Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Braid Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Braid is a deliciously flaky appetizer or snack packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and savory vegetables. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, it combines the classic flavors of spinach and artichoke in a beautifully braided pastry.

The image shows a long braided pastry loaf resting on a wooden board against a white marbled texture. The loaf has a golden-brown, shiny, flaky crust with visible layers of puff pastry braided over the top in diagonal strips. The cut end reveals the filling inside, which consists of a creamy mix with pieces of green leafy vegetables and light yellow artichoke hearts, creating a layered effect with the white creamy cheese and green vegetable mix inside. The pastry’s outer crust appears crisp and glossy, contrasting with the soft and textured filling within. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional: fresh dill or parsley, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, chopped artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the filling down the center third of the puff pastry lengthwise.
  5. Step 5: Cut 1-inch diagonal strips on each side of the filling using a knife or scissors.
  6. Step 6: Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling, then braid the strips over the top by alternating sides to enclose the filling.
  7. Step 7: Brush the entire braid with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or herbs if desired.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  9. Step 9: Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
  • Fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the dish—sprinkle some inside the filling or on top before baking.
  • If you don’t have frozen spinach, fresh spinach can be used but be sure to cook and drain it thoroughly before mixing.
  • Try swapping mozzarella for fontina or gouda for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness of the puff pastry. This braid is best enjoyed the day it’s made but reheats well.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a golden brown braided puff pastry bread, sliced to show the inside filled with creamy white cheese mixed with green chopped spinach and artichoke pieces. The pastry has a shiny, flaky top with diagonal braided strips that give a textured pattern. The filling is thick and packed tightly inside the pastry, contrasting with the crispy outside. The bread is placed on a wooden cutting board with a white marbled texture behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this braid ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the braid up to folding and egg washing steps, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash before placing in the oven.

Can I use fresh artichokes instead of canned?

Fresh artichokes can be used but will require cooking and chopping before adding to the filling. Canned or jarred artichokes save time and provide consistent flavor.

Print
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Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Braid Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spinach Artichoke Puff Pastry Braid is a delicious and visually stunning appetizer or snack featuring a creamy spinach and artichoke filling wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. Perfect for parties or a cozy family treat, it combines melted cheeses, savory garlic, and tender vegetables braided into an easy-to-make pastry braid that bakes to crisp perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh dill or parsley
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until smooth and place it onto the prepared baking sheet, ready for filling.
  3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the thawed and drained spinach, chopped artichokes, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.
  4. Assemble Filling: Spoon the prepared spinach and artichoke mixture lengthwise down the center third of the puff pastry, leaving space on the sides for braiding.
  5. Cut Pastry Strips: Using a knife or scissors, cut 1-inch-wide diagonal strips along both sides of the pastry, extending from the edges toward the filling to create strips for braiding.
  6. Braid Pastry: Fold the top and bottom edges of the pastry over the filling. Then, braid the strips over the filling by alternating folding strips from each side to create a tight braided loaf.
  7. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire braid with the beaten egg to help it brown evenly and develop a glossy finish. Sprinkle with optional sesame seeds or chopped herbs if desired.
  8. Bake: Place the pastry braid in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the braid is puffed up and has turned a beautiful golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the braid to cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing into portions. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from the thawed spinach to prevent a soggy pastry.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
  • You can use fresh herbs like dill or parsley either mixed into the filling or as a garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
  • If you prefer, swap out mozzarella for another melting cheese such as fontina or Monterey Jack.
  • Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed before rolling out to avoid cracking during assembly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: spinach artichoke braid, puff pastry appetizer, spinach artichoke dip recipe, braided pastry, vegetarian appetizer

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