Anabelle Mclean Elegant, buttery, and bursting with flavor—Ina Garten’s Spinach Puff Pastry is a savory baked treat that combines flaky pastry with a creamy spinach and cheese filling. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a brunch centerpiece, or a light lunch, this recipe always delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
The layers of puff pastry bake to golden perfection, while the filling adds richness and depth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy, but is surprisingly easy to prepare using store-bought puff pastry.
What Is Ina Garten’s Spinach Puff Pastry?
Ina Garten’s spinach puff pastry is a baked savory pastry made by filling puff pastry sheets with a mixture of spinach, garlic, cheeses, and herbs. It’s folded or rolled, then baked until golden brown and crisp. These pastries are often served as handheld appetizers, brunch items, or vegetarian-friendly sides.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Ina Garten Fettuccine Alfredo
- Barefoot Contessa Spinach Pie
- Ina Garten Macaroni Salad
- Ina Garten Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Reasons to Try Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Quick and elegant – Uses store-bought puff pastry for ease and speed
- Perfect for entertaining – Great for parties, brunches, or holiday platters
- Vegetarian-friendly – A hearty meatless option that satisfies
- Crispy, flaky exterior with creamy filling – The perfect bite
- Freezer-friendly – Can be made ahead and baked from frozen
- Versatile – Works as an appetizer, side dish, or light main
- Crowd-pleaser – Disappears quickly from the table
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with spinach, ricotta, feta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
Step 4: Prepare the puff pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet and roll it into a 10×10-inch square. Cut it into 4 equal squares (or 6 for smaller portions).
Step 5: Fill and seal the pastries
Place a spoonful of spinach filling in the center of each square. Fold each square over to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Press the edges with a fork to seal. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Brush and bake
Brush each pastry with the egg wash. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Tomato or roasted red pepper soup – A warm, tangy pairing
- Fresh green salad – Lightens the richness of the pastry
- Herbed yogurt or tzatziki sauce – Cool and creamy dip option
- Crisp white wine or sparkling water – Complements the buttery pastry
- Fruit salad – Balances the savory flavors with sweetness
- Sliced cucumbers or radishes – Adds crunch and freshness
- Poached egg on top – Turns it into a brunch-worthy main dish
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Thaw puff pastry fully – But keep it cold until ready to use
- Drain spinach thoroughly – Excess moisture can make the pastry soggy
- Don’t overfill the pastry – Prevents bursting or leaking during baking
- Use a fork to seal the edges – Keeps filling enclosed
- Egg wash for shine – Gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish
- Cool slightly before serving – Filling sets and is easier to handle
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Add sautéed mushrooms – For an earthy, meaty texture
- Use goat cheese or mozzarella – Try different cheeses for new flavor profiles
- Include sun-dried tomatoes – Adds sweetness and acidity
- Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta – For a smoky, savory touch
- Top with sesame or poppy seeds – For added crunch and visual appeal
- Try mini versions for appetizers – Use a mini muffin tin or cut smaller squares
- Add lemon zest – Brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess
- Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven – To maintain crispness
- Freeze before or after baking – Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months
- Label and date when freezing – Ensures quality and freshness
- Avoid microwaving if possible – May soften the flaky texture
Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Spinach Puff Pastry
- Oven method is best – Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- No need to thaw when frozen – Just bake slightly longer
- Avoid the microwave – It can make the pastry chewy or soggy
- Place on a baking rack – For even reheating and crispness
- Add fresh herbs or cheese after reheating – Brightens the flavors again
Nutritional Value (per pastry, approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
A flaky, flavorful pastry that feels indulgent yet balanced with protein and greens.
FAQs
Can you make spinach puff pastry ahead of time?
Yes, spinach puff pastry can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
Should I thaw frozen spinach before using it in puff pastry?
Absolutely. Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Excess water can make the pastry soggy and affect the texture of the filling.
What is the best way to reheat spinach puff pastry?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soft or chewy.
Can I freeze baked spinach puff pastry?
Yes, baked spinach puff pastries freeze well. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Spinach Puff Pastry is the perfect blend of ease and elegance.
With rich spinach filling wrapped in golden layers, they’re the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your go-to recipe list.
