Flaky Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry: Easy Savory Appetizer Recipe
Delight in these flaky spinach and feta puff pastry appetizers, a perfect combination of savory spinach, creamy feta, and fresh herbs wrapped in golden, crispy puff pastry. Ideal as a party snack or light meal, these easy-to-make pastries deliver a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bite with a buttery, puffed crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (depending on cut size) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed in fridge overnight)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and well-drained)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg (for filling binding)
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or mint), chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Cooking
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely diced onion until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, or if using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry without additional cooking. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: To the cooled spinach mixture, add crumbled feta cheese, one beaten egg, chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets just enough to smooth creases. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles of desired size.
- Fill and Shape Pastries: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each pastry piece. Fold each piece into triangles, rectangles, or any preferred shape, sealing the edges firmly by pressing with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the second egg and brush the tops of each pastry with this mixture to achieve a beautifully golden and glossy finish. Lightly score the tops to create steam vents that help keep the pastry crisp.
- Bake: Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer pastries to a wire rack to cool briefly before serving warm. These pastries are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently if needed.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the pastries and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.
- Flavor Twists: Enhance the filling by adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added depth and variety.
- Serving Tip: These pastries pair beautifully with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a fresh light Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy puff pastry with a vegan alternative and use vegan feta cheese or a tofu-based cheese substitute to accommodate a vegan diet.
Keywords: spinach, feta, puff pastry, appetizer, savory pastry, Mediterranean, easy recipe, party snack