Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls Recipe

Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, and let me tell you, they’ve become an absolute sensation in my home. The first time I baked these golden, flaky rolls, the aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation. From the moment they emerged from the oven, puffed and beautifully browned, to the final crumb devoured, these rolls were a hit. My kids, who are often hesitant when it comes to anything green, surprised me by gobbling them down, proclaiming them “the best rolls ever!” Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend brunch with friends, these Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls have become my go-to recipe when I want to impress with something both simple and sophisticated. The combination of creamy goat cheese, earthy spinach, and flaky puff pastry is just irresistible, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same joy in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Creating these delectable Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls starts with assembling the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s delve into each ingredient and understand its contribution to this delightful recipe:

• Puff Pastry Sheets (2 sheets, approximately 14 oz total): Puff pastry is the backbone of these rolls, providing that signature light, airy, and incredibly flaky texture. It’s made through a meticulous process of layering butter and dough, which, when baked, creates hundreds of delicate layers that puff up beautifully. For convenience, pre-made puff pastry sheets are readily available in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Ensure you thaw them according to package instructions before starting to work with them. The quality of puff pastry can significantly impact the final result, so opting for an all-butter puff pastry will yield a richer flavor and superior flakiness compared to those made with vegetable shortening. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even attempt to make your own puff pastry from scratch, but for most home cooks, store-bought is a fantastic and time-saving option.
• Fresh Spinach (10 oz, about 300g): Spinach brings a vibrant green color, a subtle earthy flavor, and a wealth of nutrients to these rolls. Fresh spinach is preferred over frozen for its brighter taste and less watery consistency. Before using, thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any grit or dirt. You’ll need to wilt the spinach before incorporating it into the filling to reduce its volume and release excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy. Baby spinach is a great choice as it’s tender and has a milder flavor. If using mature spinach, you might want to remove the thicker stems before cooking.
• Goat Cheese (4 oz, about 115g): Goat cheese is the star of the filling, lending a tangy, creamy, and slightly pungent flavor that perfectly complements the earthy spinach. Look for a soft, creamy goat cheese log, sometimes labeled “chèvre.” Avoid the hard, aged goat cheeses as they won’t melt as smoothly and might be too strong in flavor. The quality of goat cheese is important; a good quality goat cheese will be smooth, spreadable, and have a balanced tang. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a goat cheese that is labeled “mild” or consider blending it with cream cheese to soften the tanginess.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic depth of flavor that enhances both the spinach and goat cheese. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best flavor. Mincing garlic releases its essential oils, maximizing its aromatic impact. If you’re sensitive to garlic, you can use just one clove or roast the garlic beforehand to mellow its flavor while still adding a subtle sweetness. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides a much more vibrant and complex flavor.
• Egg (1 large): An egg serves two purposes in this recipe. First, a portion of the egg is used as an egg wash to brush over the rolls before baking. This egg wash gives the rolls a beautiful golden-brown, glossy finish and helps them crisp up nicely. Second, a small amount of egg can be incorporated into the spinach and goat cheese filling to help bind the ingredients together and add a touch of richness. Use a large egg for consistent results.
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, ground): Nutmeg adds a warm, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that beautifully complements spinach and cheese. Just a pinch of ground nutmeg is enough to elevate the flavor profile of the filling without overpowering it. Freshly grated nutmeg is even more aromatic and flavorful than pre-ground nutmeg, if you have whole nutmeg and a grater available. However, ground nutmeg works perfectly well for this recipe.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Olive oil is used for sautéing the garlic and wilting the spinach. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and prevents the garlic from burning. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for its richer flavor and health benefits. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use another neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil or canola oil.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. Season generously, but taste as you go to avoid over-salting. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground pepper. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
• All-Purpose Flour (for dusting): A little all-purpose flour is used for dusting your work surface before rolling out the puff pastry. This prevents the pastry from sticking and makes it easier to handle. You only need a small amount for dusting.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for creating these delightful Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls. Follow these instructions carefully for perfectly baked, flavorful rolls every time:

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a wonderful indicator that it’s ready.
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. It may seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks. Stir continuously until the spinach is completely wilted and tender. This should take about 3-5 minutes. As the spinach wilts, it will release moisture. Continue cooking until most of the excess moisture has evaporated. This step is crucial for preventing soggy rolls.
3. Season the Spinach Mixture: Season the wilted spinach with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Start with a pinch of each and adjust to your taste. Remember that the goat cheese is also slightly salty, so don’t over-salt the spinach mixture at this stage. The nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the spinach beautifully. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Cool the Spinach Mixture: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly. It’s important to let it cool down a bit before adding the goat cheese, as the heat can cause the goat cheese to melt too much and become runny. Cooling also makes it easier to handle the filling when assembling the rolls.
5. Combine with Goat Cheese: In a medium bowl, crumble the goat cheese. Add the slightly cooled spinach mixture to the bowl with the goat cheese. Gently mix everything together until the spinach and goat cheese are well combined. You want the goat cheese to be evenly distributed throughout the spinach. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the goat cheese too soft.
6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the rolls from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
7. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto the floured surface. If the pastry is very cold, let it sit for a few minutes to become slightly more pliable. Gently roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly to even it out and make it a bit larger, about 12×12 inches. Be careful not to roll it too thin, as you want it to retain its flaky layers.
8. Assemble the Rolls (First Sheet): Spread half of the spinach and goat cheese filling evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border of about ½ inch along the edges. This border will help seal the rolls and prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
9. Roll and Slice (First Sheet): Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the puff pastry sheet into a log, similar to rolling a jelly roll. Once rolled, gently slice the log into approximately 1-inch thick rolls. You should get about 8-10 rolls from each sheet, depending on the size of your pastry sheet and how thick you slice them.
10. Repeat for Second Sheet: Repeat steps 7-9 with the second sheet of puff pastry and the remaining spinach and goat cheese filling.
11. Arrange Rolls on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced rolls, swirl-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and even baking.
12. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg with a tablespoon of water (or milk) to create an egg wash. This egg wash will give the rolls a beautiful golden color and a glossy finish.
13. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each roll generously with the egg wash. Ensure you cover the entire top surface for an even golden-brown color.
14. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The pastry should be cooked through and not doughy in the center.
15. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature. They are delicious served immediately while still warm and flaky.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your food is important. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition facts for these Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls. Please note that these values are estimations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 16-20 rolls (depending on slice thickness)
• Serving Size: 1 roll

Approximate Nutrition Facts per serving (1 roll):

• Calories: 180-220 kcal
• Fat: 12-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7-9g
• Cholesterol: 40-50mg
• Sodium: 200-250mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugar: 2-3g
• Protein: 4-6g

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Spinach: Provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and fiber.
• Goat Cheese: Good source of protein and calcium, and often easier to digest than cow’s milk cheese for some individuals.
• Puff Pastry: Primarily composed of fat and carbohydrates, contributing to the calorie and fat content.

Important Note: These nutrition facts are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. These rolls should be enjoyed as a treat or part of a balanced meal.

Preparation Time

Time is often a factor when choosing recipes. These Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are relatively quick to prepare, making them perfect for both planned meals and last-minute gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

• Prep Time: 25-30 minutes (includes thawing puff pastry, preparing filling, and assembling rolls)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Time Breakdown:

• Thawing Puff Pastry: While technically not active prep time, allowing the puff pastry to thaw properly is crucial. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. For faster thawing, you can carefully follow package instructions, but avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry unevenly thawed.
• Preparing Filling (Sautéing Spinach): This step takes about 10-15 minutes, including mincing garlic, sautéing, wilting spinach, and seasoning.
• Assembling Rolls: Rolling out the pastry, spreading the filling, rolling up the logs, and slicing the rolls takes approximately 15-20 minutes. This step can be streamlined with practice.
• Baking: The baking time is a consistent 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven and desired level of browning.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Filling: The spinach and goat cheese filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can save you time on the day of baking.
• Unbaked Rolls: You can assemble the rolls completely, place them on a baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

These Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are a great option when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The puff pastry does most of the work, and the flavorful filling comes together quickly.

How to Serve

Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• As an Appetizer:
  • Party Platter: Arrange the warm rolls on a platter with toothpicks or small forks for easy grabbing.
  • Dipping Sauces: Serve with a selection of dipping sauces like marinara sauce, pesto, ranch dressing, or a creamy balsamic glaze. The tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with both savory and slightly sweet sauces.
  • Mini Bites: For smaller, bite-sized appetizers, you can slice the rolls thinner before baking (about ½ inch thick).
• As a Side Dish:
  • Brunch Staple: Include these rolls as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs benedict, quiche, fruit salad, and yogurt parfaits.
  • Dinner Accompaniment: Serve them as a savory side dish with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. They complement creamy tomato soup or a hearty lentil soup particularly well.
  • Holiday Table: These rolls make an elegant addition to a holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas, offering a flavorful vegetarian option alongside traditional dishes.
• As a Snack:
  • Afternoon Treat: Enjoy a warm roll as a satisfying afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
  • Packed Lunch: Once cooled, these rolls are portable and make a delicious addition to a packed lunch. They hold up well at room temperature for several hours.
• Serving Temperature:
  • Warm: Best served warm from the oven for optimal flakiness and melty goat cheese.
  • Room Temperature: Still delicious at room temperature, making them convenient for parties and gatherings where they might sit out for a while.
• Garnishes (Optional):
  • Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme after baking for added freshness and visual appeal.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the savory flavors.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking or after.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their combination of flavors and textures makes them irresistible for any occasion.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls are a resounding success every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overwork the Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is delicate, and overworking it can prevent it from puffing up properly. Handle it gently, and avoid rolling it out too thin. If the pastry becomes too warm and sticky while you’re working with it, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill before continuing. Working in a cool environment can also help.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture from Spinach: As mentioned in the instructions, it’s crucial to cook the spinach until most of the excess moisture has evaporated. For even drier spinach, after wilting and cooling slightly, you can squeeze the spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove any remaining liquid before mixing it with the goat cheese. This will help prevent soggy rolls.
3. Use Quality Goat Cheese: The flavor of the goat cheese is central to this recipe, so using a good quality, creamy goat cheese log will make a significant difference. Avoid crumbly or overly aged goat cheese, as it may not melt as smoothly and can have a stronger, sometimes drier, texture. Look for fresh, creamy goat cheese for the best results.
4. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. You can add other ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. Consider adding:
   • Sun-dried Tomatoes (drained and chopped): For a touch of sweetness and chewy texture.
   • Caramelized Onions: For a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
   • Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts: For added crunch and nutty flavor.
   • Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or basil in addition to or instead of nutmeg.
5. Ensure Even Baking: For even baking and browning, make sure the rolls are spaced evenly on the baking sheet. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. Also, check the rolls towards the end of the baking time. If they are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring they cook through.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfect Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls that are flaky, flavorful, and sure to impress.

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Spinach and Goat Cheese Rolls? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the recipe with ease:

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. However, it’s crucial to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before sautéing. Frozen spinach tends to retain more water than fresh spinach, so thorough draining is essential to prevent soggy rolls. After thawing, place the spinach in a fine-mesh sieve and press down firmly with a spoon or your hands to extract the water. You might need to use about half the amount of frozen spinach as fresh, as it’s more compact.

Q2: I don’t like goat cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?

A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese, ricotta cheese, or Boursin cheese. Cream cheese will provide a milder, creamier flavor. Ricotta will be lighter and slightly sweeter. Boursin cheese, which is a flavored cream cheese, can add extra herbs and garlic notes. You can also try a mild feta cheese, but make sure to crumble it finely and be mindful of its saltiness, adjusting the added salt accordingly.

Q3: Can I make these rolls ahead of time and freeze them?

A: Yes, you can freeze these rolls either baked or unbaked.

• Unbaked Rolls: Assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Rolls: Bake the rolls completely, let them cool to room temperature, and then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Freezing is a great way to prepare these rolls in advance for parties or busy weeknights.

Q4: My puff pastry is cracking when I roll it. What am I doing wrong?

A: Puff pastry can crack if it’s too cold or too warm. If it’s too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. If it’s too warm, it will become sticky and difficult to handle. If it starts to crack while rolling, try dusting the pastry and your work surface with a little more flour. Roll gently and evenly. If the cracks are minor, you can usually pinch them back together. If the pastry is consistently cracking, it might be slightly dried out; in this case, working quickly and gently is key.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

A: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to the filling to customize it further. Some great additions include:

• Mushrooms (sautéed): Add earthy flavor and texture.
• Roasted Red Peppers (diced): For sweetness and color.
• Artichoke Hearts (canned, drained and chopped): Add a briny and slightly tangy flavor.
• Onions (caramelized or sautéed): For sweetness and depth of flavor.

Ensure any added vegetables are cooked and excess moisture is removed before incorporating them into the filling to maintain the desired texture of the rolls.

We hope this FAQ section addresses any questions you might have. If you have more questions, feel free to ask, and happy baking!

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