Description
These Spanakopita Puff Pastry Swirls are a delightful Greek-inspired appetizer made with spinach, feta, and ricotta cheeses wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly golden and crispy, they make a delicious savory snack or party finger food.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted if fresh, or heated through if using frozen spinach. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: Transfer the spinach mixture to a mixing bowl and combine with crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, ground nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth any wrinkles.
- Assemble the Swirls: Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges free of filling. Starting from one side, carefully roll the pastry sheet into a log or cylinder, encasing the filling.
- Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled pastry into approximately 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a lightly greased baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Egg Wash and Topping: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the top of each pastry swirl to promote a golden, glossy finish. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool briefly for a few minutes. Serve the puff pastry swirls warm as a savory appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen spinach works well if properly thawed and drained.
- Ground nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warm spice to the filling.
- Make sure to not overfill the pastry to prevent leaking during baking.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- For a crispier bottom, bake on a preheated baking stone or steel.
- These swirls reheat well in a toaster oven or conventional oven.
