Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most addictive appetizer you'll ever make! These Mini Spinach Cheese Pies are about to become your new obsession - crispy, golden puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, cheesy spinach filling that will make your guests beg for the recipe. Imagine biting into a perfectly flaky pastry that reveals a warm, gooey center of ricotta and mozzarella - it's like a flavor explosion in your mouth that's impossible to resist!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your mini pies bake evenly and get a nice golden color.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled-out puff pastry. Each circle should be about 4-5 inches in diameter, depending on your desired size for the mini pies.
- Place a tablespoon of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pies difficult.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed.
- Place the filled pastry pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each pie to allow for even baking.
- Brush the tops of the mini pies with a little bit of beaten egg for a golden finish. This step is optional but recommended for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the mini spinach cheese pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. These mini pies make a great appetizer or snack and can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips
- Make sure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best texture and rise.
- Don't overfill the pastry circles - this can prevent proper sealing and cause leaks during baking.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges, which not only looks professional but ensures a tight seal.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh herbs to the cheese mixture.
- If you want a more golden finish, brush the pies with egg wash twice during baking.
- These mini pies can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making them perfect for party prep.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations or add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
