Mediterranean Spinach

Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps with Cream Cheese Glaze are an irresistible Mediterranean-inspired treat. The savory combination of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and a crisp phyllo dough crust, all topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, is sure to become a favorite. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual get-togethers and festive gatherings.

If you’re looking to explore more Mediterranean diet recipes, you can take a look at EatingWell’s Mediterranean Diet Casserole Recipes for some healthy and vibrant ideas. Similarly, if you love spinach and feta, check out That Skinny Chick Can Bake’s Spinach Feta Pinwheels, which offer a different twist on these delicious ingredients.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

The ingredients in Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps are not only flavorful but also packed with health benefits. Let’s break down the nutritional powerhouses in this dish:

Spinach Benefits:

• Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins, including vitamin A, C, K, and folate. It is also rich in iron and magnesium, making it a great choice for boosting immunity and supporting muscle function.
• This leafy green is high in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety, making these crisps a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Feta Cheese Benefits:

• Feta is lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses, while still offering a robust and creamy flavor. It’s an excellent source of protein, calcium, and probiotics that contribute to gut health.
• Feta also has a high concentration of sodium, which enhances flavor, but if you’re concerned about sodium intake, you can use a reduced-sodium version.

Cream Cheese Benefits:

• While cream cheese isn’t as nutrient-dense as spinach or feta, it adds the perfect creamy texture to balance the crispiness of the phyllo dough.
• When used in moderation, cream cheese can provide the rich, satisfying flavor necessary to complete the glaze without overwhelming the dish.

Incorporating these ingredients into your diet can support overall health while also giving you a delicious snack to enjoy. These Mediterranean crisps can be part of a well-rounded, nutritious meal plan.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps:

For the Crisps:

• Phyllo Dough: This delicate, thin dough creates the crispy texture we love. Be sure to work quickly with phyllo, as it dries out fast.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach works best, but frozen spinach can be substituted if necessary. Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from frozen spinach to prevent sogginess.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is essential for that tangy Mediterranean flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and helps balance the sharpness of the feta.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile of the filling.
• Herbs and Spices: Dill, nutmeg, and black pepper are the traditional seasonings for Mediterranean dishes like this.
• Olive Oil or Butter: This is brushed onto the phyllo dough to create that beautiful golden crust.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): These add a lovely crunch and a slight nutty flavor that complements the dish.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream Cheese: Provides the base for the glaze and creates a smooth, rich finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze without making it overly heavy.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for easy drizzling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s go through the steps for making these Mediterranean crisps!

Preparing the Filling

1. Prepare the Spinach:
   • If you’re using fresh spinach, wash and dry it thoroughly. Then, chop it finely.
   • For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to avoid sogginess.
2. Mix the Filling:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, finely chopped garlic, and seasonings like dill and nutmeg. Stir everything together until it forms a well-combined mixture.

Working with Phyllo Dough

1. Thaw the Phyllo Dough:
   • Make sure to thaw the phyllo dough overnight in the fridge, or at least for a few hours before starting. Once thawed, unwrap and cover with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
2. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
   • Lay the first sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
   • Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush again with butter or oil. Repeat this process, layering 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough. This will create a flaky, crispy crust.

Assembling the Crisps

1. Fill the Dough:

   • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the spinach and feta mixture onto one end of the layered phyllo dough.

2. Roll and Fold:

   • Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, folding in the sides as you go to create a sealed packet. This will help prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

3. Place on a Baking Sheet:

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the filled and rolled phyllo dough on it. Leave some space between the rolls so they don’t stick together while baking.

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting a golden, crispy texture.
2. Bake the Crisps:
   • Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the crisps for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the crisps are baking, it’s time to prepare the creamy cream cheese glaze.

1. Soften the Cream Cheese:

   • Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften. This ensures it will mix smoothly with the other ingredients.

2. Whisk the Glaze:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and add more as needed to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.

3. Add Vanilla Extract:

   • Whisk in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the glaze. If you want a slightly different taste, feel free to add a little lemon zest or cinnamon for variation.

4. Drizzle the Glaze:

   • Once the crisps are out of the oven and cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top of each one. The glaze should be smooth and pour over the crisps beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps with Cream Cheese Glaze are perfect for serving at a party or family gathering. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips, including:

• A classic Greek salad with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta.
• A bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping, providing a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm crisps.
• A side of Mediterranean olives or pickled vegetables for a tangy touch.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crisps

To ensure that your Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps turn out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:

• Prevent Sogginess: Be sure to thoroughly drain the spinach before adding it to the filling mixture. Excess moisture can cause the phyllo dough to become soggy.
• Layer the Phyllo Carefully: Don’t rush when layering the phyllo dough. Gently brush each sheet with butter or olive oil and layer them one at a time to achieve the best crispy texture.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the crisps as they bake. Once they’re golden brown, take them out to prevent burning.

Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Crisps Cream Cheese Glaze

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A savory Mediterranean-inspired treat featuring crispy phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta, and ricotta, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 sheets phyllo dough
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dill
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, feta, ricotta, garlic, dill, nutmeg, and black pepper.
3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
4. Layer with another sheet of phyllo dough and repeat until you have 6-8 layers.
5. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto one end of the phyllo stack.
6. Roll into a tight cylinder, folding in the sides as you roll.
7. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough and filling.
8. Brush tops with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
10. While baking, whisk softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
11. Drizzle glaze over crisps once slightly cooled and serve warm.

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent sogginess in the phyllo dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 crisp
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: spinach, feta, phyllo, Mediterranean, appetizer, savory pastry