Biting into the perfect combination of flavors and textures is one of life’s simple pleasures, and Spinach and Ricotta Rolls deliver just that experience. These delightful rolls are wrapped in crispy, buttery puff pastry and filled with a cheesy, savory mixture that is as satisfying as it is indulgent. Light enough for a snack yet substantial enough for a brunch, lunch, or even dinner, these rolls are a versatile choice that never fails to please. The amalgamation of melty cheese and aromatic garlic in every bite offers a rich and memorable tasting experience.
Whether you’re planning to impress guests at your next gathering or seeking a comforting treat to enjoy at your convenience, Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are a must-have in your culinary repertoire. These rolls are also ideal for those who love prepping meals ahead of time; they’re easy to freeze and conveniently reheat without losing any of their delicious qualities. For a truly indulgent serving, enjoy them warm to let the flavors and textures reach their peak. Their versatility and irresistible nature make them perfect for everything from parties to an unassuming yet delightful snack moment.
Why You’ll Love These Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
- Simple yet Indulgent: Easy to make with a luxurious taste.
- Versatile: Perfect for snacks, brunch, dinner, and entertaining.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare and freeze for convenience.
- Rich Flavor: Cheese, spinach, and garlic create an irresistible filling.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating these delectable rolls, take a moment to set up your kitchen for a smooth cooking process. Start by ensuring your work surface is clean and spacious, as you’ll be rolling out sheets of puff pastry. A large mixing bowl will be necessary for combining the filling ingredients, and a colander will help you squeeze out excess water from the spinach — a crucial step to ensure the filling isn’t too watery.
You’ll need a sharp knife for cutting the puff pastry into sections and another knife or pastry cutter for slicing the rolls. Have a pastry brush on hand to apply the beaten egg, which will help seal the rolls and give them a beautiful golden crust. Lastly, prepare two baking trays lined with parchment paper or greased lightly with spray oil. Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before you start baking, as this ensures that your pastries will puff up nicely and achieve that desired crispness.
Ingredients
- 250g / 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 400g / 13 oz firm ricotta
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack)
- 1 egg
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 sheets puff pastry (about 25cm/10” squares)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when your rolls are. In a colander, place the thawed spinach and press out excess moisture using a wooden spoon, a clean tea towel, or your hands. This step is essential to avoid a soggy filling that won’t properly set inside the pastry.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the drained spinach to a large mixing bowl, adding in the ricotta, grated parmesan, shredded cheese of your choice, a beaten egg, minced garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until you achieve a uniform consistency, which will ensure that each roll holds together nicely and every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
Lay out your sheets of puff pastry on a clean work surface, cutting each sheet in half to create six equal rectangles. Evenly distribute the spinach and ricotta mixture across the pastry, then tightly roll each rectangle. Seal the rolls by brushing the edges with a beaten egg and place them seam-side down for the best structure during baking.
Step 4: Chill and Slice the Rolls
To make handling easier and ensure the pastry maintains its structure, chill the rolls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This step keeps the pastry from expanding too quickly in the oven. After chilling, slice each roll into four pieces or into your preferred size.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sliced rolls on lightly greased baking trays, spacing them apart slightly. Brush the tops with more beaten egg for a shiny finish and sprinkle sesame seeds over them if using. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway and continuing to bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Serve your scrumptious rolls warm for maximum enjoyment.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon or smoked salmon to the filling for an extra savory boost.
- Vegetables: Swap spinach for kale or include roasted red peppers for added flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with adding chili flakes or Italian herbs for a different kick.
Cooking Notes
- The dough must be chilled to ensure it has the best texture and doesn’t spread too much during baking.
- The filling mixture can be prepared a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Freezing the rolls before baking is possible; simply increase the baking time by 5–10 minutes when cooking from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a filling meal.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Tips
- Ensure all excess moisture is removed from the spinach to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
- You can customize the cheese blend for a sharper or milder flavor profile, based on your preference.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 290 per serving
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
FAQs
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free puff pastry which is widely available at many grocery stores.
How do I store leftover rolls?
Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen?
Definitely! Simply steam or sauté fresh spinach, then chop and drain it well before using.
Is it possible to add meat?
Yes, cooked sausage or shredded chicken can be included in the filling for a heartier version.
Conclusion
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are a delightful blend of simplicity and indulgence, bringing together rich flavors and inviting textures. Perfect for gatherings or as a treat to enjoy at home, these rolls are bound to be a frequent fixture in your culinary collection. They’re flexible enough to adapt to personal tastes, and with the convenience of make-ahead preparation, they’re always ready to satisfy. Let the aromas of garlic and cheesy goodness fill your kitchen, and enjoy every warm, flaky bite. We’d love to hear how your rolls turned out, so please leave a comment, share the recipe, or try out different variations to suit your tastes!
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Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Biting into the perfect combination of flavors and textures is one of life’s simple pleasures, and Spinach and Ricotta Rolls deliver just that experience.
Ingredients
- 250g / 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 400g / 13 oz firm ricotta
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack)
- 1 egg
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ – ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 sheets puff pastry (about 25cm/10” squares)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready when your rolls are. In a colander, place the thawed spinach and press out excess moisture using a wooden spoon, a clean tea towel, or your hands.
- Transfer the drained spinach to a large mixing bowl, adding in the ricotta, grated parmesan, shredded cheese of your choice, a beaten egg, minced garlic, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until you achieve a uniform consistency.
- Lay out your sheets of puff pastry on a clean work surface, cutting each sheet in half to create six equal rectangles. Evenly distribute the spinach and ricotta mixture across the pastry, then tightly roll each rectangle. Seal the rolls by brushing the edges with a beaten egg.
- To make handling easier and ensure the pastry maintains its structure, chill the rolls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Arrange the sliced rolls on lightly greased baking trays, spacing them apart slightly. Brush the tops with more beaten egg for a shiny finish and sprinkle sesame seeds over them if using. Bake for 25 minutes, rotating halfway through until golden brown.
Notes
The dough must be chilled to ensure it has the best texture and doesn’t spread too much during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Protein: 9 g