Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

4.1
(37)
32 Reviews
11 Photos

Puff pastry pinwheels are a great appetizer for any occasion and during the Christmas season, I arrange them to form a spinach Christmas tree. You can change the filling to your liking.

Submitted by tea
Updated on September 9, 2023
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
8
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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 saute onions until soft and translucent. Add spinach, salt, and pepper and briefly saute while stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover and cook until spinach is wilted, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove lid after 5 minutes and allow cooking liquid to evaporate. Remove from stove and cool completely.

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

  3. Roll out puff pastry sheet and evenly cover with spinach and cheese mixture to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Tightly roll up sheet lengthwise and press 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). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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

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

From the Editor

Please note the differences in ingredient amounts, yield, and cook time when using the magazine version of this recipe.

62 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

246 Calories
16g Fat
19g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 246
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 177mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 8g 16%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 136mg 10%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 293mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.