Introduction

Flaky Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry is a delicious and easy savory appetizer that combines tender spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs wrapped in buttery puff pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a simple snack, these golden parcels are sure to impress with their crisp texture and rich flavor.

The image shows a stack of three square pastries on a wooden board. Each pastry has thin, flaky, golden-brown layers of crust on the top and bottom. Inside, there is a thick green spinach and white cheese filling visible in the middle layer. The top pastry is sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. The wooden board is on a surface with a white marbled texture, and some chopped green herbs are scattered around. In the background, there is a blurred bowl of green sauce or dip. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package puff pastry (2 sheets, thawed in fridge overnight)
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 egg (for egg wash)
1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
1 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or mint), chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, then add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well-drained and skip the cooking step.
Step 2: Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl to cool slightly. Stir in crumbled feta, beaten egg, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth any folds. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size.
Step 4: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over to form triangles, rectangles, or any preferred shape, sealing the edges by pressing with a fork.
Step 5: Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny finish. Lightly score the tops to create vents for steam to escape during baking.
Step 6: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown. Allow them to cool briefly on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix in sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Use dairy-free puff pastry and vegan feta substitutes to make a plant-based version of this appetizer.
Try serving these pastries with tzatziki, hummus, or a light Greek salad for a complete appetizer spread.
Freeze assembled but unbaked pastries for a convenient make-ahead option; bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

Storage

Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Three square pieces of golden puff pastry filled with a green spinach mixture and white cheese are stacked on top of each other on a wooden board. The top pastry is sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. Each pastry has multiple flaky layers with a shiny, crispy surface. Small green herb bits and white salt grains are scattered on the wooden board around the pastries. The background shows a blurred bowl with green herbs on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach as a convenient alternative. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling.

How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Ensure the spinach is well drained and avoid adding overly wet ingredients. Additionally, brushing the pastry with egg wash and baking it on parchment helps keep it crisp and golden.