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This recipe transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible appetizer or snack that balances rich, flaky puff pastry with a savory-sweet filling.
Roasted sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a boost of dietary fiber and vitamin A, supporting digestion and eye health.
The inclusion of brie cheese adds a creamy texture along with protein and calcium, while pistachios contribute heart-healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
With moderate calories and balanced macronutrients, this recipe offers a nourishing yet indulgent option.
It’s perfect for everyday cooking as it comes together with straightforward steps, can be prepped ahead, and delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal fuss.
Whether for holiday entertaining or a cozy night in, these turnovers are both comforting and wholesome.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Rimmed Sheet Pan
Essential for roasting sweet potatoes evenly and baking turnovers without spills. A versatile pan that’s great for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or sheet pan dinners.
Saute Pan
Perfect for caramelizing onions slowly to develop deep flavor. Its even heat distribution makes it ideal for sautéing, frying, and reducing sauces.
Rolling Pin
Crucial for evenly rolling puff pastry dough to the perfect size and thickness. A must-have tool for any baking enthusiast for pies, tarts, and pastries.
Pastry Brush
Used to apply egg wash that gives turnovers their golden, glossy finish. Also great for glazing, basting, or spreading butter in various cooking tasks.
Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and eases cleanup while baking. A kitchen essential for roasting, baking, and even wrapping foods for cooking en papillote.
Sweet Potato and Spinach Turnovers
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
- 1 Saute Pan
- 1 Small Sheet Pan
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 2 Rimmed Sheet Pans
- 2 Sheets Parchment Paper
- 1 Pastry brush
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 1 small sweet potato peeled and diced into small cubes (about 5 oz / 142 g)
- ½ medium yellow onion thinly sliced (about 5 oz / 142 g)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
Turnover Filling:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets 17.3 oz / 490 g, thawed but chilled
- ½ cup brie cheese cut into small cubes (2.5 oz / 69 g)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries 0.5 oz / 25 g
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios 0.5 oz / 25 g
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large egg for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1½ tablespoons olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onions, seasoning with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir occasionally as onions soften. Add thyme sprigs. When onions start browning on the bottom, reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping the browned bits off the bottom. Repeat adding water and scraping until onions turn a deep golden brown and are soft.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: While onions caramelize, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread them evenly on a small baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then stir and roast for another 10 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Lay one sheet of puff pastry and dust the top with a little more flour. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough out to form a 12” by 12” square. Cut into nine 4” by 4” squares. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Assemble the Turnovers: Place about 1 tablespoon of caramelized onions in one corner of each pastry square. Top with roughly 1 tablespoon of roasted sweet potato cubes. Add 3 dried cranberries, 2-3 cubes of brie cheese, and sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the filling.
- Seal and Prepare for Baking: Whisk the egg until yolk and white are fully combined. Brush the edges of each pastry square with egg wash. Fold the dough diagonally to form a triangle, pressing edges firmly to seal. Place turnovers on prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops generously with more egg wash. Cut two small slits on top of each to allow steam to escape.
- Bake and Finish: Bake turnovers for 18-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. While baking, mix honey with crushed red pepper flakes. Once turnovers are out of the oven, drizzle the spicy honey over each warm pastry for a subtle kick.
Notes
Store turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness.
Chef’s Secrets to Flaky Turnovers
Achieving perfectly flaky puff pastry turnovers begins with keeping your dough cold but pliable.
Thaw the puff pastry just enough so it can be rolled out easily without tearing.
Use a light dusting of flour on your work surface to prevent sticking without overworking the dough, which can make it tough.
When caramelizing onions, patience is key—slow cooking over medium heat while periodically deglazing the pan releases rich, sweet flavors that elevate the filling.
Don’t skip the egg wash; it not only gives the turnovers a beautiful golden sheen but also acts as a glue to seal the edges properly.
Finally, cutting steam vents in the turnovers helps prevent sogginess and ensures a crisp, light texture.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
These turnovers are versatile enough for both casual and elegant occasions.
Serve warm as an appetizer alongside a crisp green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
For holiday gatherings, pair them with a glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the creamy brie and sweet potato.
For a cozy snack, drizzle extra spicy honey or a balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory punch.
They also make a great addition to brunch menus paired with fresh fruit or light soups for a satisfying combination.
Storage Tips to Maintain Freshness
To keep your turnovers fresh and flaky, store them in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Refrigerate for up to three days, but reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to restore crispness—avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
These turnovers also freeze well before baking; place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time and keep an eye on the color to prevent burning.
This method is perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying fresh turnovers whenever you like.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen puff pastry works best when thawed just until pliable but still cold. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain its flaky texture when baked.
Q2: What can I substitute for brie cheese?
You can replace brie with other soft cheeses like goat cheese, Gruyère, or even cream cheese. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture but still complement the sweet potato filling beautifully.
Q3: Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the brie with a plant-based cheese alternative and replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant milk and maple syrup or olive oil brushed on for color.
Q4: Can I prepare the turnovers ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the turnovers and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q5: How spicy is the honey drizzle?
The honey drizzle is mildly spicy due to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit the pepper flakes if you prefer a sweeter finish without heat.
This recipe is inspired by tenpoundcakecompany and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
