Chard and Ricotta Puff Pastry Bites

Name: Chard and Ricotta Puff Pastry Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 18
Ingredients: Puff pastry 2 rectangular rolls 1 lb; Egg yolks 1; Chard to be cleaned 1.1 lbs; Cow's milk ricotta cheese 1 cup; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3 oz; Nutmeg to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 18
Cost: Low

Listen to the recipe

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Luisa Orizio

If you're looking to bring a taste of Italy to your next gathering, these savory pastries called "salatini alle bietole" are just the thing. Really good stuff. They're the perfect addition to any laid-back get-together or party, where food is all about fun and flavor. The filling has tender sautéed Swiss chard, creamy ricotta, and sharp grated cheese, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. And you know what? When these bites come out of the oven, they're golden, crispy, and simply hard to resist.

In Italy, these snacks are a hit because they're so, so simple and quick to make. Most folks use ready-made pastry, and look, in no time, your kitchen will smell amazing. These treats strike that perfect balance between moist and crunchy, and they're fantastic alongside other classic Italian appetizers like mini pizzas, olives, or little arancini. Set up a buffet, and watch as everyone gets excited. Seriously good.

Italian homes love experimenting with their Swiss chard recipes in dishes like this. You get the feel of bakery-made snacks, but you save a bunch by making them yourself. It's all about using good, basic ingredients to create that rich and cheesy flavor you crave in a Swiss chard pie or Swiss chard tart.

These bites are versatile, working just as well for a quick lunch or light dinner. And here's the thing—they even keep well for the next day's leftovers, tasting pretty fresh. While some people swap in spinach or mix in mushrooms, the combo of tangy chard and creamy cheese makes these savory pastries a staple at Italian parties. Just add a glass of something chilled, and you've got an aperitivo experience right at home. For sure.

Whether you call it a Swiss chard galette or a tray of cheesy veggie pockets, this style of pastry brings a real taste of Italy’s easygoing food scene to your table. And enjoy the relaxed and delicious vibe that comes with every bite!

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for 74 bites: Puff pastry 1 lb (460 g) - 2 rectangular rolls; Egg yolks 1

for the filling: Chard 1.1 lbs (500 g) - to be cleaned; Cow's milk ricotta cheese 1 cup (250 g); Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 3 oz (80 g); Nutmeg to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Chard and Ricotta Puff Pastry Bites

To prepare these tasty chard bites, start by cleaning the chard and removing the stem 1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and cook the leaves 2 over medium heat for about three or four minutes, remembering to season with salt 3.

Once ready 4, squeeze them well to remove excess water and finely chop them with a knife 5. At this point, transfer the chard to a bowl and add the ricotta 6.

Also incorporate the grated cheese 7, season with salt and pepper 8 and flavor with nutmeg 9.

Mix 10 until you obtain a homogeneous mixture 11, then place it in a piping bag without a tip. Now prepare the base: unroll the puff pastry sheet and divide it into three equal parts lengthwise 12.

Spread a strip of filling along one edge of each pastry portion 1314, then roll and seal the edges well so the filling doesnt escape 15.

With a sharp knife, cut these cylinders into many small pieces of about 3/8 inch (approximately 2 cm) 16. With this quantity you will obtain about 74 bites 17 using two rolls of puff pastry. Transfer the bites to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, keeping them slightly spaced apart 18 19.

Finally, brush them with beaten egg yolk 20 and bake in a preheated convection oven at 392 B0F (about 200 B0C) for about ten minutes, until golden and crisp. Your bites are ready to be enjoyed 21.

Storage

It is recommended to eat the chard bites immediately to enjoy them at their best. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator for about 2 days and reheat them before serving. They can be frozen raw and baked after thawing in the refrigerator.