Green Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry

The sound of sizzling spinach in my skillet brings me right back to the small Greek café where I first tasted this flaky spinach and feta pastry. I watched, mesmerized, as the owner folded delicate puff pastry over the vibrant green filling, creating perfect golden parcels. Back home, I experimented until I could recreate that magical combination of crisp pastry and savory filling that transported me straight to the Mediterranean.

Last spring, I brought these pastries to our neighborhood potluck and watched as they disappeared within minutes. The hostess cornered me by the lemonade, her eyes wide with appreciation, whispering that shed never tasted anything so delicious that was also so simple to make. I smiled and slipped her the recipe on a napkin, knowing shed soon discover the joy of hearing her own guests request the recipe.

Ingredients

• Ready-rolled puff pastry: Store-bought pastry is my weeknight savior, just remember to thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
• Fresh spinach: I prefer fresh for its vibrant color and texture, but frozen works well too just make sure to squeeze out every last drop of moisture.
• Feta cheese: Buy it in blocks rather than pre-crumbled for the best flavor, and crumble it yourself to control the size of the pieces.
• Fresh dill: This optional herb adds a bright, distinctive flavor that elevates the filling from good to memorable.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch transforms the spinach, bringing out its earthiness while adding a subtle warm spice note.

Instructions

Prepare your workspace:

Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your beautiful creation.

Create the aromatic base:

Heat olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers, then add onions and watch them turn translucent before introducing the garlic, filling your kitchen with their irresistible fragrance.

Wilt the spinach:

Add spinach to the pan and marvel at how it transforms from a mountain to a manageable mound. Season with salt, pepper, and that magical pinch of nutmeg.

Mix the filling:

In a large bowl, combine your cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta, beaten egg, and dill if using, creating a filling thats creamy yet textured.

Shape your pastry:

Unroll the pastry onto your prepared tray, spoon the filling along one long edge leaving a border, then fold the pastry over to create your delicious package.

Add the finishing touches:

Brush with egg wash until it glistens and sprinkle with seeds if desired. Make a few small slits on top to let steam escape during baking.

Bake to golden perfection:

Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes until its beautifully golden and puffed. Let it rest briefly before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Save

During a particularly stressful week last winter, I found myself making this spinach and feta pastry at nearly midnight, finding the rhythmic chopping and folding surprisingly therapeutic. The next morning, my family woke to the most gorgeous breakfast, and somehow the day felt more manageable, as if the care Id put into that pastry had rippled outward to soften the edges of our hectic lives.

Serving Suggestions

Through countless dinner parties, Ive found that serving these pastries with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil creates the perfect balance. The bright acidity of the salad cuts through the richness of the pastry, while a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc completes what has become my favorite easy-yet-elegant meal for entertaining.

Variations To Try

Over the years, Ive played with this recipe countless times, discovering that swapping the feta for tangy goat cheese creates a creamier filling that my children actually prefer. Adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes brings a sweet-tart punch that pairs beautifully with the spinach, while a sprinkle of pine nuts introduces a subtle crunch that elevates the whole experience.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

The first time I prepared this for a brunch gathering, I discovered that assembling the pastry the night before and refrigerating it unbaked was a game-changer for morning stress levels. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats or youll find yourself with a perfectly cooked exterior but underdone center.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the pastry will soften somewhat.
• To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving, which leaves the pastry soggy.
• For a make-ahead freezer option, freeze the unbaked pastry on a baking sheet, then wrap well once solid and bake directly from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.

Save

This Mediterranean-inspired pastry has become more than just a recipe in my collection its now the dish friends request when they visit and the comfort food I turn to when celebration or solace is needed. I hope it brings the same simple joy to your table that it has to mine.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastry up to 4 hours ahead. Refrigerate it on the baking tray, covered with plastic wrap, then bake when ready. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.

→ What's the best way to prevent a soggy bottom?

Ensure the spinach mixture is thoroughly drained and cooled before filling. Use parchment paper and place the baking tray on the lowest oven rack to allow heat to reach the pastry base. Avoid overfilling, which traps excess moisture.

→ Can I freeze this before baking?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled pastry on a tray for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time until golden brown.

→ What cheese alternatives work well?

Ricotta offers a milder, creamier option, while goat cheese provides tanginess. Halloumi adds a firmer texture. Avoid soft cheeses that may weep during baking. Use about the same weight as the feta called for.

→ How should I serve this pastry?

Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced into sections. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, tzatziki sauce, or hummus. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.

→ Is there a way to make this vegan?

Use dairy-free feta alternatives and replace the egg wash with a plant-based milk mixed with a touch of oil. Vegan puff pastry sheets are widely available. The filling remains naturally vegetarian-friendly with this substitution.