Golden pastry pockets stuffed with creamy spinach, cheddar, garlic, and topped with fresh basil leaves for a festive touch.
# Components:
→ Filling
01 - 3.5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
02 - 4.4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2.1 oz shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pastry
07 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (about 8.8 oz)
08 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
→ Decoration
09 - 24 small fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Heat a small pan over medium heat and wilt the chopped spinach for 1 minute. Squeeze out excess moisture and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooled spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut into 24 equal squares, approximately 2x2 inches each.
05 - Place a heaping teaspoon of the prepared filling in the center of each pastry square.
06 - Fold each square's corners towards the center, pinching firmly to seal and form a four-leaf clover shape.
07 - Brush the tops of each shaped pastry with the beaten egg to promote golden browning.
08 - Bake the filled pastries for 15 to 18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
09 - Remove from oven immediately and top each bite with a fresh basil leaf. Let cool slightly before serving.
