Spinach and Feta Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls are one of those recipes that combine elegance with simplicity. They are flaky, buttery, and golden on the outside, with a rich and creamy filling on the inside. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy note while the cheese mixture brings in a satisfying, savory depth. These rolls can be served warm straight from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for brunch spreads, party platters, or even as a light snack with tea or coffee.
This recipe works beautifully with either fresh or frozen spinach, so you can prepare it year-round. The puff pastry offers a quick shortcut to a bakery-style result without the need for making dough from scratch. Once baked, the rolls puff up into crisp spirals, each bite delivering a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
To make these rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
300g fresh spinach or 250g frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg for the filling
Salt, to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
250g ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk for the egg wash
Sesame seeds, optional for topping
The first step is to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the pastry from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Next, prepare the spinach. If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until it has wilted completely. If you are using frozen spinach, you can add it directly to the pan once thawed, stirring until heated through. After cooking, transfer the spinach to a bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
While the spinach cools, you can start preparing the filling mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, one egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the spinach. The ricotta gives the filling a creamy texture, while the mozzarella melts into gooey strands and the Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
Once the filling is ready, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This step helps smooth out any creases and ensures even thickness. Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly across the pastry sheet, leaving a small border along the edges. Starting from one end, roll the pastry tightly into a log, keeping the filling inside. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into pieces about one inch thick. Arrange the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash made from one egg and milk. This step gives the pastry a rich golden color and a slight shine once baked. For a little extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
When the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. The buttery puff pastry contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory filling, making them irresistible whether eaten as part of a meal or as a stand-alone snack.
These spinach and feta puff pastry rolls are also versatile in terms of presentation. For a casual snack, serve them piled onto a plate or tray. For more formal occasions, arrange them neatly in rows, perhaps with a garnish of fresh herbs. They make excellent finger food for gatherings because they are easy to pick up and eat without utensils.
There are plenty of variations you can try with this recipe. You can replace the ricotta with cream cheese for a slightly tangier filling or add crumbled feta to enhance the Mediterranean flavor. For a richer taste, add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions to the spinach mixture. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling will do the trick.
You can also experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Fresh dill or parsley work well with the spinach and cheese combination, adding a layer of freshness. Nutmeg, though subtle, pairs beautifully with spinach in savory pastries. A little lemon zest in the filling can also brighten up the flavors.
For a lighter version, you could use reduced-fat cheeses and brush the pastry with milk instead of an egg wash. While the texture might be slightly less rich, the rolls will still be satisfying and flavorful. If you want to make them ahead of time, prepare the rolls up to the slicing stage, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to cook them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
In terms of storage, these rolls keep well in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or three to four days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy. If you have leftovers, they can also be frozen after baking. Just cool them completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and reheat in the oven when needed.
Spinach and Feta Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls are a wonderful recipe to keep in your collection because they are adaptable, visually appealing, and universally enjoyed. Whether you make them for a weekday snack, a holiday appetizer, or a potluck contribution, they are almost guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table. The combination of a flaky golden crust and a rich, cheesy spinach filling is hard to resist, and the ease of preparation makes them all the more appealing.
Once you try these rolls, you might find yourself making them on repeat, perhaps experimenting with new fillings each time. The puff pastry base is like a blank canvas, ready to hold whatever savory mixture you dream up. But even without changes, this classic combination of spinach, cheese, and buttery pastry is one you will want to return to again and again.