Description
These Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are a flaky, golden delight packed with creamy ricotta cheese and nutrient-rich spinach. Wrapped in crisp puff pastry, they make the perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this recipe is a must-try for vegetarians and food lovers alike. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, meal prep, or a simple weekday treat, these rolls are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 4 cups fresh spinach, cooked and squeezed dry)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 large eggs (1 for the filling, 1 for egg wash)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh herbs like parsley or basil)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
For the Dough:
- 4 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out all excess liquid. If using fresh spinach, sauté in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes, then squeeze dry.
- In a large bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, 1 egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth them out.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet in half lengthwise to create 8 smaller rectangles.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly down the center of each pastry strip.
- Fold one side of the pastry over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Seal the edges by pressing gently.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of each roll. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or yogurt dip.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Customization: Add feta cheese for a tangy twist or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving - 1 Roll
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: spinach ricotta rolls, puff pastry rolls, easy vegetarian snack, party appetizers