SPINACH AND RICOTTA PUFF PASTRY RECIPE

How to Make Homemade Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry

RECIPE DETAILS

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: ⭐☆☆ (Easy)

• Diet type: Mediterranean

• The quantities can be easily doubled or halved

• 1 sheet of puff pastry

• 300 g spinach

• 200 g ricotta cheese

• 500 g tomato passata (tomato purée)

• 100 g cooked ham, sliced

• 1 garlic clove

• Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, to taste

• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste

• Salt, to taste

This spinach and ricotta puff pastry is an easy oven-baked dish that works perfectly as a simple homemade dinner. Made with creamy ricotta, tender spinach, tomato sauce, and a crispy puff pastry base, it’s comforting without being heavy and comes together with just a few everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe you can prepare even on busy days, when you want something warm, satisfying, and truly homemade—without spending hours in the kitchen.

1 - Cook the spinach

• Wash the spinach thoroughly

• Add it to a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the garlic clove

• Cook until wilted and soft

• Remove the garlic and squeeze the spinach well to remove excess moisture

2 - Make the tomato sauce

• Heat a little extra virgin olive oil in a pan

• Add the garlic clove and tomato passata

• Season with salt

• Let the sauce simmer until cooked and slightly thickened, then remove the garlic

3 - Prepare the filling

• Place the ricotta, cooked spinach, and a pinch of salt in a bowl

• Blend until smooth and creamy

4 - Fill the puff pastry

• Unroll the puff pastry on a work surface

• Spread an even layer of the spinach and ricotta cream over the pastry

• Add the slices of cooked ham

• Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano

5 - Shape the pinwheels

• Roll the pastry tightly from the long side to form a log

• Cut into slices about 3–4 cm thick

6 - Prepare the baking dish

• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish

• Arrange the pinwheels side by side

7 - Finish and bake

• Cover the pinwheels with the remaining tomato sauce

• Sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano

• Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil

8 - Bake

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) using static mode

• Bake for about 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly

Don't miss here below, the video for the Spinach and Ricotta puff pastry recipe, it will guide you step by step for the best results.

To get the best result with this spinach and ricotta puff pastry, focus on three key elements: moisture control, balance, and layering. Make sure the spinach is well wilted and well squeezed before blending it with the ricotta, so the filling stays creamy without releasing excess liquid during baking. Spread the filling in a thin, even layer and avoid overfilling the pastry, which helps it roll neatly and bake evenly. The tomato sauce should be well cooked and slightly thick, adding flavor without soaking the puff pastry and compromising its crisp texture.

TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS

This spinach and ricotta puff pastry can easily be adapted depending on your needs or the occasion. For a lighter or vegeterian option, you can skip the ham and lean into a Mediterranean-style version, pairing it with other simple oven-baked dishes from our collection of Mediterranean recipes, like our vegeterian versions of Lasagna or Gnocchi.
If you’re cooking for guests with specific dietary needs, you can explore ideas from our gluten-free recipes section for naturally gluten-free fillings to use with alternative pastry bases.
For a completely plant-based twist, the ricotta can be replaced with a vegetable-based cream inspired by our vegan recipes, turning this dish into a dairy-free option that still feels comforting and satisfying.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Can I prepare this spinach and ricotta puff pastry in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry rolls a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, place them in the baking dish, add the tomato sauce, and bake as directed. This helps keep the pastry crisp and the filling fresh.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

The key is controlling moisture. Make sure the spinach is well wilted and squeezed before mixing it with the ricotta, and use a tomato sauce that is thick and well cooked. Spreading the filling in a thin, even layer also helps the pastry bake properly.

Can I freeze spinach and ricotta puff pastry?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, until golden and fully cooked.

MEDITERRANEAN RECIPES

Explore all recipes by category: Mediterranean Recipes | Gluten-Free Recipes | Vegan Recipes | Breakfasts