Save Festive, bite-sized snacks featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling wrapped in golden pastry, perfect for celebrating St. Patricks Day.
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
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Wilt spinach:
- In a pan over medium heat, wilt the spinach for 1 minute, then squeeze out excess moisture and cool slightly
- Mix filling:
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined
- Prepare pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 equal squares (about 5 x 5 cm each)
- Add filling:
- Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each square
- Fold pastry:
- Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching to seal and form a four-leaf clover shape
- Brush egg wash:
- Brush the tops with beaten egg
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed
- Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish each bite with a fresh basil leaf clover on top
- Cool:
- Let cool slightly before serving
Save Notes
Pair with a cold Irish lager or sparkling water with lime
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
Save Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, baby kale or arugula can be used as alternatives to spinach, offering slightly different flavors while maintaining texture.
- → How do I achieve the clover shape with the pastry?
Cut puff pastry into squares, place filling in the center, then fold each corner towards the middle, pinching to seal and form the clover shape.
- → What’s the best way to prevent soggy pastry?
Wilt spinach to remove excess moisture before mixing, and bake on parchment-lined sheets to ensure a crisp, golden pastry.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, assemble and keep refrigerated, then bake just before serving to preserve freshness and flakiness.
- → Are there recommended pairings for these bites?
They pair well with cold Irish lager or a refreshing sparkling water with lime to complement the creamy filling.