If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or a delicious snack that feels both elegant and comforting, the Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine flaky, golden puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, tangy filling packed with fresh spinach, feta, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg—each bite perfectly balances crispy texture with melt-in-your-mouth flavor. This dish comes together wonderfully fast, using simple ingredients, and it’s sure to impress guests or add a special touch to your weeknight meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe right starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in flavor, texture, and appearance. From the fresh, earthy spinach to the salty, creamy feta and ricotta cheeses, every component works harmoniously to create that irresistible filling, while the puff pastry provides the light, buttery canvas that holds it all together.
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed: Your crispy, golden shell that bakes into beautiful layers.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and spinach evenly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with subtle aromatic depth.
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and well drained): The star leafy green giving color, nutrition, and freshness.
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings that signature tang and saltiness.
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese (for creaminess): Smooths out the filling so it’s irresistibly luscious.
- 1 egg (for filling): Binds the filling ingredients together perfectly.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional but delicious): A subtle hint of spice that enhances the spinach.
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash): Ensures a shiny, golden crust after baking.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping): Adds a nutty flavor and attractive finish.
How to Make Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your pastry won’t stick and cleanup becomes a breeze. Prepping your baking environment correctly is a simple step that sets the stage for that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Warm up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step releases all those wonderful flavors. Then add your fresh spinach, cooking until it wilts down nicely. If you’re using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid soggy filling. Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit. Don’t skip the crucial step of squeezing out all excess moisture; this prevents the pastry from turning soggy and keeps the filling wonderfully rich.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, one egg to bind, black pepper for a hint of spice, and a pinch of nutmeg to brighten the flavors. Mix well until everything is harmoniously incorporated—it should be creamy, slightly chunky, and perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pastries
Lightly roll your thawed puff pastry to smooth out any seams, but don’t overwork it or it will lose its puff! Spoon the spinach and feta filling down the center of your pastry—if you prefer, cut the pastry into squares and add filling to make individual hand pies. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges firmly using a fork; this keeps all the delicious filling tucked inside as it bakes and puffs up beautifully.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the top of each pastry generously with your egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. This step is key for achieving that coveted shiny, golden-brown surface. If you want to add an extra touch, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top for texture and visual appeal—it’s a small detail that makes a big impression.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in your preheated oven for 18 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn deeply golden and puffed up to perfection. After removing from the oven, allow them to cool a bit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time lets the filling set slightly, making slicing and serving easier without any messy spills.
How to Serve Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or mint can elevate your Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe to restaurant quality. A drizzle of good olive oil or a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top adds brightness and complements the tangy feta beautifully. These little finishing touches make every bite fresh and exciting.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this as an appetizer or light meal, pair it with a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. You might also love serving it alongside a cool tzatziki sauce for dipping or even a fresh marinara sauce if you prefer a tomato kick. The contrast between warm, flaky pastry and fresh, vibrant sides is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, try cutting the puff pastry into smaller bites and arranging them on a decorative platter with garnishes around. You can also serve individual hand pies, which are perfect for grabbing and going. For a brunch twist, top each pastry with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of za’atar spice for an unexpected layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain some crispiness, reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven rather than the microwave.
Freezing
This Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe is freezer-friendly! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and bake until golden and crisp.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes to bring back that flaky crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the puff pastry’s delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well as long as you thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water. This step is crucial to prevent soggy pastry and keep the filling rich and creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian since it contains no meat or poultry. It’s perfect for a meat-free diet while still offering plenty of protein and flavor from the cheeses and egg.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The filling can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before assembling your pastries to redistribute the ingredients evenly.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cream cheese or cottage cheese (well drained) as a substitute. Each will slightly change the texture but still provide creaminess to the filling.
How do I get the puff pastry to puff up nicely?
Make sure your puff pastry is well chilled before baking and avoid rolling it out too thinly. Also, sealing the edges well traps steam inside, causing the pastry to puff beautifully during baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing quite like the combination of flaky puff pastry and that luscious feta and spinach filling to brighten up any meal or occasion. This Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe is a treasure—quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try; once you taste that perfect blend of textures and flavors, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite that keeps people coming back for more.
Print
Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta and Spinach Stuffed Puff Pastry is a delightful appetizer or snack featuring crispy, golden puff pastry filled with a creamy, tangy mixture of fresh spinach, feta, ricotta, and flavorful seasonings. Easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry, it delivers an elegant yet simple dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry & Egg Wash
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional topping)
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and well drained)
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg (for filling)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (skip cooking time if using thawed frozen spinach). Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent soggy pastry. In a bowl, mix the spinach, crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, 1 egg, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble: Roll out the thawed puff pastry slightly to smooth out seams. Spoon the filling evenly down the center of the pastry sheet or divide the pastry into squares for hand pies. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges firmly using a fork to prevent leakage during baking.
- Egg Wash: Brush the entire pastry surface with the egg wash made from 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water. This will give the pastry a beautiful golden color and shine. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pastry on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18–25 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden and puffed up. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid soggy pastry.
- Keep puff pastry cold before baking to achieve the best puff and crispness.
- For crispier bottoms, bake on the lower oven rack.
- Serve warm with tzatziki or marinara sauce.
- Pair with a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Add a squeeze of lemon before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
