Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of British comfort cuisine! These irresistible Cheese and Spinach Pasties are not just a meal – they're a golden, flaky experience that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the vibrant freshness of spinach, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp puff pastry. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these pasties are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 200g fresh spinach
- 150g ricotta cheese
- 100g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure that the pastry cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.
- On a clean surface, roll out the sheet of puff pastry to about 3mm thickness if it isn't already rolled out. Cut the pastry into four equal squares, approximately 15cm x 15cm each.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach. If using whole leaves, chop them coarsely. If you have pre-washed spinach, you can use it directly.
- Lightly sauté the spinach in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until it wilts down. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Once the spinach has cooled, mix in the ricotta cheese and grated cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Take one of the pastry squares and place a generous spoonful of the cheese and spinach mixture in the center, leaving some space around the edges.
- Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and added security.
- Repeat the filling and folding process with the remaining pastry squares and filling until all are prepared.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pasties with the egg wash to give them a nice golden color when baked.
- Place the pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasties are puffed up and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pasties from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious cheese and spinach pasties warm or at room temperature!
Tips
- Pastry Perfection: Make sure your puff pastry is cold but pliable when you're working with it. If it gets too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Moisture Management: After sautéing the spinach, drain any excess liquid to prevent your pasties from becoming soggy.
- Sealing Secrets: Use a fork to crimp the edges of your pasties – this not only looks professional but ensures a tight seal to keep all that delicious filling inside.
- Egg Wash Magic: Don't skip the egg wash! It's the key to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown color and beautiful shine.
- Serving Suggestion: These pasties are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot as a main course, pack them for a picnic, or enjoy them as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pasties in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.Pro tip: Let the pasties rest for a few minutes after baking – this allows the filling to set and makes them easier to eat without burning your mouth!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 399kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 15g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 84mg
