle shape. Gently press the edges together to seal them; you can even use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Finally, brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them that gorgeous glaze before baking!
Bake the Pastries
Now, it’s time to bake! Place your assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for that perfect golden brown color. When they’re done, the aroma will be absolutely heavenly, and you’ll know they’re ready to come out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cheese and spinach stuffed pastries! Let me share a few of my favorites:
- Quick preparation—these beauties come together in no time, making them perfect for a busy day.
- Delicious flavor—who can resist the combination of creamy feta, gooey mozzarella, and fresh spinach?
- Versatile filling—feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs to suit your taste!
- Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a potluck, or a fancy gathering, they’re always a hit.
- Freezer-friendly—make a big batch and stash some away for a quick snack later!
Once you take that first bite of flaky pastry and savory filling, you’ll understand why this recipe has a special place in my heart!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheese and spinach stuffed pastries turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips to share with you! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can take your pastries from good to extraordinary.
- Rolling the Pastry: When you roll out your puff pastry, be sure to keep it slightly chilled. If it gets too warm, it can become sticky and hard to work with. A light dusting of flour on your surface will help it glide smoothly!
- Sealing the Edges: To ensure your pastries stay sealed during baking, press the edges firmly together. You can also use a fork to crimp them for that cute, rustic look. Just make sure there are no gaps where the filling can ooze out!
- Experimenting with Fillings: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can swap out the feta for goat cheese, add some sautéed onions, or even throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making a large batch, consider freezing some before baking. Just assemble the pastries, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready for a snack!
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your pastries as they bake. You want them beautifully golden brown, but if they start to darken too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up the best cheese and spinach stuffed pastries ever! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each cheese and spinach stuffed pastry. Keep in mind these values are an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
These tasty pastries pack a flavorful punch while still being a delightful snack option. Enjoy them knowing they’re not just delicious but also a balanced treat!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the best things about these cheese and spinach stuffed pastries is how versatile they are. You can swap out the feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture, or use ricotta for a milder flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sharp cheddar or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Just remember, whichever cheese you choose, make sure it complements the spinach for that perfect balance!
How can I freeze these pastries?
Freezing these pastries is super easy! You can either freeze them before or after baking. If you prefer to freeze them unbaked, just assemble the pastries and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop the sheet in the freezer until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you’ve already baked them, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, and they’ll taste just as delicious!
What can I serve with cheese and spinach stuffed pastry?
These pastries are fantastic on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your snack game, consider serving them with a side of marinara or tzatziki for dipping. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, too! You could even whip up a simple yogurt sauce with garlic and herbs for a tasty complement. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with accompaniments, you can’t go wrong!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cheese and spinach stuffed pastries is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them. Make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap each pastry tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key to keeping that flaky texture. For the best results, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pastries for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but be careful—this might make them a bit softer. Either way, you’ll be back to savoring those delightful bites in no time!
Print
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory pastry filled with cheese and spinach.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 200g spinach, cooked and chopped
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the pastry into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the pastry over to create a triangle and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
- Can be frozen before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheese and spinach stuffed pastry