Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer

Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer
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Imagine biting into a crispy, golden snack filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and feta cheese, all wrapped up in layers of phyllo dough. This savory appetizer is bursting with flavor, thanks to its rich filling made from cottage cheese, eggs, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and spinach. Each bite is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and earthy spinach, complemented by the buttery crunch of the phyllo dough. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty treat, this Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Spinach and Feta cheese Filling:

  1. Cottage Cheese (4% milk fat): Soft, fresh cheese made from cow’s milk curds, with 4% milk fat content.
  2. Eggs: Commonly used ingredient in cooking, providing structure and moisture to dishes.
  3. Parmesan Cheese (shredded): Hard, aged cheese with a nutty flavor, shredded for easy incorporation into dishes.
  4. Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor and excellent melting properties, shredded for convenience.
  5. Feta Cheese (crumbled): Brined cheese with a tangy flavor and crumbly texture, typically made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk.
  6. Spinach (frozen): Leafy green vegetable that is used in savory dishes.
  7. Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Used to enhance flavor in cooking.

Extra Ingredients:

  1. Phyllo Dough (1 Roll): Thin, unleavened dough used for making pastries and savory dishes, typically packaged in rolls for convenience.
  2. Butter (melted) (or vegetable oil): Fat used for brushing the phyllo dough layers, adding richness and aiding in browning during baking. Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for those avoiding dairy or looking for a lighter option.
INGREDIENTS PHOTO

WHAT MAKES PREPARING RECIPES WITH PHYLLO DOUGH SO SPECIAL?

People really like using phyllo dough in recipes for a few reasons. First off, it’s super flexible, so you can make lots of different tasty things with it, whether you’re into sweet or savory dishes. Plus, when you bake it, it gets all crispy and flaky, which adds a nice texture to whatever you’re making. Another cool thing is that phyllo dough has less fat than other pastry dough, so it’s a bit healthier. And it cooks pretty fast too, which saves time in the kitchen. Also, when you use phyllo dough, your food looks fancy and impressive, which is great for when you’re having people over or celebrating something special. Lastly, working with phyllo dough can be fun because it’s kind of like putting together a puzzle, and when your dish turns out just right, it feels awesome!

APPETIZER

HOW TO PREPARE A SPINACH FETA PHYLLO APPETIZER?

Time needed: 50 minutes

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Feta Cheese Filling:


    In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and the thawed and drained 10 oz package of frozen spinach.

    Season the filling mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Set the filling aside.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the appetizers are assembled and ready for baking.


    MIX THE SPINACH FILLING INGREDIENTS

  2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:


    Lay out 2 sheets of phyllo dough on a clean surface.

    Brush one sheet with melted butter or vegetable oil using a pastry brush.

  3. Add the Filling:


    Spread a portion of the prepared filling mixture along one edge of the phyllo sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.


    SPREAD THE FILLING ONE EDGE

  4. Roll the Phyllo Dough:


    Carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling as you roll.


    ROLL THE PHYLLO DOUGH

  5. Shape into Spirals or Triangles:


    Once rolled, gently curl the dough into a spiral shape, starting from one end and working your way around until the entire roll is formed into a spiral.

    Another Option: Cut the phyllo dough sheet in half long ways add a dollop of filling on one end and fold over the dough to make a triangle shape. Either way, they make a great presentation.


    CURL THE PHYLLO DOUGH INTO A CIRCLE

  6. Bake the Appetizers:


    Place the prepared phyllo dough spirals onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

    Brush the tops of the spirals with melted butter or vegetable oil to help them brown during baking. Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for added flavor.

    Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the appetizers for about 30 minutes or until crispy.


    BRUSH WITH MELTED BUTTER

  7. Serve and Enjoy:


    Once baked, remove the Spinach Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

    Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack for your next gathering or enjoy them as a tasty treat any time of day.


    BAKED SPINACH AND FETA PHYLLO APPETIZERS

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?


Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can help save time when assembling the dish.

How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out and falling apart?


Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp kitchen towel while assembling the dish. Work quickly, as phyllo dough dries out fast when exposed to air.

Can I substitute or omit any of the cheeses in the filling?


While the combination of cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, and parmesan creates a rich flavor profile, you can adjust the cheeses based on your preferences. However, each cheese contributes to the overall taste and texture, so substitutions may alter the final result.

How do I ensure the phyllo dough rolls are crispy?


Brush the assembled rolls generously with melted butter or olive oil before baking. This helps to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.

Can I freeze the assembled rolls before baking?


Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching each other, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; place them in the oven and adjust the baking time.

PLATED SPINACH AND FETA SERVED WITH SMOKED HAM AND CHEESES

FETA AND SPINACH PHYLLO RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS?

These changes give you fun ways to make the spinach and feta appetizers just how you like them. You can add different things to the filling and try new flavors. It’s like adding your own special touch to your cooking!

  1. Herb Flavor: Add fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil for extra flavor. They go great with the spinach and cheese.
  2. Sweet Tomatoes: Put in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy taste. They make the filling more interesting.
  3. A Little Spice: Sprinkle red pepper flakes to give a little kick to your bites. It adds a bit of heat without being too spicy.
  4. Crunchy Nuts: Mix in toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture. They make the filling richer and tastier.
  5. Yummy Mushrooms: Cooked mushrooms, like cremini or shiitake, add a meaty flavor. Chop them up small before adding to the filling.
  6. Tangy Artichokes: Use chopped marinated artichoke hearts for a tangy flavor. They add something special to the creamy filling.
  7. Creamy Ricotta: Try using ricotta cheese instead of some of the cottage or mozzarella cheese. It makes the filling smoother and tastier.
  8. Fun Shapes: Instead of rolling the filling in phyllo dough, try making different shapes like triangles or squares. It makes the appetizers look cool and fun to eat.
  9. Spicy Butter: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika into melted butter before brushing it on the phyllo rolls. It gives them extra flavor and smells great.
  10. Sweet Touch: Add a little honey or maple syrup to the filling for a sweet twist. It balances out the savory flavors and makes them even more delicious.

WHAT SHOULD BE SERVED WITH SPINACH AND FETA PHYLLO ROLLS?

When you serve spinach and feta-filled dough as a snack or appetizer, it’s common to offer different tasty foods to go with it. You can have yummy dipping sauces like tzatziki or marinara to add more flavor. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes make a crunchy contrast to the tasty filling. Some marinated olives give a salty flavor, and a cheese platter with different kinds of cheese, like Manchego or goat cheese, adds variety. For more options, you can also serve hummus with pita bread or a colorful fruit platter for something sweet. These extra foods make the spinach and feta-filled dough even more delicious when you eat them together.

HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER PHYLLO DOUGH APPETIZER?

To keep leftover phyllo dough appetizers fresh, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap after they cool down. You can put them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them again, there are a few ways to reheat them. In the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), put the appetizers on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 5-8 minutes until they’re crispy again. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Put the appetizers on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they’re warmed through. Just be careful not to make them too soggy!

CAN LEFTOVER SPINACH PHYLLO APPETIZERS BE FROZEN FOR LATER?

Yes, you can freeze leftover spinach phyllo appetizers to enjoy later! First, make sure they’re completely cooled down. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh. Place the wrapped appetizers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the oven until they’re warm and crispy. Freezing leftover spinach phyllo appetizers is a great way to enjoy them later without letting them go to waste!

LOOKING FOR MORE APPETIZER RECIPES? TRY THESE!

Easy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: These bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are baked instead of fried and they’re even better than the fried version. Who can resist fresh jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Dry Rub Oven Baked Chicken Wings: Get ready for a flavor-packed fiesta with our super-simple keto low-carb oven-baked chicken wings recipe. No fancy frying here – we’re keeping it easy-breezy with a dry rub and tossing these bad boys into the oven for crispy chicken wing perfection.

Hot Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip–Copycat Recipe: Rich and velvety creamy Alfredo sauce form the decadent base, infused with the aromatic essence of roasted garlic, imparting depth and complexity. The marriage of tender spinach leaves and tangy artichoke hearts adds a delightful contrast, while a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese blankets the dip with its signature savory notes.

APPETIZER SPREAD TO SERVE TO GUESTS

Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer

Savory Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer is prepared with layers of flaky phyllo pastry enveloping a savory filling of spinach and creamy feta cheese, this appetizer is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: Spinach and Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizer, Spinach Feta Cheese Phyllo Bites, Spinach Feta Phyllo Appetizer
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 278kcal
Author: George – U Keep Cooking

Ingredients

Spinach and Feta Cheese Filling:

  • 1 Cup Cottage Cheese (4% milk fat)
  • 3 Eggs
  • ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 Cup Feta Cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 (10 oz) Spinach (frozen) (thaw and drain)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Extra Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz) Phyllo Dough (1 Roll) (Athens Phyllo Dough)
  • 1 Stick Butter (melted) (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach and Feta Cheese Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and the thawed and drained 10 oz package of frozen spinach.
  • Season the filling mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Set the filling aside.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the appetizers are assembled and ready for baking.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough:

  • Lay out 2 sheets of phyllo dough on a clean surface.
  • Brush one sheet with melted butter or vegetable oil using a pastry brush.

Add the Filling and Roll the Dough:

  • Spread a portion of the prepared filling mixture along one edge of the phyllo sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling as you roll.

Shape into Spirals or Triangles:

  • Once rolled, gently curl the dough into a spiral shape, starting from one end and working your way around until the entire roll is formed into a spiral.
  • Another Option: Cut the phyllo dough sheet in half long ways and add a dollop of filling on one end and fold over the dough to make triangle shape. Either way they make a great presentation.

Bake the Appetizers:

  • Place the prepared phyllo dough spirals onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Brush the tops of the spirals with more melted butter or vegetable oil to help them brown and crisp up during baking.
  • Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the appetizers for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Once baked, remove the Spinach Feta Cheese Phyllo Dough Appetizers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack for your next gathering or enjoy them as a tasty treat any time of day.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 636mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4855IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 345mg | Iron: 1mg


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