Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry is one of those recipes that never disappoints—flaky, buttery layers of pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic seasonings. It’s elegant enough to serve at parties or family gatherings, yet simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner or snack. The combination of earthy spinach and salty, tangy feta wrapped in golden puff pastry is timeless, and best of all, it requires very little effort thanks to store-bought pastry sheets. Whether you serve them as appetizers, light lunch, or pair them with a soup or salad, these little pockets of goodness are guaranteed to impress.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed if frozen

• 2 cups (200 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)

• 1 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for brushing and binding)

• ½ tsp dried oregano or dill

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for topping (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add onion, and sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh). Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture with crumbled feta and oregano or dill. Mix well.

5. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

6. Spoon a portion of the filling onto the center of each pastry piece. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg.

7. Fold the pastry over the filling into triangles or rectangles and press edges with a fork to seal.

8. Place pastries on the baking tray, brush tops with remaining egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds if desired.

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

10. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrients (per piece, approx., if 8 pieces)

• Calories: 210

• Protein: 6 g

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Fat: 14 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Calcium: 120 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spinach and Feta Puff Pastries are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory. They’re incredibly versatile—you can serve them at breakfast, as a side dish for dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Since puff pastry is ready-made, most of the work is already done for you, which makes this recipe both quick and foolproof. The filling is rich but not heavy, and every bite offers a burst of flavor from the spinach and feta.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe takes inspiration from the Greek classic spanakopita, a spinach and feta pie traditionally made with delicate phyllo dough. Puff pastry is a shortcut version that offers a similar flaky texture without the delicate layering process of phyllo. It’s a dish that bridges tradition and convenience, making it accessible to home cooks everywhere. The flavors remain true to their Mediterranean roots—salty feta, fresh greens, and herbs—while the pastry makes it easy to adapt into handheld bites.

Ingredient Spotlight

Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse rich in iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Fresh spinach gives the filling a brighter flavor, while frozen spinach offers convenience, especially when you want to save time. Feta cheese adds the signature salty, tangy, and creamy touch that balances the earthiness of the spinach. Traditionally, sheep’s milk feta is used for its bold flavor, but cow’s milk feta works just as well if that’s what you have on hand. Puff pastry is the ultimate shortcut ingredient, giving you flaky, bakery-quality results without the hours of preparation required for making dough from scratch. To round out the flavors, herbs and seasonings like oregano, dill, or parsley tie the dish back to its Greek-inspired roots and give the filling a fragrant, savory lift.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Spinach and feta puff pastries are best enjoyed fresh, but storing and reheating them properly ensures they remain delicious. In the fridge, place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them for up to three days. If you want to prepare them in advance, freeze the unbaked pastries by arranging them on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen—just add about five extra minutes to the baking time. For reheating baked pastries, the oven is the best option to restore their crispness; simply warm them at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. While the microwave works in a pinch, it tends to soften the pastry instead of keeping it flaky.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and there are many variations you can try depending on your mood and the ingredients you have. Adding ricotta cheese makes the filling creamier and gives it a richer texture. If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, sautéed mushrooms are an excellent addition. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, chili flakes or diced jalapeños add a spicy kick. Changing the herbs can also transform the dish; basil, mint, or parsley each bring their own distinct notes that work beautifully with spinach and feta. You can also make mini bite-sized versions of the pastries, which are perfect for parties, brunch platters, or easy grab-and-go snacks.

Pairing Recommendations

These pastries pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a fresh Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. They’re also delicious alongside lentil soup, chicken soup, or even a light tomato bisque. For drinks, pair them with white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or even a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Health Benefits

Spinach and feta puff pastries may lean indulgent due to the buttery pastry, but they also pack in valuable nutrients. Spinach provides iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, which support immunity and bone health. Feta cheese offers protein and calcium while being lower in fat compared to many cheeses. By baking instead of frying, the dish keeps calories in check while still being deeply satisfying.

Conclusion

Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry is a recipe that feels both indulgent and practical. It transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that works for every occasion, whether casual or festive. With minimal prep, you get a flaky golden pastry filled with a creamy, savory filling that bursts with Mediterranean flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat in your kitchen.