Save Festive, bite-sized snacks featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling wrapped in golden pastry, perfect for celebrating St. Patricks Day.
This recipe is a favorite for St. Patricks Day celebrations, always bringing smiles with its fun shape and delicious filling.
Ingredients
- Filling: 100 g fresh spinach, chopped , 125 g cream cheese, softened , 60 g shredded cheddar cheese , 1 garlic clove, minced , 1/4 tsp salt , 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Pastry: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 250 g) , 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Decoration: 24 small fresh basil leaves (for clover effect)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a pan over medium heat, wilt the spinach for 1 minute , then squeeze out excess moisture and cool slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Step 4:
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 equal squares (about 5 x 5 cm each).
- Step 5:
- Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each square.
- Step 6:
- Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching to seal and form a four leaf clover shape.
- Step 7:
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
- Step 9:
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish each bite with a fresh basil leaf clover on top.
- Step 10:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save Making these bites has become a cherished tradition with my family during the holidays, always creating joyful moments around the table.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl, knife, small pan, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk, Egg, Wheat (gluten in puff pastry). If using store bought puff pastry, check for potential traces of nuts or soy.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 82 , Total Fat: 5 g , Carbohydrates: 7 g , Protein: 2 g per serving
Save These bites are perfect for parties and make a festive addition to any snack table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
To keep the pastry crisp, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the wilted spinach before mixing it with the cheese filling.
- → Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Yes, baby kale or arugula work well as alternatives, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to achieve the clover shape?
Fold each pastry square's corners towards the center, pinching gently to form a four-leaf clover shape before baking.
- → Can these bites be prepared ahead of time?
You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate, but bake just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What drink pairs well with these bites?
A cold Irish lager or sparkling water with lime complements the creamy and savory flavors nicely.