Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed but still cold)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
For the Creamy Spinach Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, well drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional but adds richness)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
How to Make the Creamy Spinach Filling
This filling is the heart of the recipe — rich, creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics build the flavor base of the filling.
2. Add the Spinach
If using fresh spinach, add it to the pan and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry, then add it to the pan. Remove excess moisture — this is important so your pastry doesn’t become soggy.
3. Mix in the Cheeses
Transfer the cooked spinach mixture to a bowl. Add ricotta or cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and all seasonings — salt, black pepper, oregano, parsley, and nutmeg. Mix until creamy and uniform. Taste and adjust seasoning. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and well seasoned.
Let it cool slightly before assembling.
Preparing the Pastry Pockets
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Puff pastry needs high heat to puff up beautifully.
2. Cut and Shape the Pastry
Lay out the chilled puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into equal rectangles or squares — depending on your preference. The pastries in your photo are roughly palm-sized rectangles.
3. Fill the Pastries
Place a generous spoonful of the creamy spinach-cheese mixture on half of the rectangles, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Seal the Edges
Brush the edges with a bit of egg wash. Place another pastry rectangle on top to cover the filling. Press the edges down with a fork to seal tightly and create the classic crimped border you see in the image.
5. Brush With Egg Wash
Mix the egg with milk or water and brush it lightly over the top of each pastry. This gives the golden glossy finish.
You can poke a small hole or two on top of each pastry to allow steam to escape and prevent over-puffing.
Baking Instructions
Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until they are:
- Puffy
- Deep golden brown
- Slightly glossy
- Oozing just a little cheese on the sides (like in your photo)
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The flaky pastry will be crisp, and the filling will be molten and aromatic.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach-cheese pastries are best served warm, when the contrast between the flaky crust and creamy interior is at its peak.
Serve them with:
- Garlic yogurt dip
- Ranch dressing
- Tomato basil soup
- A fresh green salad
- A cold drink like iced tea or lemonade
They also make a perfect addition to brunch tables, buffets, and holiday gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Pockets
Keep Everything Cold
Warm pastry becomes sticky and doesn’t puff properly. Always work quickly, and chill pastries in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking if needed.
Don’t Overfill
Even though the creamy filling is delicious, too much can cause bursting. A generous spoonful is enough.
Use High Heat
Puff pastry needs a hot oven to rise. Always bake at 200°C or higher.
Add Extra Cheese for Melted Drips
The beautiful cheese oozing in your photo happens when the filling includes mozzarella — it melts and stretches beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
These pastry pockets deliver everything you want in a savory snack: crispy edges, soft flaky layers, and a velvety filling that blends cheese and spinach in perfect harmony. The combination of creamy dairy, mild herbs, and simple seasoning makes the flavor deep yet comforting. The recipe is impressively easy, customizable, and bakery-quality — all with ingredients you can find anywhere.
This is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again because it never disappoints.