Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are the kind of treat that instantly elevates any gathering, whether you’re hosting a lively brunch with friends or looking for the perfect finger food for your next party platter. These little golden parcels combine crisp, buttery pastry with a savory filling of velvety spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, creating a combination that’s both crave-worthy and impossibly easy to whip up. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of saltiness and flakiness that will have guests reaching for seconds and thirds. Trust me, once you try making Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites comes from a concise list of trusty ingredients, each bringing something important to flavor, texture, or that gorgeous golden finish. With a handful of fresh produce, a block of hearty feta, and a sheet of frozen puff pastry, you’re already halfway to party snack perfection!
- Puff pastry sheet, thawed: The star of the show, giving these bites their irresistible flaky, buttery crunch.
- Olive oil: Enhances the savory richness and adds a Mediterranean touch while sautéing your aromatics.
- Onion, finely chopped: A subtle sweet base that brings natural depth to the filling.
- Garlic, minced: For that unmistakable aromatic kick—don’t skip this if you love bold flavor.
- Fresh spinach (or thawed frozen): Serves up vibrant color and earthy flavor; just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if using frozen.
- Salt: Brings out all the savory notes in the spinach and cheese, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity; a little goes a long way.
- Dried oregano: A Mediterranean classic, offering subtle herbal fragrance throughout each bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Unexpected, but vital—it lifts the spinach mixture with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: The tangy, creamy heart of the dish, contrasting perfectly with the mild spinach.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a perfectly golden sheen as your bites bake up.
- Sesame seeds or extra feta for topping (optional): Add crunch, visual pop, and even more cheesy goodness if you desire.
How to Make Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it’s translucent and sweet-smelling. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to bloom its flavor without becoming bitter. Next comes the spinach; toss it in (fresh or well-drained frozen both work beautifully) and season everything with salt, black pepper, oregano, and a whisper of nutmeg. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts and most of the liquid is gone. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before folding in the crumbled feta, so the cheese stays creamy and just a little melty.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
Lay out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If it’s a bit sticky, dust it gently with flour so it doesn’t tear. Roll it out just enough to even the surface, then cut it carefully into 12 equal squares. This ensures every Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bite turns out perfectly snack-sized with the right balance of filling and pastry.
Step 3: Fill and Shape
Place a generous spoonful of your spinach-feta mixture right in the center of each pastry square. For classic bites, bring two opposite corners towards the center and pinch to seal (they’ll look like cute little envelopes). Or for a more traditional turnover, fold each square into a triangle and use a fork to press and seal the edges. The filling might peek through a bit, and that’s all part of the rustic charm!
Step 4: Top and Bake
Transfer your assembled bites onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Brush each one with a beaten egg to guarantee a glossy, golden finish. For extra flair, sprinkle with sesame seeds or a few more crumbles of feta right before they head into the oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, until the pastry has risen and turned irresistibly golden brown. Let them cool just slightly so you don’t burn your fingers—though they’re hard to resist fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs (think dill, mint, or parsley) on top just before serving can provide a lovely pop of color and a finishing burst of freshness. For extra crunch and a little visual wow-factor, an extra scattering of sesame seeds or crumbled feta over the warm bites is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites pair beautifully with an array of mezze-style side dishes. Serve them alongside a cool tzatziki dip, a plate of juicy cherry tomatoes, or a vibrant Greek salad. They’re also fantastic on a cheese board or nestled beside roasted veggies for brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange these bites on a wooden board with little bowls of condiments like olive tapenade, lemony yogurt sauce, or even a touch of chili jam for a sweet-heat kick. If you’re thinking about a picnic, pack them in parchment with bunches of fresh grapes and olives for a Mediterranean flair—they travel so well and hold up beautifully at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any bites left over, let them cool fully before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to three days—just make sure to lay them in a single layer, or place parchment between layers to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
The beauty of Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites is you can freeze them before baking for the ultimate party prep. Assemble as directed, place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, they can go straight into the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and watch for that golden color.
Reheating
To enjoy these bites at their best, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. This restores their crunchy, flaky exterior far better than the microwave. If you’re short on time, a quick pass in a toaster oven does the trick, too (just skip the microwave unless you don’t mind a softer texture).
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible—otherwise your filling could get soggy. You’ll need about 1 cup of frozen spinach to replace the fresh, and the flavor will be just as delicious.
Can I make Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites vegan?
Yes, you can! Swap the puff pastry and feta for vegan versions, and brush the tops with plant-based milk instead of egg wash. There are plenty of plant-based cheeses and ready-made vegan pastry sheets available at most supermarkets now.
Do I need to defrost the puff pastry sheet completely?
Let the puff pastry thaw according to the package instructions—usually about 20–40 minutes at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it may crack as you roll or shape it; too warm, and it may get sticky. Aim for that sweet spot: cool, but pliable.
How far ahead can I assemble these before baking?
You can assemble Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites several hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. The pastry may not puff quite as dramatically as it would baked fresh, but they’ll still turn out tender and tasty.
What are some other mix-ins I can add?
Feel free to play! Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions make fun additions. Just remember not to add anything too wet, which could affect the pastry’s crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an appetizer with true wow-factor and easy prep, these Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are a must-try. They strike a perfect note between classy and comforting, with flavors that always impress. Gather your ingredients and give them a whirl—your kitchen (and your guests) are in for a real treat!
Print
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful combination of savory flavors wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- sesame seeds or extra feta for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add spinach and seasonings: Stir in the spinach, salt, pepper, oregano, and nutmeg. Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted and any moisture has evaporated.
- Mix in feta: Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then mix in the crumbled feta.
- Prepare pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into 12 equal squares. Place a spoonful of the spinach-feta mixture in the center of each square.
- Shape and bake: Fold two opposite corners toward the center and pinch to seal, or fold into triangles and crimp the edges with a fork. Brush each piece with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or more feta if desired. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Great as an appetizer or brunch snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
