If you are craving a delightful snack or a light meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, the Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These parcels combine flaky, golden puff pastry with a rich filling of vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, this recipe will quickly become a loved classic for gatherings, lunches, or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on a handful of fresh, essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. Every component plays a role, from the creamy feta adding luxurious saltiness to the flaky pastry providing a satisfying crunch.
- 200g fresh spinach: Gives a fresh, earthy flavor and vibrant green color while keeping the filling light.
- 150g feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the spinach beautifully.
- 1 sheet puff pastry: Thawed and ready to create the wonderfully flaky parcels.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a subtle aroma and depth to the filling without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the garlic and spinach, enriching the overall taste.
- 1 egg, beaten: Brushed on top to give the pastry a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling perfectly to taste.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by washing your fresh spinach and chopping it finely to ensure it cooks evenly. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic, allowing it to become wonderfully fragrant without browning. Toss in the spinach and sauté until it wilts down and most of the moisture evaporates — this step is key to avoid soggy parcels. Remove from heat, let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the crumbled feta cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your workspace with flour and unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Roll it out gently to an even thickness, which helps the parcels bake consistently. Cut the pastry into neat squares or rectangles — the size depends on how big you want each parcel. This step sets the stage for beautifully shaped treats.
Step 3: Assemble the Parcels
Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and feta filling into the center of each pastry square. Carefully fold the pastry over to create a parcel shape, making sure to seal the edges tightly by pressing them down with a fork or your fingers. A good seal is essential to keep all that delicious filling inside while they bake.
Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash
Beat your egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the parcels. This simple step transforms the surface into a glossy, golden delight once baked, making them look as appealing as they taste.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, allow them to cool slightly to set before serving this irresistible treat.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of flaky sea salt can enhance the flavors and add an inviting touch to the presentation. A squeeze of lemon juice works wonders too, brightening the rich filling without overshadowing it.
Side Dishes
Pair these parcels with a crisp garden salad or a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip to complement their buttery richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or a mixed grain pilaf for a comforting balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, arrange the parcels on a wooden board surrounded by colorful dips and small bowls of olives or roasted nuts. You can also skewer mini parcels for bite-sized finger foods that everyone will love. These charming parcels also make excellent party favors when wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid stacking them directly and consider reheating them on a wire rack in the oven.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked parcels by assembling them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can bake fresh parcels any time — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or frozen parcels in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and loss that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to prevent the parcels from becoming soggy. Adjust seasoning since frozen spinach can be milder in flavor.
Is it possible to make these parcels vegan?
Yes, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a flax egg or plant milk to brush the pastry. Choose vegan puff pastry, and you’re good to go!
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely. The spinach and feta filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembling the parcels quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.
What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?
You could try phyllo dough for a different texture, but it requires more layering and brushing with butter. Puff pastry gives the signature rise and flakiness that makes these parcels so special.
How do I prevent the pastry edges from opening during baking?
Make sure to press the edges firmly and seal them well with a fork or your fingers. Chilling the assembled parcels for a few minutes before baking can also help keep the edges intact.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about golden, flaky parcels filled with spinach and tangy feta, and this Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe delivers that warmth in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or impressing guests, this recipe is a fantastic choice guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite snack or starter!
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Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach & Feta Parcels are delightful, flaky puff pastry parcels filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, and crumbled feta cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer, they bake to a golden brown and offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 200g fresh spinach, washed and finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Wash and finely chop the fresh spinach. In a pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted and excess moisture evaporates. Remove from the heat, let it cool slightly, then mix in the crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roll Out Puff Pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to an even thickness. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles depending on your preferred parcel size.
- Assemble the Parcels: Place a generous spoonful of the spinach and feta filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a parcel and seal the edges tightly by pressing with a fork or your fingers to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the beaten egg gently over the surface of each parcel to give them a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Be sure to let the spinach mixture cool before placing it on the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- The egg wash is key for a shiny golden crust, but you can omit it if you want a dairy-free or vegan version—consider using a plant-based milk alternative brushed on top.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- These parcels can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold parcels.
