These Feta Spinach Savory Pillows are a delightful treat that combines the flaky goodness of puff pastry with the creamy, tangy flavor of feta cheese and the freshness of spinach. Perfect for any occasion, these bite-sized pillows are a delicious appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. The crispy golden pastry exterior perfectly complements the rich and savory filling, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy meal, or simply looking for a quick and tasty dish, these savory pillows are the perfect solution. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. These pillows come together quickly and are ideal for impressing guests or satisfying your cravings with something flavorful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, these savory pillows are ready to bake in no time. They’re perfect for when you need a snack or appetizer in a hurry.
2. Perfectly Crispy
The puff pastry gives these pillows a golden, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta and spinach filling inside.
3. Versatile
These savory pillows are perfect for a wide range of occasions. Serve them as an appetizer at a dinner party, a side dish at a family meal, or a snack during a cozy night in.
4. Full of Flavor
The combination of feta cheese and fresh spinach, enhanced by a hint of garlic powder, creates a savory and satisfying filling that will excite your taste buds.
5. Make Ahead Option
You can prepare these pillows ahead of time, freeze them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve, making them a convenient option for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh spinach (chopped)
- Egg (beaten)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Variations
- Herbs: Add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil to the filling for extra flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture and flavor.
- Add Protein: Include some cooked chicken or bacon bits to the filling for an added savory kick.
- Veggie Add-ins: Mix in some finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the spinach and feta mixture for more texture and depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Puff Pastry
Unroll the puff pastry and use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into square pieces. Each square should be about 3 inches on each side, but you can adjust the size depending on how big or small you want your pillows.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Add the Filling to the Pastry
Spoon a small amount of the spinach and feta mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as the mixture may leak out during baking.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Pillows
Fold each pastry square over the filling to form a triangle or rectangular pillow shape. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal them, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the filled puff pastry pillows with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish as they bake.
Step 7: Bake the Pillows
Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve the savory pillows warm. They make a great appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overstuff the pillows, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Seal Well: Press the edges of the pastry together firmly to ensure the pillows stay sealed while baking.
- Chill the Pastry: If the puff pastry starts to soften too much while you’re working with it, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before proceeding.
- Brush with Butter: For an extra golden finish, consider brushing the pillows with melted butter instead of egg wash before baking.
- Serve Fresh: These savory pillows are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for the perfect crispy texture.
How to Serve
These Feta Spinach Savory Pillows are best served warm right after baking. Serve them on a platter as an appetizer, or pair them with a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner. They also make a great snack alongside a glass of wine or a refreshing drink. You can serve them with a side of tzatziki or marinara sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best when freshly baked but can still be enjoyed the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these savory pillows before baking. Simply assemble the pillows, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To bake, preheat the oven and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pillows in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though they may lose some of their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling to prevent the pillows from becoming soggy.
2. How can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry to make these savory pillows gluten-free. Check the package instructions for specific baking times.
3. Can I make these pillows ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pillows ahead of time, freeze them, and bake them later. This makes them great for meal prep or party planning.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, feel free to add other chopped vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
5. How can I make the filling richer?
You can add a little cream cheese or ricotta to the filling for a creamier texture.
6. Can I make these with a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can try goat cheese, ricotta, or a sharp cheddar for different flavors.
7. Can I bake these at a lower temperature?
It’s best to bake these at 400°F to get a golden, crispy crust. If you bake them at a lower temperature, they may not puff up as nicely.
8. Can I use a different pastry dough?
You can use phyllo dough or a shortcrust pastry, but puff pastry provides the light, flaky texture that’s perfect for this recipe.
9. How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?
Ensure your filling isn’t too wet, and seal the edges of the pastry well to keep the filling in.
10. Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?
Yes, these pillows pair wonderfully with dipping sauces such as tzatziki, marinara, or even a simple garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
These Feta Spinach Savory Pillows are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party dish, offering a balance of creamy, savory filling and flaky puff pastry. With their simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, they’re a great option for any home cook. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed on their own, these pillows are sure to delight with every bite.
PrintFeta Spinach Savory Pillows
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pillows 1x
Description
These flaky, golden puff pastry pillows are filled with a delicious blend of creamy feta cheese and fresh spinach, seasoned with garlic powder. A perfect appetizer or snack, these savory pillows are easy to make and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.
- In a bowl, mix together the feta cheese, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the feta mixture onto each puff pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a pillow shape and seal the edges with a fork.
- Place the pillows on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pillows are golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can freeze these pillows before baking for a make-ahead snack. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- For added flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or herbs like oregano or thyme to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes