Savory Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are a delicious and versatile appetizer or snack that brings together the rich flavors of spinach, feta, and ricotta cheese, all wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or a casual snack. The combination of savory ingredients and the light, crispy puff pastry makes them irresistible, and they’re quick and easy to prepare.
With a mix of fresh spinach, crumbled feta, and ricotta, these little pastries pack a punch of flavor that’s both comforting and fresh. The addition of garlic, onion, and a hint of nutmeg gives the filling a depth of savory goodness. They’re also great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, frozen, and baked when you’re ready to serve them. These puff pastry bites are sure to become a favorite for any savory snack lover.
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Why You’ll Love This Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Bites
These Savory Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are perfect for anyone who enjoys a savory, cheesy snack. The puff pastry provides a satisfying crunch and lightness, while the spinach and cheeses create a creamy, flavorful filling that’s comforting yet fresh. The recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or need a tasty appetizer for a special occasion, these puff pastry bites are sure to impress. The ingredients are simple but packed with flavor, and you can even customize the filling with other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes or olives, for extra flair. The bites are also vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for any gathering.
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Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed)
- Fresh spinach (chopped)
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Small onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic clove (minced)
- Nutmeg (ground)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil
Variations
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mixture.
- Add Olives: Green or black olives can add a briny touch that complements the spinach and feta.
- Spices: You can experiment with other spices, such as oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheese Options: Swap the ricotta or feta for goat cheese or cream cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based puff pastry and swap the cheeses for vegan alternatives like cashew cheese or tofu ricotta.
How to Make the Spinach Feta Puff Pastry Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and crumbled feta. Add the spinach mixture to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg if needed.
Step 4: Cut the Puff Pastry
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small squares, about 2×2 inches, or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Assemble the Bites
Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a small parcel or triangle. Press the edges to seal them shut.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the puff pastry bites. This will give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
Step 7: Bake
Place the puff pastry bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overstuff the Pastry: Be sure not to overfill the puff pastry with the spinach mixture, as this can make the pastry difficult to seal and cause it to leak during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: Press the edges of the pastry together tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, as frozen spinach can release excess moisture and affect the texture of the filling.
- Chill the Pastry Before Baking: If you’re preparing these ahead of time, you can refrigerate the assembled bites for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape better during baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil for a Crispy Texture: For an extra crispy texture, you can brush the top of the puff pastry with olive oil instead of egg wash.
How to Serve
These Savory Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites make a great appetizer for parties, holiday gatherings, or a casual snack. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce, like tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a simple marinara sauce for extra flavor. They can also be paired with a fresh salad or served as part of a tapas-style meal. These bites are also perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes as a savory and portable snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover puff pastry bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want them to stay crispy, you can store them uncovered or lightly wrapped in foil.
Freezing
These puff pastry bites can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, arrange the assembled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, just place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. If freezing after baking, allow them to cool completely before storing them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, place the puff pastry bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture, but if you use frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the filling.
2. Can I make these puff pastry bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the puff pastry bites ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze them before baking.
3. How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Be sure to cook the spinach until all excess moisture is evaporated, and avoid overfilling the puff pastry.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, cream cheese, or a combination of other cheeses if you prefer.
5. Can I make these puff pastry bites vegan?
To make these bites vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry, swap the ricotta and feta for vegan cheese, and brush with olive oil instead of egg wash.
6. Can I freeze these after baking?
Yes, you can freeze baked puff pastry bites. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
7. What other spices can I use in the filling?
You can add oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
8. Can I use pre-cooked onions instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked onions or caramelized onions for a sweeter flavor in the filling.
9. How long do these puff pastry bites stay fresh?
These puff pastry bites will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated.
10. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free puff pastry for a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
Savory Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are a simple yet flavorful appetizer that combines the richness of spinach and cheese with the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, these little bites are the perfect addition to any meal or gathering!
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Savory Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These bite-sized puff pastry pockets are filled with a flavorful mix of spinach, feta, and ricotta cheese, making for the perfect savory snack or appetizer. With the delicate, flaky pastry and a savory filling, they’re a guaranteed hit for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares (about 3-inch squares, or adjust depending on your preferred size).
- Spoon a small amount of the spinach and cheese mixture into the center of each puff pastry square.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry square towards the center to create a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over each puff pastry pocket for a golden finish.
- Place the puff pastry bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these savory spinach and feta bites warm!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the spinach mixture.
- If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cream cheese or more feta.
- These puff pastry bites are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean