Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

🧀 Mediterranean Spinach & Cheese Puff Pastry Squares

🇬🇷 Description

Crispy, buttery puff pastry encases a luscious filling of spinach, feta, and herbs — a Mediterranean classic similar to spanakopita, but much quicker to make. Every bite is flaky on the outside and creamy inside!

---

🧺 Ingredients (Makes 9–12 squares)

For the filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 cups (about 100 g / 3.5 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
  (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)

• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional but very Mediterranean)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but lovely)

For assembly:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250 g / 9 oz), thawed if frozen

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional topping)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

   • Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the filling

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add chopped onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

   • Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).

   • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

   • In a bowl, combine spinach mixture with feta, ricotta (if using), beaten egg, herbs, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.

3. Prepare the pastry

   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.

   • Cut into 9 or 12 equal squares (about 3×3 inches each).

   • Place half of the squares on the prepared tray.

4. Fill and seal

   • Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each base square.

   • Brush the edges with beaten egg.

   • Top with another pastry square (or fold diagonally to make triangles if you prefer).

   • Press edges gently with a fork to seal.

5. Add the finishing touches

   • Brush the tops with egg wash.

   • Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds for a Mediterranean look and flavor.

6. Bake

   • Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

7. Serve

   • Let cool slightly before serving.

   • Serve warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of olive oil or a side of tzatziki.

---

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer, brunch snack, or alongside a Greek salad.

• Delicious with hummus, tzatziki, or roasted red pepper dip.

• Pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine or mint tea.

---

💡 Tips

• You can substitute feta with goat cheese or manouri for a softer filling.

• Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

• These pastries freeze well — just reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.