Save Festive, bite-sized snacks featuring a creamy spinach and cheese filling wrapped in golden pastry, perfect for celebrating St. Patricks Day.
I enjoy making these bites during St. Patricks Day celebrations as they bring everyone together and are always a hit.
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 Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wilt Spinach:
- In a pan over medium heat, wilt the spinach for 1 minute, then squeeze out excess moisture and cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Cut Pastry:
- Unroll the puff pastry and cut into 24 equal squares (about 5 x 5 cm each).
- Fill Pastry:
- Place 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each square.
- Shape Bites:
- Fold the corners of each square towards the center, pinching to seal and form a four-leaf clover shape.
- Egg Wash:
- 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:
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Save My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these tasty bites while sharing stories about past St. Patricks Day celebrations.
Notes
For a spicier version add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
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 These bites bring festive fun to any gathering and are sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve the clover shape?
Cut puff pastry into squares and fold each corner toward the center, pinching to seal and form a four-leaf clover shape.
- → Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, baby kale or arugula can be used as alternatives to spinach for a different flavor profile.
- → How to store leftover bites?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- → What is the best way to reheat these bites?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to retain the crispness of the pastry.
- → Are these bites suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the filling uses cheese and spinach, making it suitable for lacto-vegetarian preferences.