MEDITERRANEAN SPINACH AND FETA CRISPS
The Allure of Mediterranean Simplicity
Mediterranean cuisine has long been celebrated for its simplicity, freshness, and vibrant flavors. It is built on the belief that wholesome ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create meals that feel both luxurious and nourishing. And among the many beloved recipes from the Mediterranean region, Greek-inspired spinach and feta dishes hold a particularly special place.
The harmonious pairing of spinach and feta is a culinary romance that has stood the test of centuries. Spinach brings freshness, earthiness, and a tender bite, while feta contributes sharp saltiness, creaminess, and unmistakable tang. Wrapped in delicate golden layers of filo dough — crisp on the outside, indulgent on the inside — the combination becomes unforgettable.
This recipe for Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps is inspired by classic spanakopita, but with a modern twist tailored for parties, snacks, holidays, or weeknight dinners. Instead of a large layered pie, these crisps are baked in small, individual portions — the perfect size for gatherings, buffets, lunchboxes, or mezze platters.
They’re easy to make, astonishingly flavorful, and visually stunning. Each crisp is a delightful contrast: flaky filo that shatters gently with every bite, yielding to a warm, savory, cheesy spinach filling that feels both comforting and refined.
This long-form article dives deeply into everything you need to know to master this recipe: how to handle filo dough without frustration, how to achieve a perfectly seasoned spinach mixture, how to shape the crisps for maximum crunch, and how to customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Let’s begin by exploring what makes these Mediterranean bites so remarkable — and why they deserve a spot in your holiday menu or weekly meal prep rotation.
Why These Spinach and Feta Crisps Are Special
These crisps combine the beloved flavors of classic spanakopita with the convenience of individually portioned bites. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Perfect for entertaining
Elegant, bite-sized, and easy to serve warm or room temperature.
Crunchy + creamy contrast
The buttery filo bakes into beautifully crisp layers that encase a rich filling.
Nutrient-rich ingredients
Spinach brings vitamins A, C, K, and iron. Feta offers protein and flavor.
Endless variations
Swap greens, include herbs, add spices, or use different cheeses.
Fast baking time
They crisp up quickly — ideal when you want something impressive without hours of prep.
Freezer-friendly
Assemble ahead of time and freeze unbaked; bake whenever needed.
Ingredients
- 1 package filo (phyllo) dough, thawed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, well drained)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional — feta is salty, taste before adding)
- Extra butter or olive oil for brushing filo
Instructions
1. Prepare the spinach mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (or thawed, if using frozen). Remove from heat and cool.
2. Mix the filling
In a bowl, combine spinach mixture, crumbled feta, beaten egg, dill, pepper, and salt if needed. Stir until fully blended.
3. Prepare the filo sheets
Carefully unroll filo dough. Cover it with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Brush the top sheet with melted butter or olive oil.
4. Cut and layer
Cut filo sheets into rectangles. Stack 2–3 rectangles, brushing lightly with butter between layers.
5. Add filling
Place a spoonful of spinach-feta mixture in the center or corner, depending on your desired shape.
6. Shape the crisps
Fold into triangles, fold like parcels, or roll into cylinders — whichever shape produces your preferred crispiness.
7. Brush tops
Place shaped crisps on a lined baking sheet and brush lightly with more melted butter for extra golden color.
8. Bake
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
9. Serve
Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or even cold. Serve with lemon wedges, tzatziki, or enjoy as-is.
Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is well drained and warmed through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl combine the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta, beaten egg, chopped dill, black pepper, and salt if needed. Mix until well combined.
- Carefully unroll filo dough and keep covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Brush a sheet of filo with melted butter, place another sheet on top and brush again. Cut the layered filo into rectangles sized for individual crisps.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach-feta filling onto each filo rectangle and fold or shape into parcels, triangles, or cups as desired. Seal edges with a little butter.
- Arrange the filled crisps on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with additional melted butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the filo is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
