Save These ricotta and spinach puff pastry twists are a beloved staple whenever I host brunches or need an easy appetizer everyone will enjoy. Creamy, herby, and golden on the outside, each twist disappears almost as soon as I set them out. They are ideal warm from the oven and always feel a little extra special with that savory cheesy filling.
The first time I made these, I was running late for a holiday brunch and needed something quick and reliable. Now, my friends ask for them at every get-together, and I love how easy it is to tweak the filling based on what is in my fridge.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese: contributes a creamy texture and mild flavor that absorbs all the herby goodness fresh ricotta adds the best taste and texture so look for a tub with a short ingredient list and no added gum
- Fresh spinach: brings color and freshness use young spinach leaves for the sweetest flavor or substitute with well-drained frozen spinach if you are in a rush
- Grated Parmesan cheese: creates a salty depth and boosts umami freshly grated offers a sharper punch to the filling
- Large egg yolk: binds the mixture and enriches the flavor try to use free-range eggs for the richest color
- Garlic clove: offers a subtle zing that balances the rich cheeses choose a plump fresh clove and mince it finely for even flavor
- Salt and ground black pepper: are essential for bringing all the flavors together choose flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results
- Ground nutmeg: is optional but adds a gentle warmth just a pinch makes a difference in creamy spinach dishes
- Puff pastry: is the foundation of the twist choose an all-butter variety if possible for the flakiest and most flavorful result
- Large egg for the topping: creates an irresistibly glossy finish on the twists and helps seeds stick
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds: are an optional topping that lends a delicate crunch seek out fresh seeds from a jar with a strong nutty aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the twists bake evenly and to make cleanup easy
- Make the Ricotta Spinach Filling
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the ricotta cheese finely chopped fresh spinach grated Parmesan egg yolk minced garlic salt pepper and optional nutmeg Stir this mixture thoroughly until it is smooth well blended and all the greens are distributed evenly There should be no clumps of cheese or pockets of spinach
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice the pastry in half to form two even rectangles Try to keep your cuts straight for neat twists later
- Spread the Filling
- Take one pastry rectangle and spoon the cheese spinach filling all over its surface Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread in an even layer stopping half an inch from all the edges Take your time smoothing it so the twist will bake evenly
- Seal the Layers
- Place the second rectangle of pastry directly on top of the filled one Align the edges and press down lightly along the border to help seal the filling inside This will keep the mixture from leaking as you twist and bake
- Cut and Shape the Twists
- With your knife or pizza wheel slice the stacked pastry into twelve strips of equal width about one inch wide each Gently hold each end of a strip and twist several times Lay each twist flat on your lined baking sheet spacing them apart so they have room to puff up while baking
- Egg Wash and Seed Topping
- Brush the surface of each pastry twist with beaten egg to give them a golden glossy sheen Sprinkle seeds on top if using which will adhere thanks to the egg wash and create a pleasant crunch
- Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven Bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes until the twists are golden brown puffed and feel crisp to the touch Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even color
- Cool Before Enjoying
- Remove the twists from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes so the filling sets slightly Serve warm or at room temperature as desired
Save These are the first to vanish at family parties My favorite part is that satisfying crunch as you bite in and realize there is creamy cheese tucked inside Every time I make these with my sister we end up sneaking a few twists before they ever reach the serving tray
Storage Tips
Store leftover twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day They will stay crisp in the oven if you reheat them at three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes For longer storage refrigerate them and rewarm just before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap feta for ricotta if you want a tangier flavor Use kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach just be sure to sauté until tender and squeeze out extra moisture Even vegan cheese blends can work if you want dairy free results
Serving Suggestions
These twists are excellent stacked on a platter as an appetizer or beside a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy lunch For brunch pair them with scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad I love serving them with a sparkling wine or a bold cappuccino
Cultural and Historical Context
Spinach and ricotta are classic Italian pairings found in everything from ravioli to savory pies The combination stuffed into pastry may look fancy but was originally designed for using up leftovers and celebrating abundance at spring gatherings
Save Whether you make these twists for brunch, an easy appetizer, or a quick snack, you will love how quickly they disappear. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and thoroughly drain frozen spinach before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- → How do I keep the pastry twists crisp?
Serve the twists soon after baking and let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can assemble the twists earlier in the day, cover, and chill. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → Are there suitable cheese substitutes?
Feta can replace ricotta for a tangier taste. Ensure it is well crumbled for even mixing.
- → What pairs well as a dip or side?
Serve these twists with a simple marinara sauce, herbed yogurt dip, or a light salad for extra freshness.
- → Can I freeze the twists?
Yes, freeze unbaked twists on a tray, then store in a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the time.