Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry Recipe

Welcome to the world of delicious, low-carb eating with our Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry! This delightful dish combines a rich, creamy spinach filling with a flaky, savory crust, making it a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Crafted with keto-friendly ingredients, this recipe ensures you can indulge without the guilt. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through every aspect of creating this mouthwatering dish, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and SmartPoints for those on the WW program.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 cups almond flour (provides a low-carb base)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (adds stretchiness and flavor)
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for richness)
  • 1 large egg (binds the dough)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for added aroma)

For the Spinach Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (you can use frozen, but make sure to thaw and drain it)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (adds creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for tanginess)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (for robust flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Kitchen

  1. Gather Ingredients: Start by collecting all ingredients and measuring them accurately. This ensures a smooth and organized cooking process.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Making the Pastry Dough

  1. Melt the Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and softened cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the cheeses are melted and well-combined. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour, salt, and garlic powder. This creates a uniform dry mixture that will be combined with the cheese.
  3. Add the Egg: Once the cheese mixture is melted and smooth, stir in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean surface. Knead gently for 1-2 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more almond flour.

Step 3: Preparing the Spinach Filling

  1. Sauté the Spinach: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained and cooked until heated through.
  3. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with ricotta, feta, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Assembling the Pastry

  1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Fill the Pastry: Place a portion of the spinach filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it difficult to seal.
  3. Seal the Pastry: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Step 5: Baking the Pastry

  1. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each pastry to allow for expansion during baking.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
  3. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle.

Step 6: Serving

  1. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pastries for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Enjoy: Serve the Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry warm, either as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light main course. They are perfect for entertaining or enjoying on a casual night in.

Step 7: Storing Leftovers

  1. Cool and Store: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat: To reheat, place the pastries in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 8: Tips and Variations

  1. Dough Alternatives: If you want a different flavor in your pastry, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as Italian seasoning or paprika.
  2. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations in the filling. Goat cheese or cottage cheese can be excellent substitutes for ricotta or feta.

Nutritional Information (Per Pastry, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 3g

SmartPoints (WW)

  • PersonalPoints: 4 (may vary based on individual tracking)

Useful Information

This Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K, while the cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein. This recipe is versatile and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Conclusion

Indulging in rich, flavorful pastries doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating plan. This Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite while sticking to your ketogenic lifestyle. With its flaky crust and savory filling, it’s bound to impress both keto enthusiasts and traditional eaters alike. Enjoy this delicious treat as a delightful snack or a light meal, knowing you’re making a smart choice for your health!

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Keto Spinach Stuffed Pastry! Happy cooking!