Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
If you’re looking for a snack or appetizer that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a savory, vibrant filling, you’ve got to try these Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels. This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, featuring a perfect balance of creamy feta cheese and tender spinach wrapped in golden puff pastry, ready in just minutes and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a delicious bite to eat, these parcels are a simple, yet elegant treat that will win hearts every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute snacks or appetizers.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The creamy feta pairs perfectly with fresh spinach and herbs for an irresistible filling.
- Versatile and Portable: Perfect as finger food for parties, picnics, or a light meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with additions like garlic, herbs, or different cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it delightfully simple, focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final taste and texture of your Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels.
- Ready-rolled puff pastry: Provides the flaky, buttery crust crucial for that perfect golden parcel.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant color and mild, nutritious flavor to the filling.
- Feta cheese: Offers a tangy, creamy texture that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Onion or shallot: Adds sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the filling.
- Egg wash (egg + water): Ensures a shiny, golden finish on the pastry.
- Olive oil or butter: For sautéing the spinach and onion, enhancing flavor and softness.
- Salt and pepper: To balance and season every bite perfectly.
Variations for Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
One of the best things about Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels is how easy it is to make them your own. Whether you want to switch up the fillings or cater to your dietary preferences, this recipe adapts wonderfully.
- Cheese swaps: Try adding goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Additional greens: Mix in kale or Swiss chard for a heartier veggie boost.
- Herb infusion: Fresh dill, mint, or parsley can add delightful fresh notes.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth and subtle heat.
- Meat options: Incorporate cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon for a richer parcel.
How to Make Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by washing and roughly chopping fresh spinach. Sauté the spinach with finely chopped onion or shallot in a little olive oil or butter over medium heat until the spinach is wilted and the onions are translucent. Let it cool slightly, then stir in crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out the ready-rolled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into even squares, sized about 4 inches on each side. These will form the individual parcels.
Step 3: Fill the Pastry Squares
Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each pastry square. Be sure not to overfill to avoid leakage during baking.
Step 4: Seal the Parcels
Brush the edges of each pastry square with a little water or egg wash, then fold them into triangles or rectangles, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the parcels onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny finish, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
- Drain excess moisture: After sautéing spinach, press out any extra liquid to avoid soggy pastry.
- Chill the pastry: Keep your puff pastry cold until ready to use for the best puff.
- Don’t overfill: Stick to moderate amounts of filling for easy sealing and perfect baking.
- Use egg wash: For a golden, glossy finish, brush egg wash on the parcels before baking.
- Let cool slightly: Allow the parcels to rest a few minutes after baking for easier handling and the best flavor.
How to Serve Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right out of the oven adds a nice crunch and flavor enhancement.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad, a tangy tzatziki sauce, or some roasted cherry tomatoes to complement the richness of the pastries.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels on a rustic wooden board or colorful platter, adding small bowls of dipping sauces like hummus or yogurt dip for a delightful appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover parcels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re great for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels freeze well when unbaked. Arrange the filled and sealed parcels on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen baked parcels in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pastry’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before cooking to prevent soggy parcels.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan puff pastry and replace feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or seasoned tofu.
Can I prepare these parcels in advance for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the parcels ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake, or freeze them unbaked and bake straight from frozen.
What can I serve with these parcels for a complete meal?
A crisp side salad, tomato soup, or a bowl of hummus with fresh veggies creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Drain the filling thoroughly and brush the inside of the pastry with a thin layer of mustard or egg wash before adding the filling to create a moisture barrier.
Final Thoughts
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels are a wonderful way to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a flavorful, easy-to-make snack. With their buttery, flaky crust and savory filling, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen. Go ahead, give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Related Posts
PrintSpinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels
Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Parcels feature flaky, buttery pastry enveloping a savory filling of tender spinach and creamy feta cheese. This quick and easy appetizer is perfect for parties, snacks, or light meals, offering a delicious blend of fresh ingredients and a golden, crisp crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 parcels 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pastry
- Ready-rolled puff pastry (enough for about 8-10 parcels)
Filling
- 200g fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Sealing and Finishing
- 1 egg (for egg wash) mixed with 1 tbsp water
- Water (optional, for sealing edges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Wash and roughly chop the fresh spinach. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the spinach with finely chopped onion or shallot in olive oil or butter until the spinach wilts and the onions turn translucent. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the ready-rolled puff pastry and cut it into even squares about 4 inches (10 cm) on each side to create individual parcels.
- Fill the Pastry Squares: Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each pastry square, ensuring not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
- Seal the Parcels: Brush the edges of each pastry square with a little water or egg wash. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the parcels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Drain excess moisture from the sautéed spinach to avoid soggy pastry.
- Keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to use for the best puff.
- Do not overfill the parcels to ensure they seal properly and bake evenly.
- Use egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden crust.
- Allow parcels to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving for better handling and enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: spinach, feta, puff pastry, appetizer, snack, vegetarian, easy recipe
