Tasty Spinach Rolls

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

These crispy pastries feature a simple mix of spinach, ricotta, parmesan, garlic, and herbs. They're topped with sesame seeds, great for parties, and can be prepped or frozen in advance for convenience.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 01:03:02 GMT
Freshly baked pastries filled with spinach and cheese, finished with sesame topping. Save
Freshly baked pastries filled with spinach and cheese, finished with sesame topping. | lilicooks.com

My Favorite Spinach and Ricotta Pastries

I've got a snack that makes ordinary bites seem dull. Whenever I whip up these Spinach and Ricotta Pastries, they're gone in seconds. The outer layer turns out super crispy, the inside stays smooth and rich, and somehow they're both tasty and good for you. You get great nutrients from the greens while the cheesy parts give you that comfort food feeling we all want.

Great for Every Gathering

These rolls are so handy for different situations. They're my go-to when friends show up without warning, they fit perfectly in packed lunches, and they're always the first empty plate at shared meals. And you know what's great? You only need a few basic ingredients and they don't take long to put together. When flaky dough meets creamy filling, magic happens.

Your Shopping List

  • Spinach: Frozen works fine for easy cooking, but if you fry fresh spinach with garlic, you'll get amazing taste.
  • Ricotta Cheese: This main ingredient cooks up perfectly and gives that wonderful smoothness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds that nice strong cheese flavor we love.
  • Garlic: Always use freshly chopped for the best taste impact.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all flavors together.
  • Sesame Seeds: Don't skip this topping, it gives the perfect snap when you bite.
  • Puff Pastry: The kind from the store works great and saves tons of time.
  • Eggs: These help make that beautiful brown top.
  • Optional: I sometimes throw in a bit of nutmeg or paprika for extra flavor depth.

Cooking Steps

Create your filling:
Stir together defrosted spinach, ricotta, parmesan, garlic, spices and a whisked egg until it's all nicely combined.
Prep your dough:
Layer your tasty filling across defrosted puff pastry sheets, making sure you go right to the edges.
Form your pastries:
Roll everything firmly, then cut into whatever size pieces work for you.
Finishing up:
Place them on your cookie sheet, brush some egg on top, scatter some sesame seeds around and bake until they look perfectly golden.

Pro Tips

  • Use a really good knife for the cleanest cuts possible.
  • Cool them in your fridge before baking so they keep their shape.
  • Double the batch and freeze some for when you're too busy to cook.
  • Experiment with different dough options if you have special diet needs.
  • Keep any extra filling for jazzing up pasta dishes or egg bakes.

What Makes These Pastries Special

I just love how these rolls are both easy and fancy at the same time. They always make folks smile, whether you're serving them at parties, packing them for lunch, or just having them as snacks. The mix of the crunchy outside, smooth inside, and that little snap from the sesame seeds makes each bite something to look forward to.

A close-up view of freshly baked spinach and cheese pastries, with a flaky golden crust and topped with nigella seeds. Save
A close-up view of freshly baked spinach and cheese pastries, with a flaky golden crust and topped with nigella seeds. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can these rolls be prepared in advance?

Yep! Make the filling up to two days earlier and keep it chilled. The fully made rolls can also be frozen for three months.

→ Why chill the rolls before slicing?

Chilling makes the pastry firmer, so you can slice neatly without the filling spilling out.

→ How do I keep the pastry from going soggy?

Completely press the water out of the thawed spinach. Excess moisture will turn the pastry soggy as it bakes.

→ What’s the best tool for slicing?

Use a sharp knife with a serrated edge. Even slices ensure everything bakes at the same time.

→ How can I make the filling creamier?

Blending the ingredients in a food processor gives you a silky texture and speeds things up.

Savory Spinach Rolls

Crisp pastry wrapped around smooth ricotta and fresh spinach, sprinkled with sesame. Great for gatherings and convenient for prepping ahead.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 12 Serves (12 rolls)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 puff pastry sheets.
02 2 tablespoons sesame seeds.
03 ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded fresh.
04 ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
05 ¼ teaspoon salt.
06 2 whisked eggs, used separately.
07 2 cups of ricotta cheese.
08 2 cups of frozen spinach, fully defrosted.
09 1 tablespoon of garlic, finely chopped.

Steps

Step 01

Let puff pastry defrost after taking it out of the freezer.

Step 02

Soften spinach by soaking in warm water, then use a fine sieve to drain it thoroughly.

Step 03

Combine ricotta, parmesan, salt, pepper, spinach, garlic, and one beaten egg in a bowl. Mix until smooth.

Step 04

Roll out the pastry sheets and spread the spinach mix on top evenly before rolling them up.

Step 05

Place the rolls on a flat pan and put them in the fridge to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 06

Slice each roll into 2 to 3 pieces. Brush the tops with the extra whisked egg, then scatter sesame seeds on top.

Step 07

Bake the rolls at 350°F for half an hour until golden and crunchy.

Tips

  1. Use a sharp knife with serrated edges for cleaner slices.
  2. Cut pieces evenly to ensure they bake at the same rate.
  3. You can mix the filling ahead of time; store covered in the fridge for up to two days.
  4. A food processor can make the filling smoother if needed.
  5. Freeze the prepared rolls for three months tops.

Required Tools

  • Cutting board.
  • Bowl for mixing.
  • Baking tray.
  • Fine sieve for draining spinach.
  • Sharp serrated knife.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (includes ricotta and parmesan).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Contains wheat (from puff pastry).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 12 g