Description
These Spinach and Feta Puffs are savory, flaky pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, creamy feta, and fresh herbs. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or a light snack, they feature buttery puff pastry encasing a rich, creamy filling that combines tender spinach, tangy feta cheese, aromatic dill, and a hint of lemon zest. Easy to prepare and bake, these Mediterranean-inspired puffs are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ¾ cup crumbled halal-certified feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator
- All-purpose flour, for rolling
- Oil, for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and ½ teaspoon kosher salt, then cook for 5–7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with one of the eggs and mix until smooth. Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry spinach, crumbled feta, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Form Pastry Cups: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Cut it into 9 equal squares. Lightly oil a muffin tin and press each square into the cups, shaping them to fit the mold.
- Fill and Seal Pastry: Spoon approximately 2½ tablespoons of the prepared filling into each pastry cup. Gather the corners of each pastry square together at the top and pinch them to seal the filling inside. Place the filled muffin tin in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill or freeze for 15 minutes to firm up the pastry.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 teaspoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the sealed pastry puffs to give them a golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully lift the puffs out of the muffin tin and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Squeeze the thawed spinach thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy pastry.
- The puff pastry can be frozen after shaping and filled, allowing for convenient baking later.
- Ensure the filling is well mixed but not too watery to maintain flaky pastry texture.
- Use halal-certified feta to maintain dietary compliance.
- Serve these puffs warm for the best texture and flavor.