If you’re looking for a fantastic appetizer or a savory snack that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to the palate, this Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture flaky puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, cheesy filling bursting with fresh spinach, garlic, and a blend of cheeses — it’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you bake or air fry them, these rolls come out golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of this recipe shines through in its ingredients, each chosen to enhance the overall flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From creamy ricotta to vibrant spinach and the perfect mix of cheeses, these components come together harmoniously to create something truly special.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the garlic and spinach without overpowering their fresh flavors.
- Baby spinach: Provides a fresh, slightly earthy taste and vibrant green color that brightens the rolls.
- Garlic, minced: Gives the filling a gentle kick and aromatic depth, enhancing every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy base that makes the rolls wonderfully smooth and luscious.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty sharpness that balances the mild ricotta.
- Cheddar cheese: Brings a subtle tang and melty texture for a delightful cheese blend.
- Egg: Binds the filling ingredients and creates that beautiful golden glaze when brushed on the pastry.
- Shallots or green onions, chopped: Offer mild onion flavor and a bit of texture contrast in the filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and unify all the flavors.
- Puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery vessel that wraps all the goodness inside with crisp perfection.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a charming nutty crunch and added visual appeal on top.
How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add your minced garlic and cook it briefly until fragrant – just about 30 seconds. Then toss in the baby spinach and sauté until it’s wilted and tender. This step helps cook out excess moisture from the spinach, which is key to a non-soggy filling.
Step 2: Mix Cheeses and Flavorings
In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, and cheddar cheese with the beaten egg. Stir in the finely chopped shallots or green onions, along with salt and pepper to taste. Fold the cooked spinach and garlic into this mixture, creating a creamy, delicious filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Roll out your sheet of puff pastry and slice it into neat rectangles. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and cheese mixture along one edge of each rectangle. Carefully roll the pastry over the filling, sealing the edges as you go to keep everything enclosed beautifully.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Brush each roll with beaten egg to ensure a gorgeously golden crust during baking. If you love a little added texture, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Pop the rolls into the fridge for about 15 minutes — this helps firm them up for easier slicing.
Step 5: Cook Your Rolls
You have two wonderful options here! Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively, air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes for a quicker, equally delicious result. Either way, you’ll end up with perfectly cooked, mouthwatering rolls.
How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving can bring a lively burst of green and a hint of freshness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate these rolls beautifully. If you like a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top works wonders.
Side Dishes
These spinach and ricotta rolls pair wonderfully with crisp salads, especially those featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. For heartier meals, offer roasted vegetables or a bowl of warm tomato soup to complement the cheesy richness in the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the rolls into bite-sized pinwheels for an impressive appetizer platter at your next gathering. Served with a small bowl of marinara or a herbed yogurt dip, they make fantastic finger food. You could also arrange whole rolls in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual entertaining or cozy family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow the rolls to cool completely before sealing to maintain their crispy texture as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze these spinach and ricotta rolls either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to revive their crispiness—avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. Simply warm them at 350°F (180°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and crisp once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the filling. This step ensures your rolls stay crisp rather than soggy.
Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
This Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is already vegetarian since it’s packed with cheeses and greens. For a vegan version, try substituting with plant-based ricotta and cheese alternatives, and use a vegan puff pastry.
What’s the best cheese combination for these rolls?
The combination of ricotta, parmesan, and cheddar offers a perfect mix of creaminess, sharpness, and meltability. Feel free to experiment with feta or mozzarella if you want a different flavor profile.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them before baking. This way, all you need to do is pop them in the oven or air fryer just before guests arrive.
Is air frying better than baking for this recipe?
Both methods yield delicious results. Air frying is quicker and can produce extra-crispy layers, while baking offers a more traditional texture. Choose whichever suits your kitchen setup or time constraints!
Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, comforting hug wrapped in flaky pastry. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly encourage you to try it out — once you do, I bet it will become one of your treasured go-to recipes for any occasion.
Print
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Spinach and Ricotta Rolls featuring a savory blend of spinach, ricotta, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as appetizers or snacks, these rolls can be baked in the oven or quickly prepared using an air fryer for a crispy, golden finish.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup shallots or green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Sauté Spinach Mixture: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, beaten egg, chopped shallots or green onions, and salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach and garlic mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into rectangles suitable for individual rolls.
- Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of each pastry rectangle. Roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
- Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush the rolled pastries with beaten egg to create a golden glaze when baked, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Rolls: Refrigerate the prepared rolls for 15 minutes to firm up the pastry and make slicing easier.
- Slice: Cut the chilled rolls into bite-sized pieces for individual servings.
- Bake in Oven: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Air Fryer Alternative: Prepare the rolls as above, then place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, offering a quicker cooking option with a crispy texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheeses depending on preference, but aim for a mix of creamy and hard cheeses for best flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the puff pastry and other ingredients align with vegetarian standards.
- Refrigeration before baking helps the pastry hold its shape and results in flakier rolls.
- These rolls can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
