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 to 200°C (400°F):
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wilt the 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).
- Fill squares:
- Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each square.
- Fold corners:
- Fold the corners of each square towards the center pinching to seal and form a four leaf clover shape.
- Brush with egg:
- 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 before serving:
- 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 Guide
- → What can I substitute for spinach in the filling?
Baby kale or arugula can be used instead of spinach for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- → How do I achieve the four-leaf clover shape?
Cut puff pastry into squares, place filling in the center, then fold each corner toward the middle and pinch to seal.
- → Can these bites be made ahead of time?
You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate; bake shortly before serving to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
- → What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing pastry with beaten egg before baking gives a golden, glossy finish to the bites.
- → Are these bites suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, they contain no meat and use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like cheese and spinach.
- → Can I add spice to the filling?
A pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling adds a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.