Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps

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🧀 Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps

Description

These Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps are golden, flaky pastries filled with a delicious mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy feta, garlic, and herbs. Inspired by classic Greek flavors, these crisps are a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal. With a crispy phyllo (or puff pastry) shell and a rich, savory filling, they strike the ideal balance between crunch and creaminess.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp salt (optional, as feta is salty)

  • 1 egg, lightly beaten (for binding)

For the Crisps:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry or 6 sheets phyllo dough

  • 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)

  • 1 egg (for egg wash – optional, for shine)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling:
    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft (about 3 minutes). Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

  2. Mix the Filling:
    In a bowl, combine cooked spinach mixture with feta, ricotta (if using), oregano, pepper, salt, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.

  3. Assemble the Crisps:

    • If using puff pastry: Roll out slightly and cut into squares or circles.

    • If using phyllo: Layer 2–3 sheets, brushing each with melted butter, then cut into sections.
      Spoon a tablespoon of filling into the center of each piece and fold over to form triangles or rectangles. Seal the edges with a fork.

  4. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place crisps on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash or butter. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

  5. Serve:
    Cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip!

🍽 Servings

  • Makes 12–15 crisps

  • Serves 4–5 people as an appetizer or snack

💡 Notes

  • You can substitute spinach with kale, chard, or mixed greens.

  • Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience or make them with phyllo for a lighter texture.

  • These crisps can be frozen before baking — just bake straight from frozen for an extra 5–7 minutes.

🧑‍🍳 Tips

  • Brush the pastry lightly with butter or oil to ensure crispness without making it greasy.

  • Don’t overfill the crisps — too much filling may cause them to burst open while baking.

  • For extra flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives to the filling.

  • To keep them crispy, bake on a wire rack placed on a baking tray.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Crisp, approx.)

  • Calories: 130 kcal

  • Protein: 5 g

  • Carbohydrates: 11 g

  • Fat: 7 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sodium: 220 mg

  • Sugar: 1 g

(Values may vary based on ingredients and pastry type.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Spinach provides iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

  • Feta cheese adds calcium and protein while being lower in fat than many other cheeses.

  • Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats.

  • Baked (not fried) — making these a lighter Mediterranean snack.

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the crisps and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 2 months before baking.

Q2: Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute feta with a plant-based feta alternative and skip the ricotta or use silken tofu.

Q3: Can I air-fry them?
Absolutely! Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: What dips go well with them?
Tzatziki, roasted red pepper hummus, or lemon-garlic yogurt sauce pair beautifully.

Q5: Are they suitable for meal prep?
Yes. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness — avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

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