Save to Pins Festive, bite-sized snacks featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling wrapped in golden pastry, perfect for celebrating St. Patricks Day.
This recipe brings a festive spirit to my St. Patricks Day celebrations and has become a reliable crowd pleaser every year
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 to Pins My family eagerly awaits this treat every year and it never fails to bring smiles to our St. Patricks Day gathering
Notes
Substitute baby kale or arugula for spinach if desired For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling Pair with a cold Irish lager or sparkling water with lime
Required Tools
Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowl Knife Small pan Pastry brush
Nutritional Information
Calories: 82 Total Fat: 5 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Protein: 2 g
Save to Pins These bites are perfect for festive occasions and can be prepared ahead of time for easy entertaining
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, baby kale or arugula are excellent alternatives that maintain a fresh, leafy flavor in the filling.
- → What type of cheese works best with this filling?
Cream cheese provides creaminess while shredded cheddar adds sharpness, balancing texture and taste beautifully.
- → How do I ensure the pastry bakes crisp and golden?
Using a beaten egg wash before baking helps achieve a golden, glossy finish while baking at 200°C for 15-18 minutes crisps the pastry perfectly.
- → Is there a way to add a bit of spice to these bites?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling gives a subtle heat that complements the savory cheeses and spinach.
- → What is the best way to serve these bites?
Serve slightly warm on a platter garnished with fresh basil leaves; they pair well with cold Irish lager or sparkling water with lime.