Super Bowl Party Food Spinach Ricotta Puffs
Highlighted under: Celebration Seasonal Food Collection
I absolutely love hosting Super Bowl parties, and one of my go-to appetizers are these Spinach Ricotta Puffs. They're not only simple to make, but they also transport well, making them perfect for sharing. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all encased in a flaky pastry, creates a delightful bite that’s sure to impress my guests. Each puff has just the right amount of seasoning, and they’re so addictive that you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. Trust me, these will be the hit of your party!
When I first experimented with these Spinach Ricotta Puffs, I knew I wanted to create something that would be perfect for snacking during the game. After a few attempts, I discovered that using a mix of feta and ricotta gave these puffs the perfect balance of creaminess and a little tang. I also found that adding nutmeg enhances the flavor without overpowering the spinach.
One important tip I learned is to let the filling cool before encasing it in pastry. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy, ensuring a beautiful crispy exterior. My guests can't ever seem to get enough of these, and I'm sure they'll be a hit at your next gathering too!
Why You'll Love These Puffs
- Flaky pastry paired with a creamy spinach filling
- Bursting with flavor from fresh ingredients
- Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing
Ingredient Insights
The quality of the spinach you use plays a crucial role in the flavor profile of these puffs. Fresh spinach offers a vibrant, slightly earthy taste that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ricotta and salty feta. If fresh is unavailable, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before mixing to avoid excess moisture in your filling, which can lead to sogginess.
Ricotta cheese is ideal for this recipe due to its creamy texture, which yields a silky filling. If you're looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, consider using part-skim ricotta. Feta adds depth and a tangy punch; however, if you prefer a milder flavor, you could replace it with goat cheese, which pairs well with the spinach while maintaining the required creaminess.
Preparation Tips
When rolling out the puff pastry, make sure to keep it chilled. If it starts to warm up, it can become difficult to work with and may not puff as well during baking. Work quickly and dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking. Once cut into squares, I recommend keeping the unfilled pastry covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you assemble the puffs.
An important step in the assembly is sealing the edges properly. If your puffs aren't sealed well, they can open in the oven. I like to use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a secure seal. This not only helps keep the filling contained but also gives the puffs a decorative touch, enhancing their presentation for your guests.
Ingredients
For the Spinach Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, egg, garlic powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Prepare Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 3-inch squares.
Assemble Puffs
Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners over to create a pocket and pinch to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the puffs for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm for the best experience!
Pro Tips
- For an extra crunch, add sesame seeds on top of the egg wash before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Spinach Ricotta Puffs warm from the oven for the best texture and flavor. They make a fantastic standalone appetizer, but you can elevate the serving experience by offering a side of marinara sauce or a tangy yogurt dip for guests to enjoy. For a vibrant platter, consider adding some roasted red peppers and olives to complement the flavors of the puffs.
Presentation is key when hosting, so consider using individual serving cups or rustic wooden boards to display your puffs. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to add a splash of color. These thoughtful touches can transform your appetizer into an eye-catching centerpiece that invites conversation.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, store the baked puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help retain their flaky texture rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked puffs. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time without defrosting. This ensures that your guests can enjoy freshly baked puffs, even if you prepare them ahead of time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven is best to maintain crispiness.
→ Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the puffs a day ahead, just bake them before serving.
→ What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to mix it up! Cream cheese or mozzarella would work well in place of ricotta.
Super Bowl Party Food Spinach Ricotta Puffs
I absolutely love hosting Super Bowl parties, and one of my go-to appetizers are these Spinach Ricotta Puffs. They're not only simple to make, but they also transport well, making them perfect for sharing. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, all encased in a flaky pastry, creates a delightful bite that’s sure to impress my guests. Each puff has just the right amount of seasoning, and they’re so addictive that you’ll find it hard to stop at just one. Trust me, these will be the hit of your party!
Created by: Rosamund Blake
Recipe Type: Celebration Seasonal Food Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 puffs
What You'll Need
For the Spinach Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, egg, garlic powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 3-inch squares.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the spinach mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners over to create a pocket and pinch to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the puffs for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Extra Tips
- For an extra crunch, add sesame seeds on top of the egg wash before baking.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g