Ricotta and Spinach Puff Pastry Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Ricotta and Spinach Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful, savory snack perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they combine cheesy richness with fresh spinach for a tasty treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 7 oz / 200g ricotta (preferably full fat, but low fat also works)
• 8 oz / 250g frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed of excess water)
• 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or tasty, gruyere, or any other melting cheese with flavour)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 sheets puff pastry (25cm/10″ square), defrosted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly oil two standard muffin or cupcake tins.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, lightly whisk 1 whole egg. Add ricotta, thawed spinach, grated cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and taste, adjusting salt if needed.
3. Step 3: Cut each puff pastry sheet into 9 equal squares, making 18 pieces total. You will only need 15 pieces for this recipe.
4. Step 4: Gently press 15 pastry squares into the muffin tin cups, molding them to fit.
5. Step 5: Divide the filling evenly among the pastry cups, then bring the four corners of each pastry square toward the center, pressing to seal and enclose the filling.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of each pastry pocket with the beaten egg wash to help them brown nicely.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the pastries are deep golden brown and puffed up.
8. Step 8: Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing from the tins. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to squeeze excess water from the thawed spinach to avoid soggy pastry.
• Use your favorite cheese or a blend to customize the flavor.
• For a more herbaceous note, add chopped fresh basil or parsley to the filling.
• Don’t overfill the pastries to prevent them from bursting open during baking.

Storage

Store leftover puff pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach—just cook it briefly until wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing with the filling ingredients.

Can I prepare these ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, assemble the bites but don’t bake. Freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.