Golden, flaky pastry stuffed with creamy spinach and cheese — perfect for snacks, brunch, or party platters.
Recipe At a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Freezer-Friendly
Ingredients Checklist
(Exact quantities below in step-by-step section)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
- Fresh spinach or frozen chopped spinach
- Cream cheese
- Feta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Onion and garlic
- Olive oil or butter
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Prepare the filling
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (or thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out excess water). Let it cool slightly. -
Mix the cheeses
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, feta, mozzarella, cooked spinach, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. -
Assemble the rolls
Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles. Spoon the filling onto one side of each rectangle, fold over, and seal the edges using a fork. -
Add egg wash
Brush the tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top (optional). -
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and puffy. -
Serve
Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm.
Additional Notes
- Make sure spinach mixture is cooled before mixing with cheese to avoid melting the mixture prematurely.
- This recipe is vegetarian and nut-free.
- Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy.
Introduction
These spinach and cheese puff pastry rolls are buttery, crispy, and packed with a rich, savory filling. They’re incredibly easy to put together and make a perfect appetizer, brunch bite, or lunchbox favorite.
Think of them as a flaky, portable version of spanakopita — no phyllo layering required.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cook the Spinach Mixture
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add spinach. If using fresh spinach, cook until wilted. If using frozen, just warm through. Let mixture cool.
Tip: Always squeeze out excess water from spinach to avoid soggy pastry.
Step 2: Combine Filling
In a large bowl, mix the cooled spinach with cream cheese, crumbled feta, and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Tip: Nutmeg brings out the richness of the cheese and complements the spinach perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry and cut into even rectangles (about palm-sized or to your preference). Place filling in the center or on one side.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the pastry over to cover the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal. Optionally, slit the tops for steam release.
Step 5: Egg Wash & Toppings
Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place on parchment-lined baking tray and bake until puffed and golden brown.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Ingredient Highlights
- Spinach: Use fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out liquid.
- Feta: Brings salty tang. Can sub with goat cheese or leave out for a milder flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and binding. Can use ricotta instead.
- Mozzarella: For that stretchy, melty quality.
Substitution List
- Vegan Version: Use vegan puff pastry and plant-based cheeses.
- Low-Fat: Use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese.
- No Egg Wash?: Use milk or melted butter to brush on top instead.
Equipment Notes
- Standard oven
- Baking tray with parchment
- Pastry brush for egg wash
- Knife or pizza cutter to divide pastry
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or za’atar for a twist.
- Use Swiss or gouda cheese instead of mozzarella for a different profile.
Dietary Variations
- Vegan: Swap in dairy-free cheeses and skip the egg wash.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry available at specialty stores.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of tzatziki or tomato chutney.
- Great for brunch, high tea, or served with a salad for lunch.
- Can be cut into smaller bite-size portions for party platters.
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) until warm and crisp.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked rolls after assembly. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.
- Baked rolls can also be frozen and reheated in oven.
Make-Ahead
- Make filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Assemble rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Shelf Life & Texture
- Pastry is best eaten fresh but holds up well for 2–3 days.
- May soften slightly in fridge, but reheating restores crispness.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 290
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Allergens: Contains dairy, wheat, egg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but it’ll be flakier and more delicate. Brush each sheet with butter if using phyllo.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking for best texture, or freeze baked ones and reheat in oven.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Sure. Cooked, crumbled sausage or chopped ham can be added to the cheese mix.
My puff pastry didn’t puff — why?
Make sure the pastry stays cold before baking and your oven is fully preheated.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe came together when I was craving something savory, cheesy, and snackable — without the hassle of a long prep. I had puff pastry in the freezer, a block of feta in the fridge, and some wilting spinach to use up. After a few tests, this golden roll was born.
It’s now my go-to for entertaining, lazy brunches, or making something impressive with minimal effort.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Did you try these spinach and cheese rolls?
Let me know how they turned out in the comments or tag your photo on social media.
Looking for more savory bakes? You might also love:
- Mini Feta and Tomato Tarts
- Mushroom and Gruyère Hand Pies
- Cheesy Zucchini Fritters
