Flaky Spinach Feta Puff Pastry

Finding crowd-pleasing appetizers for parties and gatherings can feel like a real puzzle. Between juggling different dietary preferences, prep time constraints, and wanting something that looks good on the table, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options out there.

That’s why this spinach feta puff pastry has become my reliable go-to: it’s quick to put together, works perfectly as a make-ahead option, and combines simple ingredients that most people enjoy. Plus, it has that “fancy” look that makes guests think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

spinach feta puff pastry

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Feta Pastry

  • Quick assembly – With store-bought puff pastry as your base, this recipe comes together in just minutes – perfect for when you need an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Budget-friendly ingredients – Using simple ingredients like frozen spinach and puff pastry keeps the cost down while still delivering amazing results.
  • Make-ahead friendly – You can prep these pastries ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making them perfect for parties or busy weeknight dinners.
  • Vegetarian-friendly – These savory pastries are meat-free but still packed with protein from the feta cheese, making them a satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
  • Customizable recipe – You can easily adjust the seasonings to your taste or swap in different cheeses – the basic recipe is just a starting point for your creativity.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

Most grocery stores carry frozen puff pastry in the freezer section, with Pepperidge Farm being the most common brand in the US. While homemade puff pastry is amazing, the store-bought version is totally fine for this recipe and saves you hours of work. Just make sure to thaw your puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or for about 4 hours at room temperature until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch. Look for brands that list butter as an ingredient rather than just vegetable oils – they’ll give you a better flavor and that lovely flaky texture we’re after. When working with the pastry, handle it gently and avoid stretching it, which can make it shrink back during baking.

spinach feta puff pastry

Options for Substitutions

Let’s talk about what you can swap in this recipe if you need to:

  • Puff pastry: This is the star ingredient that can’t really be substituted – the flaky, buttery layers are what make this dish special. Always keep it frozen until ready to use.
  • Feta cheese: You can swap feta with crumbled goat cheese or ricotta. If using ricotta, add a bit more salt to make up for feta’s natural saltiness. Grated parmesan also works well as a partial substitute – try mixing it with one of the other options.
  • Frozen spinach: Fresh spinach works too – you’ll need about 1 pound, cooked and well-drained. Swiss chard or kale can also work, but make sure to remove tough stems and cook until tender.
  • Fresh parsley: Dried parsley works in a pinch (use 1 tablespoon instead), or try fresh dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Onion: Shallots make a nice substitute, or you can use 2-3 green onions instead. If you’re not an onion fan, you can leave it out completely.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when working with puff pastry is not letting it thaw properly – you’ll want to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for about 40 minutes until it’s just pliable enough to unfold without cracking. Another common mistake is not removing enough moisture from the spinach, which can make your pastry soggy – take extra time to squeeze out every drop of water, using a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth for best results. The temperature of your oven is crucial too – make sure it’s fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking, as a cooler oven won’t create those signature flaky layers. For the perfect golden-brown finish, don’t skip the egg wash, but be careful not to let it drip down the sides of the pastry, as this can prevent proper rising and create uneven layers.

spinach feta puff pastry

What to Serve With Spinach Feta Puff Pastry?

These flaky, cheesy pastries are perfect for brunch or a light dinner, and they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh tomato soup makes an excellent companion, adding a bright and tangy contrast to the rich pastry. For a lighter option, try serving them alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette – the peppery greens complement the salty feta beautifully. If you’re hosting brunch, round out the meal with some fresh fruit or a citrus salad to balance the savory flavors of the pastry.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These spinach feta puffs are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pastry might lose some of its crispiness, but the filling stays just as tasty!

Freeze: You can freeze these pastries either before or after baking. For unbaked ones, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag – they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Already baked ones can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Warm Up: To get that fresh-baked taste back, pop refrigerated pastries in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. For frozen baked ones, heat them for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re working with frozen unbaked pastries, just add a few extra minutes to the original baking time – no need to thaw first!

Preparation Time 20-40 minutes
Cooking Time 15-25 minutes
Total Time 35-65 minutes
Level of Difficulty Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 800-900
  • Protein: 30-35 g
  • Fat: 50-60 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70-80 g

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry (from a 17-ounce box)
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 3/4 to 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 (10-ounce) pack chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained (squeeze out excess water by hand)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by thawing the puff pastry at room temperature for 40 minutes.

While waiting, set your oven to 400 degrees F to preheat.

Lightly grease a baking sheet to ensure the pastries do not stick during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash and Filling

In a small cup or bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash; set this mixture aside.

In another bowl, combine 2 eggs with feta cheese, chopped spinach, diced onion, chopped parsley, and a pinch of black pepper to form the filling mixture.

Ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly for a consistent flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pastry Sheets

Unfold the thawed pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.

Using a rolling pin, roll each sheet into a 12-inch square.

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut each rolled sheet into 16 squares, each measuring 3 inches by 3 inches.

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Pastries

Place about 1 tablespoon of the spinach and cheese filling mixture in the center of each square.

Brush the edges of each square with the prepared egg wash to help seal the pastries.

Fold the squares over the filling to form triangles, then crimp the edges securely to seal the contents inside.

Step 5: Bake the Pastries

Arrange the prepared triangles on the greased baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.

Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg wash to promote a golden color during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

These savory treats are best served warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your freshly baked spanakopita-inspired puff pastry triangles!

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