Spanakopita Puff Pastry Braid Recipe
The Spanakopita Puff Pastry Braid is a delicious, flaky twist on the classic Greek spinach pie. This dish features a buttery puff pastry sheet filled with a savory mixture of spinach, feta cheese, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. The filling is wrapped in a beautifully braided pastry crust, which bakes to golden perfection, offering a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful filling. This recipe is perfect for brunch, appetizers, or a light meal, combining ease and elegance in one stunning dish.
Ingredients:
½ cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup scallions, chopped
½ cup fresh dill, chopped finely
2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled by hand
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, if frozen)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and scallions, and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the fresh dill and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Add the defrosted and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and black pepper.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in the crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using a pre-rolled pastry, just unfold it carefully.
Assemble the Braid:
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture down the center of the puff pastry, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side for braiding.
Using a knife or pizza cutter, make diagonal cuts along both sides of the pastry, about 1 inch apart. Make sure the cuts are even and aligned.
Braid the Pastry:
Carefully fold the strips of pastry over the filling, alternating sides to form a braided pattern. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck them under slightly.
Egg Wash:
Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the braided pastry for a golden finish.
Bake:
Place the prepared braid on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
Let the spanakopita braid cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes and Tips:
Puff Pastry Handling:
Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions (usually 20-30 minutes at room temperature) before using. Keep it chilled until ready to assemble to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to ensure it doesn’t stick.
Spinach Preparation:
Use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean towel to avoid a soggy filling.
For fresh spinach, sauté it with onions and garlic until wilted, then let it cool and squeeze out excess liquid.
Filling Flavor:
Combine the spinach with crumbled feta, sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley for an authentic taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
Braiding Technique:
Place the filling in the center of the pastry. Cut diagonal strips along both sides and fold them over the filling in a crisscross pattern to create the braid.
Seal the ends to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Egg Wash:
Brush the pastry with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Baking Tips:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce. It also pairs well with soups or light vegetable sides.
Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
This Spanakopita Puff Pastry Braid is an impressive, easy-to-make dish that combines traditional Greek flavors with the buttery goodness of puff pastry, perfect for any gathering or meal.
Enjoy your delicious Spanakopita Puff Pastry Braid!