Description
Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastries
Ingredients:
1 package puff pastry
1 cup spinach (sautéed and seasoned)
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 egg (for sealing and brushing)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix spinach, mascarpone, Parmesan, and chili flakes.
Cut puff pastry into squares, fill, fold, and seal edges with a fork.
Brush with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve with your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist!
#SpicySpinachPuffs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Thaw one sheet of puff pastry according to package directions, usually about 30-40 minutes at room temperature. 2. While the pastry thaws, sauté 1 cup of fresh spinach in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer to a bowl to cool. Squeeze out any excess liquid. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, 1/2 cup mascarpone, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp chili flakes (if using). Mix until fully incorporated. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 10×10 inch square. Cut it into 9 equal smaller squares. 5. Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach-cheese filling in the center of each square. 6. Fold one corner over the filling to the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges firmly with your fingers to seal. 7. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the sealed edges firmly, which also creates a decorative pattern. 8. Transfer the pastries to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. 9. Lightly brush the top of each pastry with the egg wash, avoiding the crimped edges to prevent sealing them shut. 10. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile pastries are perfect for any occasion. Serve them warm as a standout appetizer at parties with a side of marinara or garlic aioli for dipping. For a light lunch or brunch, pair them with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The suggested hot sauce drizzle adds a fantastic spicy twist, but a dollop of cool sour cream or tzatziki creates a delightful contrast. They also make excellent picnic or lunchbox items as they taste great at room temperature.
How-to Summary
Thaw pastry. Sauté and season spinach, then mix with mascarpone, Parmesan, and chili flakes. Cut pastry into squares, fill, fold into triangles, and seal edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, thoroughly thaw and squeeze all excess water from 1/2 cup of frozen chopped spinach. Excess moisture is the enemy of crisp pastry.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the pastries, place them on the baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes.
What can I substitute for mascarpone? Full-fat cream cheese or ricotta (well-drained) are good substitutes, though the texture will be slightly different.
Why didn’t my pastries puff properly? This is usually due to the pastry becoming too warm during handling, which melts the butter layers. Work quickly and ensure your filling is completely cool.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using warm or wet filling, as this will make the pastry soggy and prevent a proper rise. Do not overfill the pastries, as the filling will leak during baking. Ensure you seal the edges very well with the fork to create a tight seal. Never skip the egg wash, as it is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden-brown color. Finally, avoid placing pastries on a hot baking sheet, which can melt the butter before baking even begins.
Conclusion
These Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastries are a deceptively simple yet impressively delicious treat. By combining flaky, buttery pastry with a rich and savory spinach and cheese filling, you create a versatile dish perfect for any gathering. Following the detailed steps and tips provided will ensure your pastries come out perfectly golden and puffed every time. Experiment with the fillings and serving suggestions to make them your own, and enjoy the delightful results of this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.
