Description
Delicious and savory Spinach and Ricotta Rolls combine tender baby spinach, creamy ricotta, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses baked inside flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these rolls are easy to prepare and can be baked in the oven or air-fried for a crispy, golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup shallots or green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release flavors, then add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, egg, chopped shallots or green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture until well blended.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into rectangles. Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of each rectangle, then roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
- Brush and Garnish: Brush the rolled pastries with beaten egg to create a golden crust and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Rolls: Refrigerate the rolls for 15 minutes to firm up the dough and filling, making them easier to slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut into Pieces: After chilling, cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces for individual servings.
- Bake: Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Alternative Air Fryer Method: After preparing the rolls as above, place the rolls in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet.
- You can substitute shallots with green onions depending on availability.
- Allowing the rolls to chill before baking helps to maintain their shape and texture.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack alongside dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
- The air fryer method results in a slightly crispier exterior with a shorter cook time.
