Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie

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🥬🧀 Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pie

“The dish I regret bringing once — because now I’m required to bring it forever!”

🧾 Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz (300 g) fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed & well-drained)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes

For the crust:

  • 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds for topping (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the filling:
    • Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
    • Add spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through if frozen). Drain excess liquid.
    • Let cool slightly, then mix in ricotta, feta, mozzarella, and eggs. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Assemble the pie:
    • Lay one puff pastry sheet on the baking tray. Spread the spinach mixture evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
    • Cover with the second puff pastry sheet. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
    • Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
    • Score the top lightly into squares for easier cutting later.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
  5. Cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve warm.

🍽️ Servings

  • Makes 9 generous squares or 12 smaller pieces
  • Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or snack trays

📝 Notes & Tips

  • Be sure to squeeze out all water from spinach — too much moisture will make the pastry soggy.
  • For a twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
  • Serve with a yogurt-garlic dip or tzatziki for extra flavor.
  • Can be made ahead and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

📊 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Calcium: 18% DV

(Values vary slightly depending on cheese type and pastry brand.)

💪 Health Benefits

  • 🥬 Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
  • 🧀 Cheese provides protein and calcium for bone health.
  • 🫓 Puff pastry offers a satisfying, flaky texture — indulgent but balanced when shared.
  • 🌿 A delicious way to sneak in leafy greens for kids or picky eaters.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes — just thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before mixing.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian or lighter?
A: It’s already vegetarian! For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta and skip the mozzarella.

Q: How do I keep the puff pastry crispy?
A: Bake on parchment paper and avoid overfilling. Let it rest on a cooling rack so steam escapes.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes — freeze after baking, then reheat directly in the oven (not microwave) for best results.

💌 A Note from the Cook

I regret bringing this to a work potluck once — because now it’s my permanent assignment!
The flaky layers, creamy cheese filling, and savory spinach make it impossible for anyone to resist.
Try it once, and you’ll be the hero (or victim!) of every gathering from now on. 😉

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