Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry

Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Pastry

A quick and versatile appetizer featuring creamy ricotta and tangy feta cheese combined with fresh spinach, garlic, and onion, all wrapped in flaky phyllo or puff pastry. Perfect for snacks, light meals, or gatherings, these golden pastries offer a fresh, satisfying flavor with a crispy texture.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 pastries 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

  • 6–8 sheets Phyllo or 1 sheet Puff Pastry (thawed if frozen)

Filling

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing plus brushing)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Wash and roughly chop the fresh spinach. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest until well combined.
  2. Prepare the Pastry Sheets: If using phyllo dough, carefully unroll the sheets and cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying. If using puff pastry, let it thaw until pliable. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles sized for folding around the filling.
  3. Assemble the Pastries: Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each pastry piece. Fold or roll the dough to enclose the filling completely, sealing the edges tightly to prevent leaks. Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter for a golden, crisp crust.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the prepared pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are crisp and golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the pastries cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped herbs.

Notes

  • Drain excess moisture from the wilted spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy pastries.
  • Use fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
  • Avoid overfilling the pastries to prevent bursting during baking.
  • Seal the edges firmly using a fork or your fingers to keep the filling inside.
  • Brush pastries with olive oil or butter before baking to achieve a golden shine and crisp texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pastry
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cheese pastry, spinach pastry, stuffed pastry, appetizer, snack, ricotta, feta, phyllo dough, puff pastry