If you’re craving a snack that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of cheesy goodness, you’re going to love this Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. These puff pastries puff up golden and crispy, while the filling bursts with creamy ricotta, salty feta, savory spinach, and those sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes that add a punch of personality. Honestly, once I made these for a small get-together, my family wouldn’t stop asking when I’d make them again—so I’m excited to share this little gem with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The combo of spinach, feta, ricotta, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible savory filling.
- Crispy, flaky texture: Puff pastry bakes up beautifully golden, giving you that satisfying crunch every bite deserves.
- Versatile snack or appetizer: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a cozy night in.
- Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have these pastries ready in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but they really shine together. The frozen spinach keeps things super easy and consistent, while the ricotta and feta give a creamy, tangy feel that balances beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes. When you shop, try to find good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for that rich flavor punch.
- Frozen spinach: Thaw and squeeze dry to avoid soggy pastries.
- Ricotta cheese: Drain well to keep the filling firm.
- Puff pastry sheet: Choose a good-quality sheet; keep it cold until you’re ready to work with it.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds tang and a bit of saltiness—don’t skip it!
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chop finely; the concentrated tomato flavor is key.
- Salt and pepper: To bring out all those wonderful flavors.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe quite a bit, and I love how adaptable it is. Feel free to swap cheeses or add your favorite herbs to really make it your own. It’s one of those recipes where a little tweak can turn it into a new favorite.
- Swap greens: Tried using kale instead of spinach for a heartier bite—adds a nice texture!
- Add herbs: Fresh dill or oregano folded into the filling brings extra freshness.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based ricotta and feta alternatives and olive oil pastry to make it vegan-friendly.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili flakes mixed in the filling gives a fun little kick.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Drain and Prepare Your Cheeses and Spinach
Start by draining the ricotta—this is a game changer! I usually cut it into quarters and place the pieces on a plate lined with paper towels for about 10 minutes to get rid of excess moisture. While that’s happening, take your thawed spinach and give it a good squeeze to remove as much water as possible, then roughly chop it with kitchen scissors. Trust me, this keeps your filling from getting watery and ruining that flaky puff texture.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta and chopped spinach. Season generously with salt and pepper—you want to bring those flavors out. Crumble the feta right in, then chop up your sun-dried tomatoes with scissors for easy, fine pieces. Stir everything well and do a quick taste test; you’ll want a good balance between tangy, salty, and sweet notes before you start filling your pastries.
Step 3: Prepare Puff Pastry Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your puff pastry sheet and slice it into 9 equal rectangles—this fits just right into a standard muffin pan sprayed with olive oil. Gently press each piece into the muffin cups, making sure there’s a little dough hanging over the edges. This extra dough will help you fold and seal the pastries later without any leaks.
Step 4: Fill and Fold the Pastries
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the filling into each puff pastry cup—don’t be shy, the filling is what makes these truly addictive. Fold two opposite edges in to meet over the filling, then bring the other two sides together and press gently in the center to seal. You’ll end up with a neat little parcel that holds all those delicious flavors inside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spray or brush the tops of your pastries lightly with olive oil to help them get that gorgeous golden-brown finish. Pop them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes until puffed and crisp. Keep an eye on them near the end; you want that beautiful color without burning. When they’re done, let them cool in the tray for 5 minutes—this helps the filling set so they don’t fall apart when you take them out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully slide a knife under each pastry to pop them out of the muffin tin. I like to transfer them to a wire rack to cool for about 5 more minutes, but they’re amazing warm or at room temperature. Trust me, these Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe treats are totally worth savoring fresh from the oven!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Drain your cheeses well: I learned the hard way that skipping this step can lead to soggy pastries.
- Use kitchen scissors: They make chopping spinach and sun-dried tomatoes quick and perfectly sized for even filling.
- Don’t overfill: A heaping tablespoon per cup is perfect to avoid leaks and ensure even baking.
- Watch your oven closely: Puff pastries can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pastries right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. Sometimes, I drizzle a touch of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for a gentle zing.
Side Dishes
These puff pastries pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple tomato and cucumber salad to keep things light. If you’re hosting a brunch, some roasted potatoes or a tangy yogurt dip on the side complement them perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I love presenting these pastries on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of marinated olives and cherry tomatoes. You can also garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy touch. For a cozy night in, stacking them with a warm bowl of soup makes the perfect combo!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pastries store surprisingly well in the fridge wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container. They stay tasty for up to 3 days—just make sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these baby puff pastries successfully on several occasions. After assembling but before baking, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to bake them, pop them in the oven straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To keep them crispy, I always reheat leftover pastries in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes that lovely puff pastry soggy, which is the last thing you want!
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh spinach, just make sure to cook it down and squeeze out all the moisture before mixing it into the filling. This step is crucial to prevent soggy pastries.
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Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them after assembling and bake from frozen when ready.
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What can I substitute for puff pastry if I can’t find it?
Phyllo dough is a possible substitute but it’s more delicate and requires layering with butter. Pie crust can work but you’ll miss out on that classic flaky puff effect.
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Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as is, featuring no meat or gelatin products. Just be sure to check your cheeses if you’re strict about vegetarian rennet.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite quick bites to whip up when I want something impressive but un-fussy. I love how the filling is rich and flavorful while the pastry brings that delightful crunch that gets everyone’s attention. Whether you’re making these for a casual snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they truly deliver. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—let me know how yours turn out!
PrintCheesy Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully crispy and golden spinach puffs featuring a creamy blend of ricotta, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as a party appetizer or savory snack, these cheesy spinach puffs are easy to prepare and bake to perfection for a flavorful bite every time.
Ingredients
Filling
- 7 oz frozen spinach, thawed
- 7 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 oz feta cheese
- 1 oz sun dried tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry
- 1 puff pastry sheet (approx. 14 x 9 inches)
- Olive oil spray, for greasing and brushing
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Slice the ricotta cheese into quarters and place the pieces on a plate lined with a few paper towels. Let it drain for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid for a firmer filling consistency.
- Prepare Spinach: Squeeze out all the excess water from the thawed spinach. Use kitchen scissors to roughly chop the spinach into smaller pieces for easier mixing.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta and chopped spinach. Season with a good pinch of salt and black pepper and mix thoroughly. Crumble the feta cheese into the mixture and add finely chopped sun dried tomatoes using kitchen scissors. Mix again and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare for baking the puffs.
- Prepare Pastry Cups: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal rectangles or squares. Spray a muffin tin with olive oil spray and press each pastry piece gently into the muffin cups. Allow excess pastry to hang over the edges to help with sealing the puffs.
- Fill and Fold: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spinach and cheese filling into each pastry-lined cup. Fold two opposite sides of the pastry over the filling so they meet in the middle, then fold the remaining two sides together and press gently to seal the edges.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the folded pastries with olive oil to promote a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the puffs to cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set. Carefully loosen each puff with a knife and transfer to a wire rack to cool for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- These spinach puffs make a perfect, flavorful party appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- The combination of ricotta, feta, and sun dried tomatoes provides a rich and tangy filling with a crispy, flaky pastry exterior.
- Ensure to drain the ricotta and spinach well to prevent soggy pastry.
- They can be served warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg