Savory Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Savory Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets, a delightful appetizer inspired by the culinary brilliance of Giada De Laurentiis. Perfectly flaky puff pastry shells are filled with a creamy mixture of rich Fontina cheese, savory Parmesan, and nutrient-packed spinach, enhanced by the fresh flavors of green onions. These pockets are not only a great addition to any gathering but can also be made in mini phyllo cups for delightful bite-sized treats. With their golden crust and warm, cheesy filling, these puffs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or celebration!
12
Servings
150
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Puff Pastry Shells
12 (unthawed)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (none)
Whole Milk
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
16 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
Fontina Cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (freshly grated)
Green Onions
3-5 (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the frozen puff pastry shells on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry has puffed and turned a beautiful golden brown.
4
Once baked, carefully remove the pastry shells from the oven. Using a small knife, cut out the center of each pastry shell to create a pocket for the filling. Be gentle to avoid breaking the outer shell.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well blended and smooth.
6
Add the thawed and drained spinach, grated Fontina, freshly grated Parmesan, and finely chopped green onions to the cream mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
7
Spoon the creamy spinach and cheese mixture generously into each of the baked pastry pockets, filling them to the top.
8
Return the filled pastries to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the pastries to become golden brown and the filling to be hot and bubbly.
9
Once done, carefully remove the pastries from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
8g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Pockets?
They are a flaky appetizer filled with a creamy mixture of Fontina, Parmesan, spinach, and green onions, inspired by Giada De Laurentiis.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 individual puff pastry pockets.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long is the initial baking time for the pastry shells?
The frozen puff pastry shells should be baked for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
How do you prepare the pastry shells for filling?
Once baked, use a small knife to gently cut out the center of each shell to create a pocket.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/4 cups of grated Fontina cheese and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan.
How should the spinach be prepared?
Use 16 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian appetizer.
Can I make a bite-sized version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use mini phyllo cups for delightful bite-sized treats instead of puff pastry shells.
How many calories are in one pocket?
Each spinach and cheese puff pastry pocket contains approximately 150 calories.
What are the main dairy components for the cream mixture?
The mixture consists of 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of whole milk.
What seasonings are added to the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each pocket provides 6 grams of protein.
How long do the filled pastries bake?
After filling, the pastries bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes.
How many green onions should be used?
The recipe suggests using between 3 to 5 finely chopped green onions.
How should the finished pastries be served?
They should be transferred to a serving platter and served warm.
What type of baking sheet preparation is needed?
Line a heavy baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastry from sticking.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 8 grams of carbohydrates.
Are the puff pastry shells thawed before the initial bake?
No, the instructions state to arrange frozen puff pastry shells on the baking sheet.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What is the primary vegetable ingredient?
The primary vegetable is 16 ounces of frozen chopped spinach.
What is the consistency of the filling?
The filling is creamy, rich, and becomes hot and bubbly when baked.
What type of Parmesan is recommended?
The recipe specifies using freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is the Fontina cheese grated or sliced?
The Fontina cheese should be grated before being added to the mixture.
What is the texture of the pastry once finished?
The puff pastry becomes perfectly flaky with a golden brown crust.
Who is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
The dish is inspired by the culinary brilliance of Giada De Laurentiis.
How do you ensure the filling is well mixed?
Combine the cream, milk, and spices first before stirring in the spinach, cheeses, and onions.
Can this recipe be used for parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as a crowd-pleaser for parties, gatherings, and celebrations.
How much spinach is used relative to the other ingredients?
The recipe uses a significant 16-ounce portion of spinach, making it nutrient-packed.