Super Bowl Party Food Spinach Ricotta Puffs

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Spinach Ricotta Puffs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 puffs
Ingredients: 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Family Ideas

I love making these Spinach Ricotta Puffs for Super Bowl parties because they are always a hit! With their buttery, flaky crust and creamy filling, they evoke the perfect party atmosphere. Not only are they delightful in flavor, but they also add a touch of elegance to the casual gathering. Plus, they can be prepped in just a short time and are easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices, making them an ideal finger food for any game day celebration!

Created by

Frederica Houghton

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:43:35.540Z

When I first decided to make Spinach Ricotta Puffs for our Super Bowl gathering, I didn't expect them to disappear that quickly! I carefully blended fresh spinach with creamy ricotta and a touch of nutmeg, and the aroma alone made my mouth water. The real secret? Using high-quality frozen puff pastry! It not only saves time but also gives an incredible flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

I also experimented with adding a bit of lemon zest to the ricotta, which brightens up the whole dish. Every time I serve these at parties, I’m delighted by the smiles and satisfied nods from guests—it’s these subtle details that make all the difference!

        Why You'll Love These Puffs
        Rich creamy ricotta paired with vibrant spinach for a delightful flavor.
Flaky puff pastry that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Perfect bite-sized treats that are easy to share with friends.

      

Mastering the Puff Pastry

When working with frozen puff pastry, it's essential to ensure it's completely thawed before rolling. Take your pastry out of the freezer and let it sit in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you're short on time, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. A well-thawed dough rolls out more smoothly and prevents it from cracking, which could compromise the delicate layers that make your puffs light and flaky.

While rolling out the puff pastry, apply even pressure and avoid excessive flour, as this can create a tough texture. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to achieve the ideal crispness when baked. If the dough sticks, gently use a spatula to lift it instead of adding more flour. After cutting the squares, gathering the trimmings can allow you to make additional puffs without compromising the texture of the final product.

Flavoring with Spinach and Cheese

The combination of spinach and ricotta plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Spinach adds earthiness and moisture, while ricotta brings a creamy, smooth element that complements the flaky pastry. I always recommend using fresh spinach for a brighter flavor, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thoroughly drain it to avoid a soggy filling. Blanching fresh spinach in boiling water for a minute will enhance its color and tenderness before chopping it for the filling.

Parmesan cheese not only contributes a nutty, salty flavor but also helps to bind the mixture, allowing for a cohesive filling that holds together nicely. For a nutritional boost or a unique twist, consider adding feta to the mix, which introduces a tangy component. Experimenting with herbs like dill or basil can elevate the flavor profile even further, providing a fresh twist tailored to your taste.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Achieving the perfect golden-brown finish is all about monitoring the baking time and temperature. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is ideal, but every oven is different. Start checking the puffs at around the 12-minute mark. The pastry should be well-puffed and golden; if they are browning too quickly, you may need to rotate the baking sheet or lower the oven temperature slightly. If you encounter uneven baking, consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Post-baking, let the puffs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and maintains the crunchy texture. If you're preparing in advance, these puffs freeze beautifully before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time for frozen puffs.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the Spinach Ricotta Puffs:

Ingredients

1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you're ready to create a delicious dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the Spinach Ricotta Puffs:

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until homogeneous.

Roll Out Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a thin sheet. Cut into squares (approximately 3 inches wide).

Assemble Puffs

Place a tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold over the corners to form a triangle and press edges to seal.

Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the top of each puff with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

To elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or finely chopped herbs to the filling. You can also serve these puffs with a dipping sauce like marinara for an extra layer of taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Spinach Ricotta Puffs make a versatile appetizer that pairs wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Consider serving them alongside a tangy yogurt sauce, a spicy marinara, or a fresh herb pesto for added flavor. If you want to create a mini buffet at your Super Bowl party, including items like cheese platters or charcuterie boards can enhance the overall experience and provide great contrast to the creamy puffs.

For a more festive presentation, arrange the puffs on a decorative platter garnished with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or edible flowers. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds freshness to each bite. I love to serve them warm straight from the oven, but they also hold up well at room temperature, making them ideal for gathering situations where guests can nibble throughout the game.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers or make a batch ahead of time, store the baked puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain their flaky texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method restores their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which can lead to a soggy outcome.

For longer storage, freeze the baked puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They can last for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen as mentioned earlier, keeping an eye on baking times to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Spinach Ricotta Puffs with other proteins or vegetables. Adding cooked sausage, ground turkey, or sun-dried tomatoes creates delicious variations that cater to different tastes. If you desire a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the filling.

You can also switch out the cheeses for a different flavor palette. Goat cheese is a fantastic alternative to ricotta if you're looking for a tangier profile. Alternatively, try using a blend of cheeses for a richer taste. The beauty of these puffs lies in their adaptability; don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to create a perfect party snack!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these puffs in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the puffs and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook them.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! You can include ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses for variety.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their flaky texture.