If you are looking for a delightful appetizer or snack that bursts with flavor and is sure to impress, the Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, flaky puff pastry rolls are filled with a creamy blend of ricotta cheese, tender spinach, and savory herbs, delivering a perfect balance of richness and freshness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a satisfying treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a sophisticated and comforting dish that feels like a warm hug straight from an Italian kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet absolutely essential to making the Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe shine. Each one adds its unique touch, from the silky texture of ricotta to the fragrant notes of oregano, creating a harmonious filling encased in buttery puff pastry.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base for sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing richness and depth.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and tender bite to complement the filling’s creaminess.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained: The star green ingredient that adds earthiness without overwhelming moisture.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy, mild richness that pairs perfectly with spinach.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami boost to enhance the filling’s savory character.
- Egg, lightly beaten: Used to bind the filling together and for that glossy golden finish with the egg wash.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Puff pastry sheets, thawed: The crispy, flaky exterior that holds the delectable filling and delivers incredible texture.
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma. Toss in the well-drained spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly before combining with the cheeses and seasonings.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, gently fold together the cooled spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mixture should be well combined, creamy, and evenly seasoned—exactly what will make each roll burst with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold your thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet in half lengthwise to create four strips in total. These strips are the canvas for our delicious filling, so make sure they’re evenly sized for uniform baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Spread the spinach and ricotta filling evenly along one long edge of each pastry strip. Roll the pastry tightly over the filling to enclose it, then place each roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remember to brush the rolls generously with the remaining beaten egg to achieve a stunning golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cut each roll into four equal pieces and arrange them, spaced slightly apart, on the baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls are puffed up beautifully and golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes—they taste best warm but not too hot.
How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the rolls right before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can also elevate their flavor and presentation even more.
Side Dishes
The Spinach and Ricotta Rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light contrast. They also work well alongside a warm tomato soup or roasted vegetables to create a fuller meal experience without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant appetizer at your next party, arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of marinara and garlic aioli for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a selection of olives and cheeses to create an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach and Ricotta Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled but allow them to come to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
For reheating, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method preserves the crispiness of the puff pastry much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works just as well—simply sauté and chop it before mixing. Just make sure to cool it before combining with the cheeses to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
Is there a substitute for puff pastry?
You could experiment with filo dough or homemade pie crust, but puff pastry is preferred because of its buttery, flaky texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make it vegan, use dairy-free ricotta and Parmesan alternatives and replace the egg with a flax egg or another plant-based binder. Vegan puff pastry is also widely available in many stores.
How long does the filling keep before baking?
The filling can be prepared ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This makes it easy to assemble the rolls fresh when you’re ready to bake.
Are these rolls suitable for freezing before or after baking?
They freeze well both ways! If freezing before baking, bake them straight from frozen (allowing extra baking time). If freezing after baking, reheat gently to regain crispiness as mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels special without any extra fuss. Whether for a casual snack, party appetizer, or a cozy meal addition, these rolls never fail to delight. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe to impress family and friends alike.
Print
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and savory Spinach and Ricotta Rolls made with flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a warm appetizer or a tasty snack, these easy-to-make rolls are ideal for Italian-inspired meals or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 oz (300g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (plus 1 extra for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spinach: Add the thawed and drained chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes just to warm through. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients form a uniform filling.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, lay out the two puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet lengthwise in half to create four strips in total.
- Fill and Roll: Evenly divide the spinach and ricotta filling along one edge of each pastry strip. Roll each strip tightly to enclose the filling, then place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of each roll to give a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Slice and Arrange: Cut each roll into 4 pieces, resulting in 16 rolls total. Space them evenly on the baking sheet, ready to bake.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly once out of the oven. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach instead of frozen; just sauté and chop fresh spinach before incorporating into the filling.
- These rolls are versatile and taste great served warm or at room temperature, making them excellent for party appetizers or lunchbox treats.
