| Category | Intensity Level / Time |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy (2/5) |
| Active Time | 15 minutes |
| Passive/Waiting Time | 20 minutes (baking) + 5 minutes cooling |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Physical Intensity | Low (mixing, rolling, brushing) |
| Flavor Intensity | Medium-High (savory, salty, rich) |
Yield & Serving
-
Yield: 12 rolls
-
Serving size: 2 rolls per person (as an appetizer) or 4-5 rolls as a light meal
Ingredients
For the Filling
-
10 oz (280g) frozen chopped spinach, thawed
-
4 oz (120g) feta cheese, crumbled
-
2 oz (60g) cream cheese, softened (for creaminess and binding)
-
1 small shallot or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Pastry & Assembly
-
1 sheet (approx 8 oz / 230g) frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
-
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
1 tablespoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach (Active: 5 min)
Place the thawed chopped spinach in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This is critical — wet spinach will make your pastry soggy. You should have about ½ cup of dry, compacted spinach.
2. Make the Filling (Active: 5 min)
In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed spinach, crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, minced shallot (or garlic), olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix with a fork until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is slightly paste-like. Stir in fresh herbs if desired. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pastry (Active: 2 min)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unroll or roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches (25×30 cm). Keep it cold — if it becomes sticky or warm, return it to the fridge for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Rolls (Active: 5 min)
Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the pastry rectangle, leaving a ½-inch (1 cm) bare border on all sides. Gently press the filling down.
Starting from the long edge closest to you, tightly roll the pastry into a log (like a cinnamon roll). Pinch the seam gently to seal.
5. Slice & Egg Wash (Active: 3 min)
Using a sharp serrated knife, gently slice the log into 12 equal rounds (about 1 inch / 2.5 cm thick each). Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Brush the tops of each roll with beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
6. Bake (Passive: 20 min)
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the pastry is puffed, deeply golden brown, and the filling is lightly bubbling at the edges.
Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
7. Cool & Serve (Passive Cooling: 5 min)
Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They will be extremely hot inside fresh from the oven. Transfer to a wire rack or serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (2 rolls) — calculated using standard ingredients. Values are estimates and may vary.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 2 rolls) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| – Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| – Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Calcium | 180mg (15% DV) |
| Iron | 2mg (10% DV) |
| Vitamin A | 3200 IU (65% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 3mg |