In the world of party foods, few things can match the delectable charm of a good pie. Warm crust, savory fillings, and the convenient one-person serving size make party pies an entertainment essential, from the humble kitchen gathering to the grand catered event. However, if you’re looking to break away from the ubiquitous mince or veggie pies, you might just find a delightful alternative in the irresistibly creamy Spinach Ricotta Party Pies.
Packed with the goodness of greens, the richness of ricotta, and the flakiness of pie crust, these hand-sized beauties are a fusion of comfort and cosmopolitan flavors. Here’s how to whip up this versatile recipe that will have everyone clamoring for more!
Spinach Ricotta Party Pies
Whether you’re planning an elegant soirée or a casual backyard bash, the Spinach Ricotta Party Pies seamlessly fit into any menu.
Their subtle yet rich flavors appeal to both adults and children alike, making them a perfect choice for family gatherings or adult-only cocktail nights. Additionally, their ease of preparation allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time mingling with your guests.
Creating these culinary delights, with the below tips on how to customize the recipe to suit various dietary needs and preferences, is going to be so easy.
Get ready to elevate your party offerings with a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients to Make Spinach Ricotta Party Pies
To kickstart your culinary adventure, here’s the list of necessary ingredients to bring the Spinach Ricotta Party Pies to life:
- 2 bunches spinach
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 brown onions
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 7 oz feta cheese
- Pinch of each salt, black pepper and nutmeg
- 4 sheets puff pastry
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Egg
- 1tbsp water
How to Make Spinach Ricotta Party Pies
Wash the spinach, shop into stripes and place it in a pot with boiling water. Cook for around 10 minutes then drain the water and set the spinach aside.
Clean and chop the onion into small pieces. Melt the butter in a medium sized pan and add the onion in the pan. Fry until it gets a nice brown color and leave it aside to cool for a few minutes.
In a big bowl, make the filling by combining the spinach, already fried onion, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Use a spoon to stir and combine everything.
Now place the puff pastry on your working surface, roll it a few times if needed and start cutting circles using a bigger glass or a mold. For one pie you will need one smaller and one bigger circle so cut big circles as much as you have small.
Brush the muffin mold with olive oil. First place the bigger circles in the mold, then add a tablespoon or two of the filling in the middle, place the smaller circles on top of the muffins and seal them with a form on the ends. Repeat the same procedure for all the pies.
Make the egg wash by combining the egg and the water. Brush the pies and bake at 390°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes or until they get golden color.
Customization Options
Tailoring the Spinach Ricotta Party Pies to your guests’ tastes and dietary requirements can be both fun and fulfilling. Below are several customization options that allow you to play with flavors, textures, and ingredients to create a version of this dish that’s uniquely yours.
- Vegan Friendly: Substitute the ricotta with a plain, non-dairy yogurt, and the parmesan with nutritional yeast. Use a plant-based pastry for a completely vegan option.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free pastry or use potato slices as a crust alternative.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a bit of heat.
- Meat Lovers’ Twist: Incorporate cooked, crumbled bacon or diced cooked chicken into the filling for an extra protein punch.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with adding different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or Gouda for varied flavors and textures.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill can add a fresh and aromatic element to the pies. Mix them into the filling for a burst of flavor.
- Mediterranean Flair: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano in the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired variant.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking Hacks for Perfect Party Pies
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack those pie shells with filling, but too much can cause them to burst while cooking. A couple of spoonfuls of filling are usually enough.
- Chill the Pastry: If at any point the pastry becomes too soft or sticky to handle, pop it into the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.
- Use Good-Quality Pastry: A flaky and buttery pastry is a key to a delicious pie. If not making your own, choose a trusted brand or source it from a reputable bakery.
Make-Ahead Options and Storage Tips
- Prepare the pies up to the point of assembly and freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cooked pies can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Spinach Ricotta Party Pies ahead of time?
Yes, these pies are perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled, uncooked pies for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 additional minutes to the baking time.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheeses?
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with tofu ricotta and the parmesan with nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor without using actual dairy products. Ensure your pastry is also dairy-free.
How can I make the pies more flavorful?
The beauty of these party pies is that they’re incredibly adaptable. To heighten the flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic with a tablespoon of your favorite herbs or spices. Smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning can add a lovely depth of flavor. Adding a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to the filling can also introduce an extra layer of taste.
What’s the best way to reheat the pies if they’ve been refrigerated?
To reheat, place the pies on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. This method helps to keep the pastry crisp, unlike reheating in a microwave, which can make it soggy.
Can the recipe be doubled for a larger party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up wonderfully. Just double all of the ingredients listed. Keep in mind that you might need to cook the spinach in batches, as it can overwhelm your pan if you try to cook too much at once.
Spinach Ricotta Party Pies are an absolute delight that balances taste and texture in every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers a chance to impress your guests without needing a ton of time or a vast array of ingredients.
Don’t be shy to experiment with flavors, and always remember that the best meals are those made with joy and shared with loved ones.
Happy baking, and may your gatherings be merry and well-fed!
More Fun Picnic Ideas You’ll Love
Planning a picnic can be so much fun! To help you get your little outdoor excursion pulled together, we’ve got some more fun picnic ideas we think you’ll love:
- 17 Picnic Desserts That Don’t Need Refrigeration
- Classic Italian Picnic Sandwich
- How to Plan an Authentic Italian Picnic
- 17 Breakfast Picnic Ideas
Spinach Ricotta Party Pies
Equipment
- oven
- muffin pan
- cutting board
- knife
- pot
- stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 bunches spinach
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 brown onions
- 1 pound ricotta cheese
- 7 oz feta cheese
- Pinch of each salt black pepper and nutmeg
- 4 sheets puff pastry
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Wash the spinach, shop into stripes and place it in a pot with boiling water. Cook for around 10 minutes then drain the water and set the spinach aside.2 bunches spinach
- Clean and chop the onion into small pieces. Melt the butter in a medium sized pan and add the onion in the pan. Fry until it gets a nice brown color and leave it aside to cool for a few minutes.2 brown onions, 3 tbsp butter
- In a big bowl, make the filling by combining the spinach, already fried onion, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Use a spoon to stir and combine everything.1 pound ricotta cheese, 7 oz feta cheese, Pinch of each salt
- Now place the puff pastry on your working surface, roll it a few times if needed and start cutting circles using a bigger glass or a mold. For one pie you will need one smaller and one bigger circle so cut big circles as much as you have small.4 sheets puff pastry
- Brush the muffin mold with olive oil. First place the bigger circles in the mold, then add a tablespoon or two of the filling in the middle, place the smaller circles on top of the muffins and seal them with a form on the ends. Repeat the same procedure for all the pies.2 tbsp Olive oil
- Make the egg wash by combining the egg and the water. Brush the pies and bake at 390°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes or until they get golden color.1 Egg, 1 tbsp water
