These Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Croissants are a delightful and savory twist on the classic croissant. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner, these stuffed croissants combine the rich flavors of spinach, cream cheese, feta, and a hint of dill. The melty, gooey cheese filling inside the flaky croissant makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 6 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound (455g) spinach leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese
- 11 oz (300g) feta cheese, crumbled
- Shredded mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere cheese, to taste
For the Croissants:
- 4-5 croissants
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Onion: Add the finely chopped onion, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a skillet. Cook over medium heat until soft and golden, about 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the grated garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook Scallions: Add the thinly sliced scallions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Cook Spinach: Add the spinach in a few batches along with salt and pepper. Cook over high heat to evaporate the liquid.
- Mix in Dill and Cream Cheese: Remove from heat and add the dried dill and cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
- Add Feta Cheese: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and mix until well combined.
Assemble the Croissants:
- Prepare Croissants: Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and place the bottoms on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Add Filling: Divide the spinach and cheese filling equally among the croissants and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake:
- Bake Croissants: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Add Croissant Tops: Place the tops of the croissants over the filling and warm through for 3-4 minutes until toasted.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light soup for a cozy lunch or dinner.
Cooking Tips
- Cook spinach on high heat to evaporate the liquid quickly, preventing a soggy filling.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium.
- Feta Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
- Olive Oil: Offers healthy monounsaturated fats.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe can be made vegetarian by ensuring the cheeses are suitable for vegetarians.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of shredded cheese for a lighter option.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover stuffed croissants in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of creamy cheese and savory spinach is both comforting and delicious.
- Easy to Make: These stuffed croissants are easy to make yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed for various meals throughout the day.
Conclusion
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Croissants are a delightful and flavorful way to elevate your meal times. Whether you are hosting a brunch or looking for a satisfying snack, these croissants are sure to please. Enjoy the rich, savory filling wrapped in a buttery croissant!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking to avoid a soggy filling.
- What other cheeses can I use?
- You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make these croissants ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the croissants and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving to enjoy them warm.
- How do I prevent the croissants from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the spinach is cooked on high heat to evaporate all excess moisture before mixing with the cheese.
- Can I freeze these stuffed croissants?
- Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.
- What can I substitute for feta cheese?
- You can use ricotta or cottage cheese as a milder alternative to feta.
- Can I add meat to this recipe?
- Yes, cooked bacon, ham, or sausage can be added to the filling for a heartier option.
- Are these croissants suitable for breakfast?
- Absolutely! These stuffed croissants make a hearty and delicious breakfast.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free cream cheese, feta, and shredded cheese alternatives to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Can I use store-bought croissants?
- Yes, store-bought croissants work perfectly for this recipe, saving you time in the kitchen.