Cheese-Filled Shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day

These adorable cheese-filled shamrocks start with our super simple bread dough recipe, with three quick additions:

• spinach
• Parmesan cheese
• mozzarella cheese sticks

They’re a perfect idea for St. Patrick’s Day food, either in lunchboxes or serving a crowd.

How to make cheese-filled shamrocks

Prep the spinach & Parmesan

1. Cook 1/2 cup frozen spinach (or fresh) in a microwave safe container, 30 seconds at a time for about 1 minute 30 seconds. You want 1/2 cup AFTER cooking, so add accordingly.
2. Combine with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
3. Blitz in a blender or food processor. (I use my mini string food processor and it works well!)

Prep the mozzarella cheese filling

1. Open 2 string cheeses and slice into 5-6 pieces each.

Prep the bread dough

1. Use our recipe for Easy Homemade Bread.
2. Add the spinach and Parmesan mixture to the flour in the first step.
3. Add a 1/4 cup extra flour to offset moisture.
4. Then proceed with the recipe.

Assemble shamrocks

1. Just before baking, cut your dough into 8 pieces. You will have 8 shamrocks.
2. Cut each of those pieces into 5 sections: 4 large (leaves) and 1 small (stem).
3. Roll out each section. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese inside each section, then cover and roll so no cheese is exposed.
4. Place all 4 circles close together on a parchment lined baking sheet.
5. Roll the 5th piece of dough into a stem and nestle behind the 4 circles.
6. Squeeze the middles of the leaves together.
7. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.

Serve plain, with marinara sauce or pesto.

More Fun St. Patrick’s Day Foods for Kids

From mini open-faced Reubens to cheesy broccoli patties and more, fun St. Patrick’s day food for kids starts here!