These Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps are savory, bite-sized delights packed with earthy spinach, tangy feta, and a medley of herbs. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect as a wholesome snack or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like how easy it is to pull this recipe together using simple ingredients I often have on hand. The feta adds a creamy, salty punch while the spinach brings freshness and nutrition. I can bake or pan-fry them depending on how crispy I want them. Plus, these crisps are totally customizable with different herbs and add-ins. They’re great warm or at room temperature, and they always impress when I serve them to guests.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg or 1 tablespoon almond flour for egg-free binding
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
- Sauté the chopped spinach in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until wilted. I then let it cool slightly and squeeze out all the moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a bowl, I combine the spinach with crumbled feta, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and the egg (or almond flour). I mix everything until it holds together.
- I shape the mixture into small balls (about a heaping tablespoon each), then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten them gently with a fork.
- To cook, I choose either:
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden.
- Pan-fry: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and browned.
- I let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sometimes, I finish them with a bit of lemon juice or fresh herbs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: about 16–20 crisps
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- I sometimes swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta if I want a creamier texture.
- Instead of oregano or dill, I switch to thyme, basil, or parsley.
- I add ingredients like chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions for more flavor.
- For a spicier version, I increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
Storage/Reheating
- I store leftover crisps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crisp texture. I avoid using the microwave because it makes them soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, I can. I just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the moisture to prevent sogginess.
What if I want to make them egg-free?
I use almond flour or even ground flaxseed mixed with water to help bind the mixture.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. I often mix the ingredients and refrigerate the uncooked mixture for up to 24 hours before forming and cooking the crisps.
Are these good for a keto diet?
Yes, they’re low in carbs and high in protein and fats, which makes them keto-friendly.
What dips go well with these?
I like serving them with hummus, tzatziki, or a lemon-herb yogurt sauce for a creamy contrast.
Conclusion
I always enjoy making these Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps because they’re simple, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to work as a snack, side, or appetizer. With minimal prep and lots of ways to tweak the ingredients, this is one recipe I keep coming back to.
Print
Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 crisps
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps are savory bites combining earthy spinach with tangy feta, enhanced by herbs and a crispy texture. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh dill
- ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg or 1 tbsp almond flour for egg-free binding
- Optional: 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Optional: 1 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sauté the chopped spinach in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Transfer to a kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, pepper, and egg or almond flour. Mix into a cohesive dough.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons, roll into balls, and flatten on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. For pan-frying: Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Use ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water as an egg-free binder alternative.
- Frozen spinach can be used if thoroughly thawed and drained.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crisp
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg