If you’re like me and love a good savory snack that feels fancy but comes together so easily, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. These little golden puffs are packed with creamy, tangy cheese, vibrant spinach, and a burst of sun-dried tomato flavor that just sings in every bite. I absolutely love how they turn out crispy on the outside yet soft and flavorful inside — perfect for parties, an easy appetizer, or even a cheeky snack when you need a break. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail this recipe at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: The puff pastry handles the tough part, so you focus on mixing up just one delicious filling.
- Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Filling: The combination of ricotta, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers a wonderful balance of creaminess and tang.
- Versatile Snack or Party Bite: Whether it’s a casual snack or an elegant appetizer, these puffs always impress.
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: You can tweak the filling easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe plays a starring role — from the silky ricotta to the sharp feta and sweet tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Knowing your ingredients helps you pick the best quality for maximum flavor, and I’ve got some handy tips to help you shop smart.
- Frozen spinach: Always squeeze out excess water after thawing to prevent sogginess — trust me, I learned this the hard way!
- Ricotta cheese: Use whole milk ricotta if you can for extra creaminess, and make sure to drain it on paper towels to avoid watery puff filling.
- Puff pastry sheet: Look for a block or sheet in the freezer aisle; homemade puff pastry is a dream but store-bought is super convenient.
- Feta cheese: Opt for crumbly, tangy feta for the best contrast with the mild ricotta.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed will add richness, but dry-packed works well if you rehydrate the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Variations
I love swapping things up with this Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand — it’s super flexible, which means you can make it your own with ease.
- Adding herbs: I sometimes mix in fresh dill or basil for an herby punch that really brightens the filling.
- Meat lovers’ version: Cooked crumbled sausage or bacon bits stirred in add a smoky, savory depth.
- Dairy-free substitute: Try crumbled tofu or a plant-based ricotta substitute to make these puffs vegan-friendly.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños take these puffs from mild to lively.
How to Make Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Drain and Prep Your Cheeses and Spinach
Start by slicing your ricotta into quarters and placing those pieces on a plate lined with paper towels — let it sit for about 10 minutes. This little step is a game-changer because excess moisture can make your puffs soggy instead of perfectly flaky. While the ricotta drains, squeeze all the water out from the thawed spinach and chop it roughly with kitchen scissors. I do this right in the bowl to keep things tidy and simple.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta and squeezed spinach. Add a good pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to season. Then sprinkle in the crumbled feta. Using kitchen scissors again, chop up those sun-dried tomatoes into tiny bits and fold them in. Give it a taste here—you can adjust seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if you like. I always do because taste-testing is non-negotiable in my kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare Your Puff Pastry and Filling Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the puff pastry and slice it into 9 equal squares or rectangles, depending on the shape of your sheet. Spray a muffin tin lightly with olive oil spray to help the puffs release easily. Press each pastry piece gently into the muffin cups — don’t worry about the edges hanging over; you’ll fold those in next. This step is where you get that perfect little pocket for stuffing.
Step 4: Stuff, Fold, and Seal
Add a heaping tablespoon of your spinach and cheese mixture into each puff pastry cup. Then, fold the opposite edges of the pastry together gently in the middle and press lightly to seal. The remaining two sides also fold in and are pressed gently in the center to create a nice little bundle. Don’t pack it too tight — some space helps the puffs puff up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush or spray a little olive oil over the tops of the puffs — this helps them achieve that gorgeous, golden crispiness. Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, checking around 20 minutes if your oven runs hot. You want the puff pastry to rise and turn a lovely light golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool for 5 minutes right in the tray; this lets the filling set slightly so they hold their shape when you remove them.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully slide a butter knife under each puff to loosen it from the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 5 minutes before serving. These puffs are fantastic warm or at room temperature — I find they’re even better once they’ve had a few minutes to rest, allowing all the flavors to meld. Trust me, whether you’re serving them at your next gathering or sneaking a few for yourself, they’re a total win.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Drain the Ricotta Well: I learned that taking time to drain your ricotta changes everything—it prevents soggy pastries every time.
- Use Kitchen Scissors for Easy Chopping: Instead of a knife, scissors make quick work of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and keep the filling textures just right.
- Don’t Overfill the Pastry: Filling them moderately gives the puffs room to puff — you’ll get that flaky, airy texture I adore.
- Watch Your Oven Carefully: Oven temperatures vary, so check early and avoid burnt edges by keeping a close eye near the 20-minute mark.
How to Serve Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these puffs with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking for an extra crunch. Freshly cracked black pepper over the top adds a nice finishing touch, and a little fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a tangy cucumber yogurt dip to complement the creamy, cheesy puffs. They also team wonderfully with a light tomato soup when you want to serve something warm and comforting alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, I like to arrange the puffs on a wooden board surrounded by olives, marinated artichokes, and a handful of nuts for a rustic Mediterranean platter vibe. You could also serve them with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking or stack them pyramid-style on a tiered platter to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the fridge — they stay tasty for up to 3 days. Before sealing, I let them cool completely to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Freezing
These puffs freeze well! I pop cooled puffs on a baking tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want one, just reheat straight from frozen — a lifesaver for last-minute snacks.
Reheating
The oven is your friend here — I heat leftover puffs at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which revives that crisp crust beautifully. Microwave works in a pinch, but you risk losing that lovely flakiness.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the puffs?
Absolutely! If you use fresh spinach, be sure to sauté it lightly and drain all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling to avoid soggy pastry.
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What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness or omit them entirely for a milder flavor. The puffs will still be delicious!
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Can I make these puffs vegan?
Yes! Use a dairy-free ricotta alternative and vegan feta, plus your favorite plant-based puff pastry. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still tasty.
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How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the ricotta well and squeeze out all moisture from the spinach. Also, don’t overfill the pastry and bake immediately after assembling to keep the pastry crisp.
Final Thoughts
I’m always excited when I make this Cheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe because it never disappoints — flaky, golden, and bursting with flavor. They’ve become a go-to for me for casual get-togethers and whenever I want to whip up a tasty treat without stress. Give it a try; I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for these puffs again and again, just like my family does. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, and this recipe hits all those notes perfectly!
PrintCheesy Spinach, Feta, and Ricotta Puffs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy and golden spinach puffs filled with a savory blend of ricotta, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoned spinach. Perfect as party appetizers or snacks, these puff pastries combine creamy cheese and flavorful greens baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 7oz frozen spinach – thawed
- 7oz ricotta cheese
- 1 puff pastry sheet (approx 14 x 9 inches)
- 2oz feta cheese
- 1oz sun dried tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or brush for baking
Instructions
- Drain Ricotta: Slice the ricotta cheese into quarters and place the pieces on a plate lined with paper towels. Let it drain for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid.
- Prepare Spinach: Squeeze out all excess water from the thawed spinach. Use kitchen scissors to roughly chop the spinach into smaller pieces.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained ricotta and chopped spinach. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Crumble feta cheese into the mixture. Chop sun dried tomatoes with scissors into small pieces, add them into the bowl, and mix well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Slice the puff pastry sheet into 9 equal rectangles or squares. Spray a muffin tin with olive oil spray and place each pastry piece into a muffin cup, pressing gently to cover the base and sides with excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Fill Pastries: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spinach and cheese filling into each puff pastry cup, dividing the mixture evenly among all cups.
- Fold and Seal: Fold two opposite sides of the pastry over the filling so they meet in the middle, then fold the remaining two sides over and gently press the center to seal the edges.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush or spray the tops of the pastries with olive oil to encourage a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puffs have risen and turned a light golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes to set. Carefully lift each puff out using a knife, then cool on a wire rack for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
- These spinach puffs are ideal as party appetizers or satisfying snacks.
- The combination of ricotta, feta, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes adds a rich, flavorful bite.
- Ensure to drain and squeeze the cheeses and spinach well to prevent soggy pastry.
- Puff pastry edges can be adjusted or sealed differently if preferred.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor, though they are delicious at room temperature too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg