Ricotta Spinach Tarts a fast and easy appetizer. Pre-made pastry makes these filled to the brim Ricotta and Spinach filling the best.
When I first came to Italy I remember my in-laws had some farm animals, including a cow and a couple of sheep.
My mother-in-law would milk the cow and the goat and make the most amazing types of cheese. Needless to say ricotta was one of those.
I didn’t like ricotta made from goat’s milk then and I still don’t. I find it too strong for me, but I know that most Italians prefer that strong taste compared to the subtle light flavour of the ricotta made from cow milk.
She would make a delicious filling for pasta or just toss with some spaghetti, which is my father-in-law’s favourite.
Unfortunately my in-laws are not able to milk and make cheese anymore, but it certainly doesn’t stop them from telling me the stories and lots of stories they have.
I remember my mother-in-law making her homemade pasta and of course it was all done by hand, no machine for her.
She also made bread and I don’t mean a loaf or two, she would make enough to feed 4 households for a week! Oh the food I have tasted.
Lucky for us ricotta is easily available, so no cow milking for me! And what do I do with ricotta? Well, I decided to make these small Ricotta Spinach Tarts.
I used store-bought pastry but you could also make your own if you prefer. I cut out medium-sized circles and filled my muffin tin, then I filled them with this creamy ricotta filling topped them off with some more chopped spinach, sprinkle a little or a little more shredded mozzarella and into the oven they go.
Fast, easy and better still, delicious. The perfect appetizer. Buon Appetito!
Ricotta Spinach Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups cooked chopped spinach (drain really well the spinach wring out with your hands to remove as much excess moisture) divided 315 grams
- 1/3 cup ricotta (I used dairy ricotta) 100 grams
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 28 grams
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 grams
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella 20-30 grams
- 1-2 pre made pie dough
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375° (190° celsius), lightly grease a 12 medium size muffin pan.
- In a medium bowl mix together 1 1/4 cups (220 grams) chopped spinach, ricotta, parmesan, salt and egg.
- Cut out 9 medium size circles and place in muffin pan, fill with ricotta mixture and top with some of the remaining (1/2 cup/95 grams) chopped spinach.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Deb B says
Can I make these up the night before baking them? I would like to bake them fresh the next morning.
Thanks!
Rosemary says
Hi Deb, I would get everything ready, the filling and the tarts in the pan (refrigerate over night), but I wouldn’t put it together until baking time, because the pastry could become soggy. Let me know how it goes.
Natalie says
Hi I just put the tarts in the oven looking forward to having a taste. Can you freeze them after baking?
Rosemary says
Hi Natalie, yes you can freeze them, freeze in a freezer safe container or bag. They should be good for up to 2 months. Let me know how they are.
Rena says
Can these be frozen and cooked later?
Rosemary says
Hi Rena, yes you can freeze them to bake later. Make sure to drain the spinach well so the tarts don’t get soggy. Freeze them on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours then transfer to a freezer safe bag or container. It should keep for about 2-3 months. And they can be baked directly from the freezer, although they will probably need a bit more time to bake. Hope that helps.
Ann says
What happens to the Parmesan?
Rosemary says
Hi Ann, sorry about that, you mix it with the ricotta. I have updated the recipes, thanks.
Teresa says
Wow, these look awesome. They are going on my “to make” list!
Rose says
I Teresa, thanks I hope you enjoy them. Happy New Year.
Veronica@downcakerylane says
I was going to make some spinach appetizers for a get-together…this recipe looks way better! I love spinach anything…looks so good!
Rose says
Hi Veronica, I hope you like them let me know, I love spinach too especially with cheese.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Not Fair!! I haven’t had breakfast and your antipasti are making me ravenous!! I will definitely have to make these.
Rose says
Hi Marisa, thanks hope you enjoy them, I’m sure you could have a couple for breakfast!