These cheese and spinach pasties are warm, flaky pockets filled with deliciousness! Cheesy goodness meets fresh spinach, making each bite a tasty treat.
They’re perfect for lunch or a snack anytime. Plus, they’re easy to make—just wrap, bake, and enjoy! I like to pair them with a side salad for a complete meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Puff Pastry: This flaky pastry is essential for creating that signature pasty texture. If you don’t have puff pastry on hand, you could use shortcrust pastry, though it won’t have the same texture. You can also find ready-made options in the frozen section for convenience.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my go-to for its flavor and texture, but frozen spinach is a great substitute. If using frozen, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture as it can make your filling soggy. You can switch spinach for other greens like kale or Swiss chard too!
Cheese: The blend of ricotta, feta, and mozzarella makes for a creamy filling. If you’re looking for alternatives, cottage cheese works instead of ricotta, or you can use goat cheese for a tangy twist. For a dairy-free version, try plant-based cheese options.
Onion and Garlic: These two add a lot of flavor to the filling. If you need a milder taste, you can use green onions or shallots. For a quicker flavor boost, onion powder and garlic powder can work in a pinch too!
How Do I Ensure My Spinach is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking spinach correctly is vital for avoiding a watery filling. If you’re using fresh spinach, wash it well and chop it before adding it to the skillet. The key is to cook it gently to avoid losing too much moisture.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chopped spinach and stir until it wilts down, which should take just a few minutes.
- For frozen spinach, simply heat it through, ensuring you’ve squeezed out extra moisture beforehand.
Season well, and allow it to cool before mixing with the cheeses to prevent the filling from being too runny.
How to Make Cheese & Spinach Pasties
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 200g fresh spinach (or 150g frozen spinach)
- 150g ricotta cheese
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For The Pastry:
- 1 package (about 400g) of puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes total to enjoy these delicious pasties. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While that’s heating up, line a baking tray with parchment paper so your pasties don’t stick!
2. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, make sure to wash it well and chop it coarsely. For frozen spinach, simply thaw it out and squeeze out any extra moisture.
3. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they are soft and translucent—about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the Spinach:
Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts down (if using fresh) or is heated through (if using frozen). Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. Then, remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
5. Mix the Cheeses:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella. Then, stir in the cooled spinach mixture until everything is well combined.
6. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares that are about 10 cm (4 inches) on each side.
7. Fill the Pastries:
Take a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling and place it in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them, or they may burst open while baking!
8. Seal the Pasties:
Fold each pastry over to create a triangle shape. Press the edges together to seal them, using a fork to crimp down the sides for extra security.
9. Brush with Egg Wash:
Place your pasties on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to help them turn a beautiful golden color while baking.
10. Bake and Enjoy:
Put the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pasties are golden brown and puffed up. Once they’re ready, take them out and let them cool slightly before you serve.
11. Time to Serve:
Enjoy your warm cheese and spinach pasties! They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. Feel free to customize the filling based on what you have on hand!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ricotta, feta, and mozzarella with other cheeses based on your preference. For a creamier filling, try cream cheese or goat cheese. If you want a stronger flavor, opt for aged cheddar or blue cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly.
How Do I Make These Pasties Vegan?
To make these pasties vegan, use a plant-based puff pastry and replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can omit the egg wash and instead brush the pastries with non-dairy milk for a golden finish!
Can I Prepare Pasties in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pasties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, freeze the assembled pasties and bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasties?
Store any leftover pasties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
