The buttery puff pastry in these Spinach and Ricotta Rolls wraps around a creamy, cheesy filling of spinach, ricotta, and herbs for a flavor-packed bite that satisfies every time. These are the kind of golden, flaky snacks that vanish quickly whether served hot out of the oven or reheated for a quick meal.
Perfect for brunch spreads, potlucks, or cozy weekends, this recipe is freezer-friendly and easy to batch. Serve them with a side of tomato sauce or simply enjoy the savory goodness on its own. A true crowd-pleaser and a smart make-ahead option that brings the bakery to your kitchen!
Full Recipe:
Filling:
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250 g (8 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
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400 g (13 oz) firm ricotta
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¾ cup grated parmesan
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1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack)
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1 egg
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Pinch of nutmeg
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¼–½ tsp salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
Rolls:
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3 sheets puff pastry, thawed
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1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Squeeze all excess moisture out of the thawed spinach using a clean towel or your hands.
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In a large bowl, mix the spinach with ricotta, parmesan, shredded cheese, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Cut each puff pastry sheet in half to create 2 rectangles, totaling 6.
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Divide the spinach filling equally along one long edge of each rectangle.
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Brush the far edge with beaten egg and roll the pastry up tightly, sealing with the seam underneath.
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Chill the rolls in the fridge for 15 minutes.
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Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper or spray lightly with oil.
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Cut each roll into 4 pieces. Place on the trays, seam side down.
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Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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Bake for 25 minutes. Then move the bottom tray to the top and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden.
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Serve warm for best results.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes | Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Kcal: 202 kcal per roll | Servings: 24 mini rolls
A Classic Favourite: The Allure of Spinach and Ricotta Rolls
When it comes to timeless comfort food, few dishes deliver the same satisfying bite as Spinach and Ricotta Rolls. These golden parcels of flaky pastry filled with creamy cheese and earthy spinach have stood the test of time and remain a staple in kitchens across the globe. Whether you’re preparing an appetizer for a party, packing lunches for the week, or searching for an easy yet impressive dish to share with guests, these rolls hit the mark on taste, convenience, and versatility.
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls blend a rich, creamy interior with a crisp, buttery exterior. This delightful contrast is part of what makes them such a favorite — every bite is flaky, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while still being wholesome, thanks to the inclusion of nutrient-rich spinach and protein-packed cheese.
The Origins and Evolution of the Recipe
Spinach and ricotta as a pairing has roots in classic Italian cuisine. Often found together in dishes like cannelloni, lasagna, and tortellini, the creamy ricotta balances beautifully with the slightly bitter, vegetal notes of spinach. These rolls take that same flavor pairing and adapt it to a more portable, snackable format that’s especially beloved in Australia and the UK, where savory rolls made with puff pastry are extremely popular.
Though not a traditional Italian recipe in its rolled, pastry-wrapped form, the concept is a modern twist on European culinary principles. It’s a great example of how international flavors can merge with convenience-based cooking to create something new and enduring. Today, you’ll find variations of this dish served in cafes, bakeries, and home kitchens worldwide, customized with regional ingredients and flavors.
Why These Rolls Are So Popular
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls appeal to a broad range of tastes and dietary needs. They’re vegetarian by default, making them an easy option for meat-free meals. They’re also highly adaptable — you can spice them up, add herbs, or incorporate other vegetables and cheeses depending on what you have on hand.
Convenience is another factor behind their popularity. Once baked, these rolls can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold, which makes them ideal for packed lunches, road trips, or picnic baskets. You can make a big batch, freeze them, and simply reheat when needed. This kind of meal-prep friendly food saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Great for All Occasions
Whether you’re planning a party, preparing school lunches, or creating a brunch board, Spinach and Ricotta Rolls fit the bill perfectly. For events, they make excellent finger food — small, neat, and easily eaten in a few bites. If you’re hosting a brunch or lunch with friends, serve them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Kids and adults alike enjoy their mild but savory flavor. They’re cheesy without being greasy, satisfying without being too heavy. You can serve them as a main meal paired with a bowl of soup or a light salad, or set them out as snacks at gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Benefits
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it lends itself to advance preparation. You can assemble the rolls and freeze them either before or after baking. If frozen raw, they can go directly into the oven without needing to defrost — perfect for impromptu guests or busy weeknights.
Once baked, they’ll last in the fridge for several days and reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer, keeping their crisp texture and creamy filling intact. This makes them a smart addition to any weekly meal plan, especially for families or individuals who like to prep ahead.
Delicious Variations You Can Try
While the classic version sticks to spinach, ricotta, parmesan, and sometimes additional shredded cheese, you can customize the recipe in endless ways:
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Add herbs like basil, dill, or parsley to brighten up the flavor profile.
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Use different cheeses such as feta for a salty tang or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
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Mix in other vegetables like grated zucchini (drained well), mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
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Make them spicy with a pinch of chili flakes, harissa, or pepper jack cheese.
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Try mini or jumbo sizes — small ones for party platters or large ones as a satisfying main dish.
The only limit here is your creativity. The spinach and ricotta base serves as a blank canvas for flavor experimentation.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. While they are fantastic on their own, a few additions can elevate the meal:
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Serve with a side of marinara or tomato relish for a pop of acidity and brightness.
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Add a green salad or coleslaw to round out the plate for lunch or dinner.
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Include them as part of a larger grazing board or buffet alongside mini quiches, cheeses, dips, and crudité.
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Pair with a glass of white wine or a fruity mocktail to complement the richness of the cheese.
They also make an unexpected but welcome addition to holiday brunches or weekend breakfast spreads, especially when served warm and fresh from the oven.
Tips for Success
Even though this recipe is fairly foolproof, a few tips can help ensure your Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are always bakery-quality:
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Drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy pastry. Use a tea towel or paper towels to squeeze out all moisture.
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Use good-quality ricotta, but avoid overly wet or creamy styles that can make the filling runny.
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Chill the assembled rolls before baking, which helps the pastry hold its shape and bake more evenly.
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Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds for a golden, crisp finish.
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Don’t overfill the pastry, as too much filling can burst out during baking.
Nutritional Profile
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are more balanced than many snack foods. Thanks to the spinach and ricotta, they offer protein, calcium, iron, and a variety of vitamins. Of course, puff pastry is rich and indulgent, but in moderation, these rolls can be a satisfying part of a well-rounded meal.
If you’re looking to make them lighter, consider using reduced-fat ricotta or a light puff pastry alternative. You could also use filo dough instead for a crisp but thinner outer shell.
Conclusion: A Savory Must-Have
Spinach and Ricotta Rolls are more than just a party snack — they’re a reliable, flavorful, and endlessly customizable dish that fits into any lifestyle. From busy parents to foodies who love to batch-cook, everyone benefits from having a go-to recipe like this in their kitchen playbook.
Their appeal lies in their simplicity: wholesome ingredients wrapped in golden pastry with a taste that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or use it as inspiration for your own creations, Spinach and Ricotta Rolls will quickly become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Add them to your weekly routine, freeze for later, or bring them out as crowd-pleasing appetizers. However you serve them, one thing’s for sure — there won’t be leftovers for long.