Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (for filling)
Pastry and Topping
- 4 sheets puff pastry
- 1 egg, whisked (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Remove the frozen puff pastry sheets from the freezer and allow them to thaw completely at room temperature until pliable.
- Thaw Spinach: Place the bag of frozen chopped spinach in a large bowl filled with warm water. Use your hands to occasionally break apart the frozen chunks until the spinach is fully thawed.
- Drain Spinach: Transfer the thawed spinach to a fine mesh sieve and press down firmly to squeeze out as much excess water as possible, ensuring the filling won't be watery.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll each puff pastry sheet flat on a clean surface. Spread the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the surface of each sheet.
- Roll Pastry: Carefully roll each puff pastry sheet into a tight cylinder. Place these rolls seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Chill Rolls: Refrigerate the assembled rolls for 10 minutes to help them set and hold their shape for slicing.
- Slice Rolls: Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and using a serrated knife, cut each roll into 2 or 3 smaller pinwheel rolls. Arrange the slices back on the baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Egg Wash and Topping: Whisk the remaining egg and brush it generously over each roll slice. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds to add a nutty flavor and attractive finish.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown, puffed, and flaky.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid soggy rolls.
- You can customize the filling by adding chopped herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if baking chilled rolls.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls cleanly without squashing the pastry.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
