Name: Lucky Clover St. Patrick’s Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 3.5 oz fresh spinach, chopped; 4.4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2.1 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approx. 8.8 oz); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 24 small fresh basil leaves (for clover effect)

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Introduction

These Lucky Clover St Patrick’s Bites are delightful puff pastry snacks filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any festive gathering, they look charming and taste even better.

The image shows two puff pastry star-shaped tarts on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each tart has a golden-brown, flaky crust folded into five puffy layers, creating a flower-like shape. Inside the center of each tart is a cooked spinach and cheese filling that is dark green mixed with creamy white melted cheese. A single fresh bright green spinach leaf is placed on top of each tart, adding a pop of color. The pastries look warm and crisp with a soft filling inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3.5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
4.4 oz cream cheese, softened
2.1 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (approx. 8.8 oz)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
24 small fresh basil leaves (for clover effect)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Wilt the spinach by cooking it in a small pan over medium heat for about 1 minute. Then squeeze out any excess moisture and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
Step 4: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into 24 equal squares, roughly 2 x 2 inches each.
Step 5: Place about 1 heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
Step 6: Fold the four corners of each square toward the center, pinching the edges to seal and form a four-leaf clover shape.
Step 7: Brush the tops of all the bites evenly with the beaten egg.
Step 8: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Step 9: Once out of the oven, immediately top each bite with a fresh basil leaf to create the clover effect. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
If you prefer, swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different taste.
Use fresh basil leaves just before serving to keep them bright and vibrant.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

How to Serve

There are two star-shaped puff pastries on a white plate with a white marbled surface. Each pastry has five golden-brown, crispy layers curled outward, revealing a middle layer of dark green cooked spinach mixed with melted light yellow cheese. On top of each spinach and cheese filling is a single fresh, bright green spinach leaf. The edges of the pastries look flaky and slightly browned from baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites and keep them covered in the refrigerator for several hours before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before placing in the oven.

Can I freeze the bites?

You can freeze the unbaked bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.