These Keto Spinach and Cheese Squares have the buttery, flaky indulgence of real pastry but without the extra carb content. We make the golden crust by using basic keto dough of almond flour, cream cheese, and mozzarella. It has a crunchy yet delicate texture. The mix of ricotta, Parmesan, & sautéed spinach creates a creamy, soothing, & substantial dish. These squares combine cheesy indulgence with a light herb taste, making them ideal for brunch, snacking, or party appetizers. They taste fantastic, bake beautifully golden, are simple to prepare, and fit within a keto diet. These Keto Spinach and Cheese Squares demonstrate that the ketogenic diet can still be rich and tasty whether eaten alone, with a bowl of soup, or with marinara sauce. They are great for parties, cooking, or a comforting weekend snack.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATS:
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Preparation time: Fifteen minutes
- Serving size: 1 square
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Course: Snack / Appetizer
- Diet: keto
- Serving: 8 squares
EQUIPMENT:
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
- Knife
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shreds
- 2 tbsp. cream cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
INGREDIENT NOTES:
MOZZARELLA CHEESE:
The mozzarella cheese lends the dough its elasticity & golden hue. It has the texture of chewy pastry when melted with cream cheese. It also provides a delicate, creamy flavor to balance the filling.
CREAM CHEESE:
Cream cheese softens the dough and imparts a delightful flavor. It aids in the holding of mozzarella & almond flour, allowing for smooth rolling. It keeps the curst moist during baking.
ALMOND FLOUR:
Substitute the almond flour for ordinary flour to keep the recipe low-carb. It provides a lightly nutty taste and crispness. Use fine almond flour to provide a smooth texture.
EGGS:
The egg provides the dough structure and helps it stay together. It also enhances the exquisite golden luster. It is critical to keep everything in place when baking.
SPINACH:
The filling gets its color, nutrients, & freshness from spinach. We have to sauté it first to remove excess moisture & prevent soggy croissants. It pairs well with cheese and garlic.
RICOTTA CHEESE:
The ricotta cheese lends the filling a smooth & creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with spinach and Parmesan for a complete flavor. Use full-fat ricotta for optimal texture.
PARMESAN CHEESE:
The filling has depth and salinity from the Parmesan cheese. Its robust, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the light ricotta. It also helps to make the mixture slightly thicker.
GARLIC POWDER:
Garlic powder has a faint but wonderful flavor that isn’t overbearing. It complements the cheeses and spinach well.
BLACK PEPPER:
Black pepper enhances the flavor of the creamy filling. It naturally increases the flavor of spinach. Freshly ground pepper produces the greatest results.
SALT:
Salt brings all the flavors together. Handle with care because the Parmesan is already salted. Sea salt works well here for a clean flavor.
OLIVE OIL:
Sautéing spinach in olive oil adds richness and taste. It keeps items from adhering and produces a smooth texture. A tiny sprinkle enhances the flavor of the filling.
EGG WASH:
The egg wash gives the golden appearance of the pastry. It helps to secure edges and improve texture.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and put the paper parchment on the tray.
- We melt the mozzarella and cream cheese in a bowl in the microwave and stir till it gets smooth.
- Mix in the almond flour & one egg and work till the dough forms.
- Use the two sheets of parchment to roll the dough until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Sauté the spinach in a skillet with hot olive oil for two-three minutes till it wilts and cool for a bit.
- In a mixing dish, stir the salt, ricotta, spinach, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, & garlic powder.
- Add the filling in the middle of the squares.
- Cover the mixture with a second piece of dough & seal the corners.
- Use beaten eggs for a shine.
- Bake 18-20 minutes till they get golden & crisp.
- Cool for some time, then serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
BREAKFAST:
- Keto Scrambled Eggs
- Avocado Bacon Cups
- Keto Breakfast Casserole
LUNCH:
- Cauliflower Rice Salad
- Keto Chicken Caesar Wraps
- Zucchini Noodle Bowl
DINNER:
- Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
- Keto Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
SNACKS:
- Keto Cheese Crisps
- Almond Butter Fat Bombs
- Olive Tapenade Bites
DRINKS:
- Iced Bulletproof Coffee
- Keto Green Smoothie
- Sugar-Free Lemon Electrolyte Drink
DESSERTS:
- Keto Chocolate Mousse
- Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
- Coconut Cream Pudding
TIPS:
- We have to cool the dough for five to ten minutes, then roll it to handle it easily.
- Don’t fill the pastry with too much filling, so the pastry will not leak.
- Prepare the filing in advance and freeze it for meal planning purposes.
- Bake them on the lower rack so they get crispier.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Stock the remaining in the covered box for more than four days.
FREEZER:
- Freeze the baked or unbaked pastries in the covered dish for 2 months.
FAQs:
Can I utilize the frozen form of spinach to prepare these squares?
- Frozen form of spinach works in the same way; don’t forget to defrost and strain all the additional water content.
Is there any almond flour alternative?
- Yes, you can try using coconut flour to prepare these squares, but use only one-third cup of flour, as it absorbs lots of moisture.
Free Keto Meal Plan:Â STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 215 kcal
Net carbs: 4.8 g
Total carbs: 8.2 g
Fiber: 3.4 g
Protein: 10.6 g
Fat: 17.8 g
Calcium: 160 g
Iron: 0.7 g
Vitamin A: 80 g
Sodium: 190 g
Potassium: 140 g
Serving size: 1 square
Serving: 8
