These Baked Spinach Feta Crisps are a savory delight that brings together the classic combination of spinach and cheese in a convenient, bite-sized form. Packed with fresh greens and two types of cheese, they make for a wholesome snack or an elegant appetizer that comes together in minutes.
Golden and crisp on the edges with a tender, flavorful center, these patties are perfect for dipping into marinara or enjoying straight from the baking sheet.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: These crisps are savory and salty thanks to the crumbled feta and Parmesan, with aromatic notes from the garlic and oregano.
- Texture: The breadcrumbs and oven baking create a crispy exterior, while the egg and cheese keep the inside soft and moist.
- Time: Prep takes about 10 minutes, followed by a 20-25 minute bake time.
- Difficulty: Easy. It is a simple “mix and bake” method that requires no stovetop cooking.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The base consists of fresh spinach and breadcrumbs, bound together by egg and cheese. You will also need a pastry brush (or spoon) to apply the olive oil for that golden finish.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh Spinach – You need fresh spinach for this recipe. Finely chopping it ensures it mixes evenly with the other ingredients and cooks through without becoming stringy.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds pockets of creamy, salty goodness throughout the crisps.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture together as it melts.
- Breadcrumbs – These provide structure and crunch. You can use standard plain breadcrumbs.
- Egg – The beaten egg acts as the glue that holds the patties together during baking.
- Garlic – Minced fresh garlic punches up the savory flavor profile.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: While the recipe calls for dried oregano, you can add fresh dill or parsley for a brighter herbaceous note.
- Spice Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Zest: A little lemon zest mixed in pairs beautifully with the feta and spinach.
- Gluten-Free: You can easily substitute the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety to suit dietary needs.
How to Make Baked Spinach Feta Crisps
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until well combined. The egg and cheese should coat the spinach and breadcrumbs evenly.
3. Shape the Patties
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into your hands. Shape them into small, flat patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Pro Tip: Make sure to chop the spinach very finely. This helps the patties hold their shape better and ensures you get a perfect bite of spinach in every mouthful without large leaves sticking out.
4. Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of the patties lightly with olive oil. This helps them brown and crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Flip and Finish
Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the patties over so they crisp evenly on both sides. They are done when they are golden and crisp. Serve them warm.
Recipe Tips
- Uniform Size: Try to make your tablespoon scoops consistent so that all the crisps bake at the same rate.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Brushing with olive oil is essential for getting that golden brown color; without it, they may look a bit dry.
- Parchment Paper: Cheese has a tendency to stick as it melts, so using parchment paper is highly recommended over just greasing the pan.
- Seasoning: Feta and Parmesan are naturally salty cheeses. The 1/4 tsp of salt listed is usually perfect, but keep the saltiness of your specific cheese brand in mind.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach? This recipe calls for fresh spinach. If you must use frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed very dry of all excess liquid before measuring, or the mixture will be too wet to hold its shape.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them? To restore the crispiness, reheat them in a 350°F oven or a toaster oven for 5-10 minutes. Microwaving will make them soft.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these with warm marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a lemon-garlic yogurt dip.
- Salad Topper: These make a fantastic crouton alternative on top of a Greek salad.
- Side Dish:Serve alongside roasted chicken or fish for a light, veggie-packed side.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep the Mix: You can mix the ingredients in the bowl and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before shaping and baking.
- Freezing: You can bake these, let them cool, and freeze them. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until heated through and crisp.
Baked Spinach Feta Crisps (Mediterranean Appetizer)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Spinach Feta Crisps are a savory delight that brings together the classic combination of fresh greens and salty cheese in a convenient, bite-sized form. Packed with finely chopped spinach, crumbled feta, and nutty Parmesan, these golden patties offer a crisp exterior with a tender, flavorful center. Perfect as a wholesome snack or an elegant appetizer, they come together in minutes and require no stovetop cooking, making them an easy win for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup Crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Large egg, beaten
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is crucial as the cheese tends to stick while melting, and parchment ensures easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the egg and cheeses evenly coat the spinach and breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into your hands. Press and shape them into small, flat patties. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even airflow.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, lightly brush the tops of the patties with the olive oil. This step is essential for achieving a golden, crispy finish. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Halfway through the baking time (around the 10-12 minute mark), carefully flip the patties over. This ensures they crisp up evenly on both sides. Remove from the oven when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Serve warm.
Notes
Chopping Tip: Ensure the spinach is chopped very finely. Large leaves can prevent the patties from holding their shape and may result in an uneven texture. The finer the chop, the more uniform the crisps will be.
Dip Suggestions: While delicious on their own, these crisps pair beautifully with a cool Tzatziki sauce or a warm marinara for dipping, balancing the salty feta with tangy or savory notes.
Reheating: To restore the crunch to leftovers, reheat them in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the breadcrumbs and cheese soft and soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (approx. 3-4 crisps)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked spinach feta crisps, vegetarian appetizer, easy spinach recipe, savory cheese snacks, healthy party food, mediterranean bites
