If you’re searching for a delightful dish that combines creamy cheese, vibrant spinach, and flaky pastry into one irresistible bite, the Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls come together with ease, boasting a rich, flavorful filling wrapped in golden, crisp puff pastry, making them perfect for everything from casual lunches to impressive appetizers at parties. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to impress your friends with minimal effort, this recipe hits all the right notes of taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe means gathering a handful of ingredients that are simple, wholesome, and each adds its own magic to the final dish. From creamy cheeses to aromatic garlic and buttery puff pastry, every element plays a key role in creating those perfect savory rolls.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Thawing and draining it carefully ensures the rolls won’t be soggy but stay moist and flavorful.
- Ricotta cheese: This adds a luscious, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with spinach.
- Freshly grated Parmesan: It introduces a hint of sharp, nutty flavor and enriches the filling.
- Minced garlic: Just a tablespoon is enough to provide a gentle aromatic kick without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of the filling perfectly.
- Egg (whisked): Mixed into the filling to bind everything, and separately for brushing the tops to achieve a golden sheen.
- Puff pastry sheets: Four sheets form the flaky, buttery exterior that makes these rolls so special.
- Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top, they add a subtle crunch and a nutty flavor that finishes the rolls beautifully.
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling
Begin by making sure your spinach is fully thawed and squeezed dry to avoid excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and whisked egg. Gently fold in the spinach until everything is evenly combined. This mixture should be creamy yet firm enough to hold together when rolled.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. If the sheets seem thick, you can gently roll them out to get a slightly thinner layer—that way, the pastry cooks evenly and stays crisp. Repeat with the other sheets as you work through the recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Spread a generous layer of the spinach and ricotta filling evenly over each puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up each sheet tightly, starting from one edge, to form a neat log. Seal the edges by pressing gently, so the filling stays inside during baking.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Place the rolls seam side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the second whisked egg to give them that beautiful golden glaze. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top for that extra touch of texture and nutty flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The aroma while baking is simply irresistible, and the crispy exterior will make you anxious to dive right in!
How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider garnishing these rolls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a gentle dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving. A small drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of tangy marinara sauce on the side can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These rolls are incredibly versatile and pair well with light side dishes like a crisp garden salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip. They also hold up well alongside a hearty soup, making them perfect for cozy dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a gathering, slice each roll into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with colorful garnishes like roasted red peppers or olives. You can also serve them warm in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic touch that’s sure to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach and Ricotta Rolls keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the crispiness, it’s best to let them cool completely before storing. When ready to enjoy, you’ll find the flavors even more developed.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best results. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready for a tasty treat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh spinach, sauté it lightly to wilt and remove excess moisture before mixing with the ricotta. This helps maintain the perfect filling consistency without making the rolls soggy.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t on hand, cottage cheese (well-drained) or cream cheese mixed with a little milk can work as alternatives. Just keep in mind these substitutions might alter the texture slightly.
Are these rolls vegetarian?
Yes! The Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is completely vegetarian, making it a great option for meatless meals or gatherings.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
You can definitely assemble the rolls a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip if you’re hosting guests.
How can I make the rolls gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry at your grocery store or make your own. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to keep the dish safe for those with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe that keeps calling you back for more. With its blend of creamy, cheesy filling and golden, flaky pastry, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a tasty snack, these rolls promise to deliver smiles and satisfied appetites every single time — so don’t hesitate, give this recipe a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully flaky spinach and ricotta rolls featuring a savory filling of spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, and garlic encased in golden puff pastry and topped with sesame seeds. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake until crisp and golden.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg, whisked
Pastry & Topping
- 4 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 egg, whisked (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly drained chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one whisked egg. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended and the mixture is creamy and uniform.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Lay out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. Divide the spinach and ricotta filling evenly among the sheets, spreading it out in a rectangle shape leaving some space at the edges for sealing.
- Roll and Seal: Carefully roll each puff pastry sheet with filling into a tight log, ensuring the filling is enclosed. Use a bit of water or egg wash to seal the edges to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Add Seeds: Place each roll seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with the second whisked egg to achieve a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake Rolls: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up, crisp, and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into individual portions. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach is well drained to prevent soggy pastry.
- You can substitute sesame seeds with poppy seeds or omit them if preferred.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based ricotta and egg substitutes for brushing.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Reheat leftover rolls in the oven to maintain crispness.
