This spinach roll offers a fresh and sophisticated blend of flavors, combining the earthiness of spinach with a creamy, lemon-scented cream cheese filling and the subtle smokiness of trout. Light yet satisfying, it’s an impressive dish for entertaining or a refined light meal. The delicate texture and bright herbal notes make it both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
100 g cooked and well-drained spinach
5 eggs (room temperature, grade C1)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
50 g extra virgin olive oil
300 g cold cream cheese (Philadelphia or similar)
150 g cold heavy cream for whipping
Zest of 1 lemon (juice not needed)
7-10 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
200 g thin slices of lightly salted smoked trout
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Spinach Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked spinach and eggs until smooth. Add salt, white pepper, baking powder, and olive oil, blending until fully combined. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly to form a thin layer.
Bake the Spinach Base
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the batter is set and slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream, lemon zest, and thyme leaves into the cream cheese until well combined.
Assemble the Roll
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled spinach base. Arrange smoked trout slices evenly on top of the cream cheese layer. Carefully roll the spinach base from one side to the other to form a tight roulade.
Serve
Chill the roll for at least 1 hour before slicing. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and lemon zest if desired.
Servings and timing
Makes 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 18 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes plus chilling
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Substitute smoked trout with smoked salmon or cooked shrimp for different seafood options.
- Add finely chopped fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese filling for added herbal flavor.
- Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier taste.
- Include a thin layer of cucumber slices under the smoked trout for extra crunch.
- Replace lemon zest with lime zest for a subtle citrus variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store the spinach roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best served chilled and should not be reheated. Prepare fresh for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I prepare the spinach roll in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the roll for at least 1 hour before serving, and it can be made up to 24 hours ahead.
How do I ensure the spinach is well drained?
Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture from the cooked spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and thoroughly drain before using to avoid soggy batter.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, it is suitable for low-carb diets.
Can I freeze the spinach roll?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture and freshness of the cream cheese and smoked trout will be compromised.
Can I add other herbs?
Yes, dill, chives, or parsley work well with this recipe.
What type of smoked trout should I use?
Choose thinly sliced, lightly salted smoked trout for best flavor and texture.
Can I use regular pepper instead of white pepper?
Yes, though white pepper is milder and won’t affect the color of the batter.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides lightness and volume to the filling but can be omitted or replaced with crème fraîche.
How do I slice the roulade cleanly?
Use a sharp serrated knife and slice gently to maintain the shape.
Conclusion
The Spinach Roll with Cream Cheese and Smoked Trout is an elegant, flavorful dish that combines fresh greens, creamy filling, and delicate smoked fish in a beautiful presentation. Its light texture and bright herbal notes make it ideal as a sophisticated appetizer or light meal. Simple to prepare yet impressive, this roulade is sure to delight guests and family alike.
Spinach Roll with Cream Cheese and Smoked Trout
A vibrant and elegant spinach roulade filled with tangy cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, aromatic thyme, and delicate slices of lightly salted smoked trout—a perfect appetizer or light meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and assembling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 100 g cooked and well-drained spinach
- 5 eggs (room temperature, grade C1)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 g extra virgin olive oil
- 300 g cold cream cheese (Philadelphia or similar)
- 150 g cold heavy cream for whipping
- Zest of 1 lemon (juice not needed)
- 7–10 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
- 200 g thin slices of lightly salted smoked trout
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a blender or food processor, combine cooked spinach and eggs until smooth.
- Add salt, white pepper, baking powder, and olive oil; blend until fully combined.
- Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly to form a thin layer.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until batter is set and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Whip cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream, lemon zest, and thyme leaves into cream cheese until combined.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cooled spinach base.
- Arrange smoked trout slices evenly over cream cheese layer.
- Carefully roll the spinach base from one side to the other to form a tight roulade.
- Chill roll for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Garnish with extra thyme leaves and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to avoid soggy batter.
- Use room temperature eggs for better blending.
- Chilling the roll helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Fresh thyme leaves add aromatic flavor; substitute with dried if unavailable but reduce quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 2 g
- Sodium: Approx. 450 mg
- Fat: Approx. 22 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 6 g
- Fiber: Approx. 2 g
- Protein: Approx. 15 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 180 mg