Spinach And Cheese Filled Filo
A flaky, savory pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, cheeses, and scallions, baked to perfection. This dish offers a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and crispy textures, making it ideal for brunch, appetizers, or light dinners, appealing to cheese lovers and spinach enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thaw frozen chopped spinach if frozen, then drain excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, feta cheese, chopped spinach, and chopped scallions.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the cheese and spinach mixture, mixing well.
- Melt the butter or oleo and brush a baking dish with it.
- Layer half of the filo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you layer.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the layered filo.
- Cover with the remaining filo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Trim any excess filo from the edges and tuck in the edges if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crisper texture, consider using phyllo dough straight from the refrigerator rather than thawing it at room temperature. If you want a healthier alternative, substitute part of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with the filling by adding herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. This dish is versatile and can be adapted with various Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, cut into squares, and garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. It pairs beautifully with Spiced Carrot Soup for a light meal or as part of a Mediterranean spread. Consider adding a side of Greek salad or tzatziki to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Cheese Filled Filo contains roughly 529 calories, with 12g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 711mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen. You'll need to sauté the fresh spinach in a bit of olive oil until wilted before draining and incorporating it into the filling. This will enhance the flavor and ensure there’s no excess moisture.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don't have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or a ricotta-feta blend for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cream cheese mixed with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the spinach and cheese filled filo dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for the best texture, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).