If you’re anything like me, there’s something truly magical about those little bites that combine flaky, buttery pastry with a rich, savory filling bursting with flavor. That’s exactly why the Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to whip up for gatherings or a cozy snack at home. Each bite-sized morsel is packed with tender spinach, tangy feta, and a hint of garlic and herbs, all wrapped in golden, crispy puff pastry that practically melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each item plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy feta that adds that signature tang to the flaky puff pastry that provides irresistible crunch, every component matters.
- Butter: Use 2 tablespoons for sautéing the aromatics and giving the filling richness.
- Onion, diced: One medium onion adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic, minced: Three cloves will infuse the filling with warm, savory notes.
- Frozen chopped spinach: About 1 1/2 cups, thawed and drained for a vibrant, nutritious green boost.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Half a cup to brighten the filling with fresh herbal flavor.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Half a cup for that salty tang that defines the recipe’s character.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: A quarter cup to add a nutty, savory layer.
- Eggs, large: Two total; one to bind the filling and one to brush as egg wash for a shiny crust.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon, or to taste, to enhance all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper: A quarter teaspoon, or to taste, for a mild kick.
- Puff pastry sheet: One 10×15-inch sheet, thawed, acts as the crispy, buttery vessel for your filling.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot once your bites are assembled. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure each puff can be lifted out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Drain and Sauté the Spinach Mixture
Thaw your frozen spinach completely, and then squeeze out as much liquid as you can by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel—this step is key to preventing sogginess. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, then add diced onion, minced garlic, and the drained spinach. Sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most moisture has evaporated and the mixture smells irresistible, then let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooled spinach mixture, chopped fresh parsley, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, one egg, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined, which will give the filling that wonderfully creamy yet textured feel. Pop the bowl into the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the flavors mingle and the filling firm up just a bit.
Step 4: Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your surface and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into 12 equal rectangles, roughly 3 by 4 inches each, by making 3 vertical and 2 horizontal cuts. Press each of these rectangles firmly into the cups of your prepared muffin pan, making a little pastry shell ready to cradle the filling. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and feta mixture into each shell.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Bites
Bring the four corners of each cut pastry toward the center and pinch them lightly to seal the edges—but don’t worry about completely covering the filling; it’s lovely if some filling peeks out to get golden and crispy along with the pastry.
Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Bake
Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and brush a thin, even layer over the tops of each puff pastry bite. This will help them develop that beautiful, glossy, golden-brown finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pastries have puffed up delightfully and show off a rich golden color.
Step 7: Cool and Remove From Pan
After baking, allow your bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then use a silicone spatula or knife to gently loosen each one before carefully lifting them out. Serve warm or at room temperature—you’ll love how they stay delicious either way!
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill sprinkled over the top just before serving add a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan can add some extra savory sparkle, too!
Side Dishes
These puff pastry bites are absolute crowd-pleasers on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy roasted tomato sauce can elevate the whole experience. If you want to swing into Mediterranean territory, serving alongside a bowl of tzatziki is a delightful option.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, arrange the bites on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper, alternating with fresh lemon wedges or small bowls of dipping sauces like hummus or garlic aioli. They also make fantastic finger food for brunch spreads or as party appetizers that everyone can grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your leftover Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain tasty and fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy grab-and-go snack or quick addition to meals.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bites in advance, you can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the bites on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For freezing after baking, let them cool completely and place in a container with parchment layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen puff pastry bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the pastry soggy instead of flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just be sure to wilt fresh spinach in a pan first and squeeze out all excess moisture to keep your filling from getting watery.
Is it possible to make these bites vegetarian or vegan?
While this recipe is already vegetarian, to make it vegan, swap out the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg for binding and a plant milk wash or melted vegan butter in place of the egg wash.
Can I substitute the puff pastry with phyllo dough?
You can, but phyllo dough requires extra care as it’s much thinner. Layer multiple sheets brushed with butter and fold carefully to form pockets—expect a crispier, lighter texture.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess in the filling?
Draining the spinach very well and sautéing it until most moisture evaporates are essential steps. This keeps your puff pastry nice and crisp once baked.
How long do these puff pastry bites last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the bites should stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and elegant about these Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Bites Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time after time. They’re perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight snacks to stunning party appetizers. I hope after you try making these, they become a go-to recipe in your kitchen, bringing flaky, cheesy, flavorful joy to your table whenever you need it.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Puff Pastry Bites are savory, flaky appetizers filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, onions, garlic, herbs, and a blend of feta and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they come together easily using store-bought puff pastry and bake to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen chopped spinach (about 10 ounces), thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs, divided (one for egg wash)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Dough
- 1 (10×15-inch) sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Thaw and Drain Spinach: Completely thaw the frozen spinach. Then, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid soggy filling.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spinach: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbly. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and drained spinach. Sauté until most of the moisture has evaporated, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Combine Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture, finely chopped parsley, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, one egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine and then chill the filling in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 12 equal rectangles approximately 3 by 4 inches by making 3 vertical and 2 horizontal cuts.
- Assemble Puff Bites: Press each puff pastry rectangle into a muffin cup. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into each pastry cup. Fold the four corners of each rectangle toward the center and pinch lightly to seal, leaving some filling visible.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl with a fork. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of each filled puff to give them a golden shine when baked.
- Bake: Bake the filled puff pastry bites in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they’re puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the muffin pan for 5 minutes. Use a silicone spatula or knife to carefully loosen each puff pastry from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure to thoroughly drain the spinach to prevent soggy pastry.
- Chilling the filling helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and assemble.
- If puff pastry feels too soft to work with, briefly chill it in the refrigerator before cutting.
- These bites can be made in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
- For a vegetarian option, this recipe already applies; to make vegan, substitute cheeses and egg with vegan alternatives.
