Spinach Feta Pastry Spiral

This golden flaky pastry spiral is stuffed with a savory blend of spinach feta cheese and fresh herbs. It is the perfect dish when you want a show stopping appetizer or a brunch centerpiece that feels both rustic and elegant. With every bite you get creamy cheese tender spinach and that irresistible buttery crunch from the pastry.

Whenever I bring this to family gatherings everyone wants a slice the minute it comes out of the oven. I first made it for a spring brunch and since then even the feta skeptics in my house have converted.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: Ready rolled for easy handling Look for one with real butter for best flavor and texture
• Fresh spinach: Bright and earthy Choose crisp unwilted leaves for max freshness If using frozen squeeze dry thoroughly
• Feta cheese: Crumbled and creamy A good sheep's milk feta gives the most authentic tang
• Ricotta cheese: Adds lightness Look for whole milk ricotta with no excess liquid
• Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that ground the flavor Use yellow or sweet onion and fresh garlic cloves
• Fresh dill and parsley: Both lift the filling with fresh herbal notes Dill brings a hint of sweetness Parsley adds freshness
• Egg: Binds the filling and gives richness
• Lemon zest: Just a touch for brightness Use an organic lemon if possible
• Ground nutmeg: Accentuates the greens with a subtle warmth
• Salt and black pepper: Season to taste Use flaky salt and fresh cracked pepper for the best pop
• Olive oil: For softening veggies Go for extra virgin for a fruity finish
• Egg yolk: For brushing and that glossy golden crust Use a free range egg if you can
• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds: Optional for a classic bakery look and extra crunch Go for fresh seeds

Instructions

Preheat and Prep Oven:

Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Sauté Aromatics:

In a skillet over medium heat add olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for two minutes until softened Add minced garlic and cook just until it releases that sweet aroma This base flavors the whole filling

Cook Spinach:

Add fresh spinach leaves by handfuls and turn with tongs until wilted If using frozen add after thawing and draining Continue to stir for another couple minutes Let the mixture cool slightly then use your hands to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before coarsely chopping This stops a soggy pastry

Mix Filling:

In a large mixing bowl combine the chopped spinach feta ricotta sautéed onion and garlic chopped dill and parsley whole egg lemon zest nutmeg salt and black pepper Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to blend until everything looks evenly incorporated

Assemble Pastry:

Lay out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface with the longer edge facing you Spoon the spinach mixture in a thick even strip along the edge closest to you leaving a border of about two centimeters for sealing

Roll and Shape:

Using both hands roll the pastry tightly around the filling just like making a jelly roll Pinch the seam to seal Make sure it is snug as this will help hold the spiral shape

Form Spiral:

Carefully coil the filled log into a loose spiral directly on the prepared sheet seam side down Tuck the ends under to tidy up

Glaze and Top:

Brush the pastry spiral generously all over with beaten egg yolk Top with sesame or nigella seeds if you like for bakery style crunch and look

Bake and Cool:

Slide into the oven and bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until deep golden and crisp Remove from oven and let it cool just enough to handle This will help the filling set and make slicing easier

Serve:

Transfer to a serving board Slice with a sharp knife and serve warm or at room temperature Perfect with a squeeze of lemon or next to a fresh salad

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My favorite part of this recipe is using a sheep's milk feta when I can find it It gives the most amazing creamy tang. One of my happiest mornings was making this spiral with my daughter while the house filled with the smell of baking pastry and herbs.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on a baking sheet at a moderate oven temperature to restore flakiness. You can also freeze individual slices and then pop them in the toaster oven straight from frozen for a quick snack.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out ricotta with well drained cottage cheese for a lighter twist. Try goat cheese in place of feta for a tangy extra creamy filling If you do not have fresh herbs use half the listed amount of dried herbs. Chopped kale or chard can replace the spinach in equal weights.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve as an appetizer for gatherings or as a vegetarian brunch main with poached eggs on the side. I love it paired with a crisp tomato cucumber salad and plenty of fresh lemon wedges. For a real party moment serve it with a tangy yogurt dipping sauce.

Mediterranean Inspirations

The flavor combo of spinach feta dill and pastry is inspired by spanakopita a beloved Greek dish. Rolling it into a spiral makes for a showy presentation that looks impressive but is secretly simple. This is the kind of dish you find at bakeries and holiday spreads all over the Mediterranean.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use leftover cooked greens or wild herbs after spring foraging. In autumn add a dash more nutmeg for warmth Other seasons swap the fresh herbs for whatever buds are flourishing

Choose the freshest greens for best color and flavor Real feta not crumbles in a tub will give the best results For a lighter dish try using low fat pastry and cottage cheese

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Bake this spiral for your next brunch or gathering and everyone will want seconds. It is a true crowd pleaser that tastes just as good as it looks.

Frequently asked questions about this recipe

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.

→ What herbs pair well with this pastry?

A combination of dill and parsley delivers a classic Mediterranean flavor, but you can also add a touch of mint or chives for variation.

→ Is it possible to prepare in advance?

You can assemble the spiral and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving for the flakiest result.

→ Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?

Yes, cottage cheese makes a lighter alternative, while cream cheese creates a richer filling.

→ How do I achieve a crisp pastry?

Ensure the filling is not too wet and bake until the pastry is deeply golden. Cool slightly before slicing.

→ What should I serve alongside?

A fresh tomato salad or a crisp white wine complements the flavors and texture perfectly.