Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Why Make This Recipe

The Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree is a festive and delicious appetizer that will wow your guests during the holiday season. Not only is it visually stunning, shaped like a Christmas tree, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and flaky puff pastry creates a delightful bite that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home during the holidays.

How to Make Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil for frying
• 2 red onions, chopped
• 8 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 9 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved, or more to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté onions until soft and translucent. Add spinach, salt, and pepper, and briefly sauté while stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Cover and cook until spinach is wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove lid after 5 minutes to allow cooking liquid to evaporate. Remove from stove and let cool completely.

2. Chop the spinach mixture and combine it with ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

3. Roll out the puff pastry sheet and evenly cover it with the spinach and cheese mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the edges. Tightly roll up the sheet lengthwise and press the edges tightly together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5. Slice the pastry log into 3/4-inch slices to create 16 to 22 pinwheels. Lay the puff pastry pinwheels in the shape of a Christmas tree. The lowest row should consist of 6 pinwheels, the second row 5 pinwheels, and so on. If you have 16 pinwheels, start with 5 on the lowest row. Place the final wheel upright on the bottom for the trunk. Brush with beaten egg.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until the wheels are lightly browned and puffed up, about 20 to 25 minutes. Decorate with cherry tomatoes for Christmas tree ornaments.

How to Serve Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Serve this delightful Christmas tree on a festive platter. It’s great warm or at room temperature. You can serve it as an appetizer at holiday parties or as a side dish during family meals. Pair it with a simple yogurt dip or a sauce of your choice for an extra touch.

How to Store Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.

Tips to Make Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

• Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to avoid a soggy pastry.
• Chill the rolled pastry for a while to make slicing easier.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels cleanly.

Variation

You can customize the filling by adding other ingredients such as cooked mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or different cheeses like feta or goat cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze the Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What can I serve with it?
   You can serve it with dips like tzatziki, marinara sauce, or even garlic aioli to complement the flavors.