Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stuffed Pastry Bites

🥐 Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stuffed Pastry Bites (Mediterranean Style)

✨ Description

Golden, flaky pastry filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, garlic, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs. Lightly cheesy, aromatic, and irresistibly crisp on the outside—these bites are elegant yet easy and always disappear fast.

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🧺 Ingredients (Makes 18–20 bites)

Filling

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups mushrooms, finely chopped (button or cremini)

• 1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but lovely)

• ¼ cup cream cheese or thick Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup crumbled feta or grated mozzarella

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Sesame or nigella seeds (optional topping)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the filling
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

2. Cook mushrooms
   Add mushrooms and cook until moisture evaporates and they turn golden.

3. Add spinach & seasoning
   Stir in spinach, salt, pepper, oregano, and nutmeg. Cook until spinach wilts. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

4. Make it creamy
   Mix in cream cheese (or yogurt), feta, and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning.

5. Prepare pastry
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment.
   Cut puff pastry into squares.

6. Fill & shape
   Place 1 tsp filling in the center of each square. Fold into triangles or seal into small parcels. Press edges gently.

7. Bake
   Brush with egg wash and sprinkle seeds if using.
   Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden.

8. Serve
   Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.

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🌿 Serving Ideas

• With tzatziki or garlic yogurt dip

• As part of a Mediterranean mezze platter

• With a simple tomato & cucumber salad

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
A: Yes! Layer 2–3 sheets brushed with olive oil for crisp, lighter bites.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes—freeze unbaked bites and bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Feta adds Mediterranean tang; mozzarella makes them extra melty.

Q: How do I keep them from getting soggy?
A: Make sure mushrooms are fully cooked and dry before mixing.