Spinach Roll-Ups Recipe

Introduction

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become instant family favorites. Spinach Roll-Ups are a perfect example in our household. I first stumbled upon this recipe while searching for a quick and easy appetizer to bring to a last-minute gathering. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much – just something to contribute. But from the moment I took them out of the oven, the aroma alone was intoxicating, a warm, cheesy, savory scent that filled the kitchen. And then came the taste test. The flaky puff pastry, the creamy, flavorful spinach and cheese filling – it was a revelation! They vanished at the party, with everyone asking for the recipe. Since then, Spinach Roll-Ups have become a staple for us. Whether it’s game night, a holiday appetizer spread, or just a little something special to elevate a weeknight dinner, these roll-ups are always a hit. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for a novice baker, and the combination of textures and flavors is just irresistible. If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both impressive and effortless, look no further. Trust me, these Spinach Roll-Ups will become your go-to too!

Ingredients

The beauty of Spinach Roll-Ups lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of just a few key ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s break down each ingredient and understand why it’s essential for this delightful appetizer.

• 1 Box of Puff Pastry Sheets (2 Sheets): The foundation of our roll-ups, puff pastry is what gives them that signature flaky, light, and airy texture. When baked, the layers of butter and dough in puff pastry create a golden-brown, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. It’s readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Look for all-butter puff pastry for the richest flavor, although regular puff pastry will work perfectly well and is often more budget-friendly. Using pre-made puff pastry is a huge time-saver and makes this recipe incredibly convenient. You’ll find that the standard box usually contains two sheets, which is exactly what we need for this recipe yield.
• 8 Oz. Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the heart of the filling, providing a smooth, tangy, and rich base that binds all the other ingredients together. It lends a wonderful creaminess that perfectly complements the savory spinach and cheese. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you are looking to lighten things up slightly. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you begin mixing the filling. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free mixture that’s easy to spread on the puff pastry. Trying to mix cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy filling, so patience is key here!
• 8 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese, Shredded: Monterey Jack cheese brings a mild, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor to the roll-ups. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy interior that is incredibly satisfying. Its subtle flavor profile allows the spinach and garlic to shine through without being overpowering. While Monterey Jack is the star here, you can experiment with other cheeses if you prefer. Mild cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a little kick would work well. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese from a block will always result in better melting and flavor, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose to prevent clumping, which can sometimes affect melting.
• 1 Egg: The egg serves a dual purpose in this recipe. First, a portion of it is beaten with water to create an egg wash. This egg wash is brushed onto the puff pastry before adding the filling. It helps to create a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a slight sheen to the baked roll-ups. Secondly, a small amount of egg can also be incorporated directly into the filling (though not explicitly stated in the original recipe, it can enhance binding and richness). For the egg wash, ensure you beat the egg and water together thoroughly for an even consistency.
• 1 Tbsp. Water: The water is specifically for the egg wash. Adding a tablespoon of water to the beaten egg thins it out slightly, making it easier to brush onto the delicate puff pastry. It also helps to prevent the egg wash from browning too quickly during baking, ensuring a more even golden color.
• 10 oz. Package of Frozen Spinach, Thawed and Drained Really Well: Spinach is the star vegetable in this recipe, providing a boost of nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Frozen spinach is a convenient and affordable option, and it works perfectly well in this recipe. The most crucial step with frozen spinach is to ensure it is thawed completely and, most importantly, drained really well. Excess moisture from the spinach will make the filling watery and can prevent the puff pastry from baking properly, resulting in soggy roll-ups. After thawing the spinach, squeeze it firmly with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel to extract as much water as possible. You’ll be surprised how much water comes out! If you prefer to use fresh spinach, you will need to sauté it briefly to wilt it and then drain it thoroughly before adding it to the filling. About 1 pound of fresh spinach, wilted down, should yield roughly the equivalent of 10 ounces of frozen spinach.
• ¼ Yellow Onion, Diced Small: Yellow onion adds a subtle savory sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling. Dicing the onion finely ensures that it cooks through evenly in the oven and doesn’t overpower the other flavors. While yellow onion is classic, you could also experiment with shallots for a milder onion flavor or even a touch of red onion for a slightly sharper bite. Sautéing the diced onion lightly before adding it to the filling can enhance its sweetness and soften its texture, especially if you prefer a less pronounced onion flavor.
• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a convenient and consistent way to add garlic flavor to the roll-ups. It enhances the savory notes of the spinach and cheese and adds a subtle aromatic complexity. While garlic powder is specified, you can certainly use fresh garlic if you prefer. About 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic, sautéed briefly with the onion, would be a delicious alternative. Garlic granules can also be used interchangeably with garlic powder.

Instructions

Making Spinach Roll-Ups is surprisingly straightforward. With a few simple steps, you can transform these ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure perfectly baked, delicious roll-ups every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking puff pastry, allowing it to puff up beautifully and become golden brown without burning. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential as it prevents the roll-ups from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet, but parchment is highly recommended for the best results.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, crack the egg and add the tablespoon of water. Whisk vigorously with a fork or a small whisk until the egg and water are fully combined and slightly frothy. This mixture is your egg wash, which will give the roll-ups a beautiful golden color and a slight sheen. Set the egg wash aside for later.
3. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, diced yellow onion, and the thoroughly drained spinach. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure that the cream cheese is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. The mixture should be creamy and evenly distributed. Taste the filling at this stage and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt and pepper, although the cheese and garlic powder usually provide sufficient flavor.
4. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Gently unfold one sheet of puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. If your puff pastry is frozen, make sure it’s thawed according to package instructions, but still cold to the touch. Working with cold puff pastry is easier as it’s less sticky and more manageable. If the pastry seems a little sticky, lightly dust your work surface and the pastry itself with flour.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Using a pastry brush, evenly brush the entire surface of the puff pastry sheet with the prepared egg wash. Make sure to cover all edges and corners. The egg wash will help the pastry brown beautifully and add a slight crispness to the top.
6. Spread the Cheese Mixture: Take half of the cheese and spinach mixture (since you have two puff pastry sheets) and spread it evenly over the egg-washed puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border of about ½ inch around the edges without filling. This border will help seal the roll-up when you roll it up and prevent the filling from oozing out too much during baking. Spread the filling in a thin, even layer to ensure it cooks through and the roll-ups bake evenly.
7. Roll Up the Puff Pastry: Starting from one long edge of the puff pastry sheet, tightly roll it up like a jelly roll, encasing the cheese and spinach filling. Roll it firmly but gently to avoid tearing the pastry. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it closed. Repeat steps 4-7 with the second puff pastry sheet and the remaining filling. You will now have two logs of spinach and cheese filled puff pastry.
8. Slice into Rounds: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice each puff pastry log into rounds that are about ¾ to 1 inch thick. You should get approximately 12 rounds from each log, totaling about 24 roll-ups. For cleaner slices, you can chill the logs in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will firm up the pastry and filling, making it easier to cut neat rounds.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sliced roll-ups, cut side up, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll-up to allow for even baking and air circulation.
10. Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the roll-ups are golden brown and puffed up. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. They are done when the puff pastry is nicely browned and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
11. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Spinach Roll-Ups cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best served warm or at room temperature. Serve them as appetizers for parties, gatherings, or as a delicious snack.

Nutrition Facts

(Approximate, per serving of 1 roll-up, based on standard ingredient values. Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.)

• Serving Size: 1 roll-up
• Servings Per Recipe: 24
• Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal
• Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-6g
• Cholesterol: 25-30mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
  • Sugar: 1-2g
• Protein: 3-4g

Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional analysis, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving):

• Source of Vitamin A: Spinach is rich in Vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
• Calcium Content: Cheese contributes calcium, essential for bone health.
• Some Iron: Spinach also provides a small amount of iron.

To make it slightly healthier:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to lower the fat and calorie content.
• Opt for whole wheat puff pastry if available for added fiber (though this may alter the texture slightly).
• Increase the amount of spinach in the filling for a greater nutrient boost.

Preparation Time

Spinach Roll-Ups are a fantastic appetizer because they are relatively quick to prepare. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Thawing and draining spinach: 5 minutes (if using frozen, active thawing time is minimal)
  • Softening cream cheese: (passive, can be done while prepping other ingredients)
  • Dicing onion: 3 minutes
  • Mixing filling: 5 minutes
  • Preparing puff pastry and rolling: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes (including oven preheating)

Tips to speed up preparation:

• Thaw spinach in advance: Take the frozen spinach out of the freezer earlier in the day or the night before and let it thaw in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of preparation. You can also quickly thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting, but be careful not to cook it.
• Use pre-shredded cheese: While shredding your own cheese is ideal for flavor and melt, using pre-shredded Monterey Jack will save you a few minutes of prep time.
• Soften cream cheese quickly: If you forget to take out the cream cheese to soften, you can speed up the process by microwaving it for very short intervals (5-10 seconds at a time), checking after each interval until it is softened but not melted.
• Assemble ahead of time: You can prepare the roll-ups up to the point of slicing them into rounds a few hours ahead of time. Keep the rolled logs wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. This is a great way to break up the preparation if you are hosting a party.

How to Serve

Spinach Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to complement different occasions and tastes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Warm as Appetizers: The most classic way to serve Spinach Roll-Ups is warm, straight from the oven or slightly cooled. Their warm, flaky texture and cheesy filling are incredibly appealing as appetizers.
• At Room Temperature: They are also delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for parties where food might be sitting out for a while. They retain their flavor and texture well even after cooling down.
• With Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor profile by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Some excellent options include:
  • Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing that complements the savory cheese and spinach.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and cool dip that contrasts nicely with the warm roll-ups.
  • Garlic Aioli: Adds an extra layer of garlicky flavor and richness.
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip (slightly thinned): For a double dose of spinach goodness.
  • Spicy Mayo: For those who like a little heat, a sriracha mayo or chipotle mayo would be delicious.
• Garnishes: Elevate the presentation with simple garnishes:
  • Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the roll-ups for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of spice, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes.
• Party Platters: Arrange the Spinach Roll-Ups on a platter alongside other appetizers like vegetable sticks, cheeses, and crackers to create a beautiful and diverse appetizer spread.
• Holiday Gatherings: They are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, game days, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to eat and enjoy.
• Pair with a Salad: For a light lunch or snack, serve a few Spinach Roll-Ups alongside a fresh green salad.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Spinach Roll-Ups are absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips:

1. Don’t Overfill the Puff Pastry: It’s tempting to load up the puff pastry with filling, but resist the urge! Overfilling can make the roll-ups difficult to roll, and the filling may ooze out during baking, leading to messy and less crispy roll-ups. Spread the filling in a thin, even layer as instructed, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Ensure Spinach is Extremely Well Drained: We cannot stress this enough! Excess moisture from the spinach is the enemy of crispy puff pastry. After thawing frozen spinach, squeeze it relentlessly until you think you’ve gotten all the water out, and then squeeze it again! The drier the spinach, the better the texture of your roll-ups will be. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out the moisture is highly effective.
3. Chill Before Slicing (Optional but Recommended): For cleaner, neater slices, especially if your kitchen is warm or your puff pastry is getting soft, chill the rolled logs in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This firming up makes slicing much easier and prevents the filling from squishing out.
4. Bake Until Golden Brown and Puffed: Don’t underbake the roll-ups. Bake them until they are a beautiful golden brown and noticeably puffed up. This ensures that the puff pastry is fully cooked and crispy, and the filling is heated through. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil for the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
5. Experiment with Fillings: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add:
   • Cooked and crumbled bacon or prosciutto: For a smoky, meaty flavor.
   • Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped): For a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
   • Artichoke hearts (canned, drained and chopped): To enhance the savory vegetable flavor.
   • Different cheeses: Try adding feta cheese, goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
   • Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or thyme can add a fresh, aromatic dimension to the filling.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Spinach Roll-Ups to help you troubleshoot and get the best results:

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

A: Yes, you can definitely use fresh spinach. You will need approximately 1 pound of fresh spinach. First, wash the spinach thoroughly. Then, sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil or butter until it wilts down significantly. Make sure to drain the wilted spinach very well, pressing out as much moisture as possible, just as you would with frozen spinach. Once drained, chop it roughly and add it to the filling mixture.

Q2: Can I make Spinach Roll-Ups ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups in advance in several ways:
* Assemble ahead and bake later: You can assemble the roll-ups up to the point of slicing them into rounds and refrigerate the rolled logs, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, slice them and bake as directed, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if starting from chilled.
* Bake ahead and reheat: You can bake the roll-ups completely and then reheat them gently before serving. Store baked roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker crisp-up.

Q3: Can I freeze Spinach Roll-Ups?

A: Yes, you can freeze Spinach Roll-Ups, either baked or unbaked:
* To freeze unbaked roll-ups: Assemble and slice the roll-ups, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C), adding about 5-10 minutes to the baking time, until golden brown and cooked through.
* To freeze baked roll-ups: Let the baked roll-ups cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen as described in Q2.

Q4: What dips go well with Spinach Roll-Ups besides the ones mentioned?

A: Besides marinara, ranch, and aioli, other delicious dips include:
* Hummus: Provides a healthy and flavorful Mediterranean option.
* Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumber and dill.
* Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy dip that complements the savory roll-ups.
* Blue Cheese Dressing: For a bolder, sharper flavor.
* Avocado Crema: A creamy and vibrant dip with avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese besides Monterey Jack?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Good alternatives include:
* Mild Cheddar: Provides a classic cheesy flavor.
* Mozzarella: For a milder, stretchier cheese pull.
* Pepper Jack: For a spicier kick.
* Fontina: A creamy and nutty cheese that melts beautifully.
* Gruyere: A slightly more complex and nutty flavor.
* A blend of cheeses: Combine Monterey Jack with another cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile. Just ensure the cheeses you choose melt well for the best texture in the filling.

Enjoy making and serving these delightful Spinach Roll-Ups! They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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