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    Home » Appetizers » Spanakopita recipe; Greek Appetizer With Puff Pastry

    Spanakopita recipe; Greek Appetizer With Puff Pastry

    Published: Dec 5, 2018 · Modified: Jan 25, 2021 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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    Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie, a holiday comfort food that is so delicious and easy to make. One of my favorite Greek appetizer recipes. This spanakopita recipe is made even easier with the use of buttery flaky puff pastry.

    Spanakopita is traditionally made into a pie or triangles. Earthy spinach filling flavored with herbs and feta cheese is stuffed between layers of crunchy buttery phyllo dough. I'm pretty much used to working with phyllo dough and feel comfortable around it, but when I asked you on Instagram, you clearly stated that you like puff pastry more. So here we are with an amazing side dish of Spanakopita puffs.

    A plate of food, with Spanakopita and dip

    Try this festive lemon raspberry tarts. An easy dessert made with your favorite... puff pastry.


    Guys, you are in for a treat, seriously. If you struggle to eat spinach, or if you have kids who you struggle with to make them eat spinach, this is the answer.

    A full white platter with spanakopita puffs with a plate of tzatziki sauce in the middle.

    I could not believe my eyes when my kids devoured these. Thinking they were just hungry and will probably eat a couple then realize it has spinach!!. I kept warning them " these have spinach.... these have spinach" and to my surprise, they liked it so much and I could hardly get myself and hubby two of them to just get a taste.

    I used to hate spinach when I was young, I hate everything about it 😳. So I guess like mother like son(s). I guess if my mom knew this recipe back then, she could have convinced me to eat spinach as well.

    The traditional way of cooking spinach back then in Egypt was to make a beef stew with tomato sauce. My mom used to add a hint of cilantro to spinach which really gives spinach a nice flavor and more tartness. I used this trick in making this spanakopita but, if you do not have a taste for cilantro then skip it.

    Spanakopita ingredients:

    Spanakopita with puff pastry in a pile with a plate of tzatziki sauce at the back.

    Spanakopita is traditionally made into a phyllo pie. Somehow like this meat phyllo pie but the filling is different of course. Spanakopita filling is made with spinach and herbs like parsley, dill and I've also used cilantro. This is very forgiving so you can get away with skipping cilantro and dill but try to find parsley. Eggs and feta cheese is also added to the mixture.

    What to serve with spanakopita?

    These spanakopita puffs are intended to be served as a side dish or starter. It is a great side for gatherings, especially in holidays. I liked it with tzatziki sauce, but you can serve it along any other Mediterranean dips like Hummus, Baba ganoush, tahini, or with any salad like this fattoush or eggplant salad. It goes perfectly with a main dish of kebab as well.

    How to make spanakopita quick and easy?

    Steps for making quick and easy spanakopita.
    • We'll start by making the spinach filling. I've used frozen spinach, thawed of course. Then I squeezed all the water I can with my hand through a mesh strainer.
    • In a pan over medium heat saute onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
    • Add spinach, herbs and spices mixing everything well.
    • Set aside to cool to room temperature before adding the eggs.
    • When it has cooled down, mix in eggs and feta cheese.
    Steps for making quick and easy spanakopita.
    • Unroll the first puff sheet and cut into 12 equal squares.
    • Brush each of the mini muffin tin cup with melted butter, this step is optional, I just like to be 100% sure that it will not get stuck.
    • Place a square in each cup, fill with the spinach filling.
    • Fold it close and brush with eggs to seal.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
    Hand dipping a spanakopita puff in tzatziki sauce.

    Dip them in your favorite dip, but these are incredible on their own. If you have leftovers, store in the fridge then warm them up a bit in the oven or microwave when ready to consume. Leftovers make great snack or lunch for next day.

    Tips for making Spanakopita puffs:

    • As we stated before herbs are optional, but highly appreciated, parsley is a must.
    • You can use fresh spinach if you would like to, just make sure to squeeze all the water out.
    • You can skip cooking the filling and just mix the ingredients well. This does not apply if you are using fresh spinach. I just like cooking it.

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    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Thank you so much for being a part of Amira’sPantry!

    I've used this mini muffin tin for this recipe, it has been with me for ages now. Works great each time and very easy to clean.

    A product photo showing a dark sheet pan

    Next time, try this seafood pizza, so good and easy.


    I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!

    Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for the FREE Amira's Pantry newsletter delivered to your inbox with lots of tips and surprises! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.

     

    A plate of food, with Spanakopita and dip

    Spanakopita, Greek Appetizer With Puff Pastry

    5 from 8 votes
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    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 24 piece
    Calories: 114.9kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil.
    • 1 medium yellow onion diced.
    • 1 garlic clove minced.
    • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and well-drained
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped.
    • 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped.
    • 1 Tablespoon fresh dill chopped.
    • Salt and pepper to taste.
    • 2 large eggs divided.
    • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
    • 2  sheets frozen puff pastry  thawed but still cold.

    Instructions

    • In a pan over medium heat, sauté onions until fragrant then add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
    • Add spinach, parsley, cilantro, dill, salt and pepper mixing them all well together. Cook for 3 minutes then remove from heat and let it cool down for 10 minutes.
    • Stir in one beaten egg and feta cheese.
    • Preheat oven to 400F. Beat remaining egg in a small bowl.
    • Cut pastry sheet into 12 equal parts.
    • Lightly brush the cups of a mini muffin tin with butter or oil, this step is optional just to make sure that the puff pastry will not be stuck.
    • Press each puff square into the bottom of one muffin tin, fill with the spinach filling and fold pastry over brushing the top with the beaten egg.
    • Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Let it cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    Adapted from BonAppetit.
    Nutrition Facts
    Spanakopita, Greek Appetizer With Puff Pastry
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 114.9 Calories from Fat 69
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7.7g12%
    Cholesterol 18.3mg6%
    Sodium 147.4mg6%
    Potassium 49.7mg1%
    Carbohydrates 8.3g3%
    Fiber 0.6g3%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 2.9g6%
    Vitamin A 810IU16%
    Vitamin C 3.4mg4%
    Calcium 33mg3%
    Iron 0.8mg4%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 114.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.3g | Protein: 2.9g | Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 18.3mg | Sodium: 147.4mg | Potassium: 49.7mg | Fiber: 0.6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 3.4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0.8mg
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    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda

      April 10, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      Hi,
      I’m just wondering how many inches that the squares of pastry dough are cut into. My dough will roll out to 12” and I was thinking I would cut them 3” each and get 4 squares per row. Does this sound good?

      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Amira

        April 11, 2022 at 3:20 am

        That would be fine Linda, you do not really need to be that accurate it is a very forgiving recipe. Thanks

        Reply
    2. Shabina

      March 14, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite spanakopita recipe! Thank you!

      Reply
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    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

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