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Mini spinach and feta puffs shaped into a festive wreath make for an irresistible pullapart appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a creamy spinach and cheese filling to create a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to assemble.
I first made this wreath for a Christmas party and everyone loved how eyecatching it was. It has now become my goto holiday appetizer because it feels festive but is effortless to make.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry: Two sheets of puff pastry – the base for a flaky, buttery crust look for allbutter puff pastry if you want extra rich flavor
- Frozen spinach: Ten ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry – removing excess moisture is key to avoid soggy filling
- Feta cheese: Six ounces crumbled feta cheese – adds a salty tang that balances the spinach beautifully
- Ricotta cheese: Half a cup ricotta cheese – gives creaminess and lightness to the filling
- Egg: One egg – helps bind the filling together and gives a golden color when brushing the pastry
- Lemon zest: One teaspoon lemon zest – brightens the filling with citrusy notes
- Garlic: One clove garlic, minced – adds savory depth
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons olive oil – enhances flavor and helps marry the ingredients
Instructions
- Savor the Filling:
- Combine thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach with feta, ricotta, beaten egg, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil in a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.
- Cut and Fill the Pastry:
- Roll out each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into eight equal squares. Place one tablespoon of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each square.
- Fold and Seal:
- Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle over the filling. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges securely so the filling does not leak during baking.
- Compose the Wreath:
- Place the filled triangles on a parchmentlined baking sheet in a ring shape. Arrange them tiptocenter and overlap slightly so they stick together when baked, creating a pullapart wreath.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the wreath for 20 to 22 minutes or until puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with pomegranate seeds scattered over the wreath to add a burst of color and a sweettart contrast.
One Christmas, I remember my whole family gathered around this wreath, eagerly pulling apart the puffs and savoring each warm, cheesy bite—it instantly made the holiday feel special.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover wreath puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to revive the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble and freeze the unbaked filled triangles on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Instead of frozen spinach, fresh baby spinach can be used. Simply sauté the fresh spinach until wilted and cool before squeezing out any excess moisture. For a milder cheese option, swap feta with goat cheese or a soft ricotta with herbs. If you want a vegan version, consider using plant based puff pastry and replace egg with a flax egg or omit it entirely, although the browning might be less intense.
Serving Suggestions
This wreath pairs well with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to complement the bright lemon zest in the filling. Serve alongside a refreshing sparkling white wine or a light rosé for a festive touch. The pomegranate garnish adds a delightful jewel like accent while offering a tangy note to each bite.
This festive wreath is easy to make and perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of spinach works best for this dish?
Frozen spinach, thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry, provides convenience and a consistent texture, ensuring the filling is not watery.
- → Can fresh spinach be used instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach can be sautéed and cooled before mixing, but ensure all excess moisture is removed for the best filling consistency.
- → How should the pastry be shaped for this ring?
Cut puff pastry sheets into squares, fill with the spinach mixture, fold into triangles, and crimp edges before arranging tip-to-center in a ring on parchment.
- → What baking temperature ensures a crisp puff pastry?
Bake at 400°F (about 200°C) for 20–22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- → Is there a recommended garnish for extra flavor or appearance?
Pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and subtle sweetness, enhancing both the flavor and festive look.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
The filled pastry triangles can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until baking, making it convenient for hosting.