Spinach Ricotta Rolls Recipe

Homemade Spinach Ricotta Rolls Recipe: Heavenly Bites Today

Soft, pillowy dough envelops a creamy spinach ricotta rolls filling that dances with herbal freshness and rich cheese.

These delectable rolls promise a symphony of flavors in every bite.

The delicate spinach weaves through smooth ricotta, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Herbs and seasonings enhance the roll’s subtle complexity, making each mouthful a delightful experience.

Mediterranean-inspired and comforting, these rolls work perfectly as an appetizer or side dish.

Warm from the oven, they’ll invite everyone to the table with their irresistible aroma.

Prepare to savor a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Best Savory Pastry Rolls: What Makes Them Special

  • Whip Up Quickly: These savory pastry rolls come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy ricotta, spinach, and parmesan, these rolls offer a comforting blend of flavors that will wow both kids and adults at family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • Versatile Party Starter: Great for potlucks, game nights, or impromptu entertaining, these rolls can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, giving you stress-free hosting magic.
  • Nutritious Nibble: Spinach-filled pastries provide a sneaky way to incorporate healthy greens into a tasty treat that doesn't feel like a boring vegetable dish.

Ingredients for the Best Savory Pastry Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, layered dough that creates a light and flaky texture for the savory rolls.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds earthy flavor and vibrant color to the filling.
  • Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the filling.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, aged cheese that brings a bold and nutty taste to the pastry rolls.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg, Sesame Seeds: An egg wash that gives a golden sheen to the pastry, and sesame seeds that add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Baking the Best Savory Pastry Rolls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Thaw Pastry Dough

Remove puff pastry from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature until soft and pliable.

This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

Gently unfold the pastry sheets to prevent cracking.

Step 2: Prepare Spinach Filling

  • Frozen spinach
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Egg

Defrost spinach in warm water, breaking apart any frozen clumps.

Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or fine mesh strainer.

The spinach should be dry to prevent soggy pastry.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk one egg and add half to the mixture, saving the remaining egg for brushing later.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Roll and Fill Pastry

Carefully unfold the softened pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

Spread the spinach mixture evenly across each sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.

Gently roll the pastry from one end to the other, creating a tight spiral.

Step 5: Chill and Prepare

Place the rolled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help them firm up and make cutting easier.

This step helps maintain the roll’s shape during baking.

Step 6: Slice and Decorate

Remove pastries from refrigerator and slice each roll into 2-3 inch pieces.

Brush the tops with the reserved egg wash for a golden shine.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake the pastry rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and look wonderfully flaky.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Savory Pastry Roll Pro Tips for Bakers

  • Remove puff pastry from freezer 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even, smooth rolling without cracking.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy pastry and maintain crisp texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like chopped dill or chives to the filling for an extra burst of aromatic freshness.
  • Use a pastry brush to apply egg wash evenly, creating a beautiful golden-brown finish with consistent sheen.
  • Prepare rolls in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient entertaining or meal prep.

Savory Pastry Roll – Fun Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough made from alternative flours like rice or almond.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap ricotta and parmesan with cashew cheese or tofu ricotta. Use plant-based egg wash alternative like plant milk or aquafaba.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pastry with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as wrap. Use almond flour or coconut flour to bind filling ingredients.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked ground chicken or crumbled feta cheese to spinach mixture. Include chopped herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor boost.

Ways to Serve the Best Savory Pastry Rolls

  • Party Plate Pairings: Serve these savory rolls alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
  • Wine Companion: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, cheesy pastry flavors.
  • Dipping Delights: Create a quick herbed yogurt sauce or marinara for guests to dunk these golden appetizers, adding extra zesty dimension.
  • Presentation Pro: Arrange rolls on a rustic wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant, Instagram-worthy display that impresses guests.

Keeping Savory Pastry Rolls Tasting Great

  • Store leftover pastry rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best texture and flavor.
  • Warm rolls in preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy exterior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry and maintain original flakiness.
  • Let rolls cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make pastry soggy and compromise crisp texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients are key for the filling?

Ricotta, parmesan, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper create a creamy and flavorful mixture that provides rich taste and smooth texture.

  • Can I use frozen spinach directly?

No, you must thaw spinach in warm water and drain thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess moisture, which prevents soggy pastry rolls.

  • Why refrigerate the rolls before baking?

Chilling helps pastry maintain its shape, ensures crisp layers, and prevents filling from leaking during baking.

  • How do I get a golden, shiny crust?

Brush the rolls with whisked egg before baking, which creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior and adds a subtle shine to the pastry.

Print
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Spinach Ricotta Rolls Recipe

Spinach Ricotta Rolls Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Savory spinach ricotta rolls blend Italian culinary traditions with creamy, herbal goodness. Delicate pasta embraces a rich filling, promising a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan
  • 2 eggs, whisked separately
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) pepper

Topping Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sesame seeds

Pastry Ingredients:

  • 4 sheets puff pastry

Instructions

  1. Remove puff pastry from freezer and allow to soften at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Submerge frozen spinach in warm water, gently separating compacted pieces. Thoroughly drain using a fine mesh strainer, pressing out excess moisture.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine drained spinach with ricotta, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one whisked egg. Blend ingredients until uniformly mixed.
  4. Gently unfold pastry sheets and roll out to create a smooth, even surface. Distribute spinach mixture across pastry, leaving a small border around edges.
  5. Carefully roll each pastry sheet into a tight cylinder, ensuring filling is evenly distributed and edges are sealed.
  6. Transfer rolled pastries onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up the dough.
  7. Using a sharp knife, slice each roll into 2-3 equal segments at a slight diagonal.
  8. Brush pastry surfaces with remaining whisked egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pastry rolls for 25-30 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crisp exterior.

Notes

  • Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure smooth rolling.
  • Squeeze spinach completely dry using clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy pastry and maintain crisp texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like dill or chives to filling for extra depth and aromatic complexity.
  • Use gluten-free puff pastry for celiac-friendly version or substitute ricotta with dairy-free alternatives for vegan option.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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