Save to Pinterest These golden, flaky pastries feature a savory filling of fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. The filling is lightly sautéed with onion, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in puff pastry squares and baked until crisp. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, the preparation is straightforward and yields eight delightful parcels. Delicious served warm with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for added freshness.
The first time I made these savory spinach and feta pastries, I was surprised at how such simple ingredients could combine into something so irresistibly flaky and flavorful. It felt like discovering a hidden gem that quickly became a go-to snack for weekend gatherings.
I remember the day unexpected guests showed up and I whipped these up in no time. Their eyes lit up with every bite, and it was the first time I truly nailed the perfect golden crust.
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: I always use thawed puff pastry sheets because they bake up incredibly flaky without any fuss.
- Fresh Spinach: Fresh is best when available for that vibrant green color; if frozen, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
- Onion and Garlic: Finely diced and sautéed to build depth in the filling.
- Olive Oil: A good quality one gives the filling a subtle richness.
- Egg: Used both inside the filling and as a wash for that beautiful golden finish.
- Dill and Nutmeg: The aromatics that bring the filling to life.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional topping that adds a lovely crunch.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and clean-up is easy.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent and soft, releasing that cozy, inviting aroma.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted or until frozen spinach has released and evaporated its moisture. The kitchen will fill with a fresh, earthy scent.
- Mix the Filling:
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl. Stir in crumbled feta, beaten egg, fresh dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined and inviting.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into eight equal squares, feeling the smooth, cool dough under your hands.
- Fill and Fold:
- Place a generous tablespoon of filling onto each square. Fold into triangles or rectangles, pressing edges firmly and crimping with a fork so no filling escapes during baking.
- Final Touches:
- Arrange the pastries on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden shine and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown — the kitchen will smell incredible.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them rest briefly so the filling sets just right. Then enjoy warm for the best experience.
Save to Pinterest One evening, sharing these pastries with family felt like more than just a meal; it was a cozy celebration of flavors and togetherness that brought everyone closer.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
These pastries pair wonderfully with a cool tzatziki dip or a fresh Greek salad to balance the richness and keep things light and vibrant.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
When last-minute guests arrived, these came together quickly and impressively. They saved the day by turning a rushed moment into a memorable snack everyone loved.
Keeping It Fresh
Leftovers taste great warmed up in the oven the next day, but I always suggest eating them fresh when the pastry is at its flakiest.
- Don’t forget to let them cool just enough before biting to avoid burning your mouth.
- If you want a twist, swap dill for fresh mint occasionally for a different herbal note.
- Store any extras in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep that crisp texture.
Save to Pinterest Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me; I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it did me the first time I made it.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
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Yes, frozen spinach works well if thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- → What herbs can be substituted for dill?
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Fresh parsley or mint can be used to provide a different but complementary flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the pastries are crispy?
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Brushing the tops with beaten egg before baking helps achieve a glossy, golden, and crispy finish.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for the filling?
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You can substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese and use vegan puff pastry for a vegan option.
- → Can these pastries be prepared in advance?
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Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
