Spanakopita Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 200 g Greek feta crumbled
- 2 bunches spinach chopped (approximately 1 pound)
- ¼ bunch each of mint, parsley, and dill finely chopped
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- ½ a leek finely chopped
- 2 eggs 1 for the filling, 1 for brushing
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for cooking spinach
- ⅛ cup olive oil for the filling
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 2 sheets of puff pastry
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a colander and press out any excess liquid.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta, green onions, leek, herbs, nutmeg, pepper, a pinch of salt, and 1 egg. Stir in ⅛ cup olive oil. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Puff Pastry Tree:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets onto a floured surface.
- Spread the filling evenly on one sheet of puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place the second puff pastry sheet on top, pressing gently to seal.
Shape the Tree:
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the puff pastry into a tree shape.
- Make horizontal cuts on each side of the tree, leaving the center intact for the “trunk.” Twist each strip for a decorative look.
Brush and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the puff pastry with a beaten egg (and melted butter if desired).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Serve:
- Allow the tree to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a festive appetizer or snack!
Bonus Tip: This recipe makes a generous amount of Spanakopita filling, so you’re likely to have leftovers! Don’t let it go to waste—here are a few ideas to use it creatively:
- Mini Spanakopita Bites: Spoon the leftover filling into small pieces of puff pastry or phyllo dough and bake for bite-sized appetizers.
- Spinach Feta Omelette: Add the filling to an omelette or scrambled eggs for a quick and delicious breakfast.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Use it to stuff bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty meal.
- Spanakopita Dip: Warm the filling and serve it as a dip with pita bread or crackers.
Get creative and enjoy every last bit of that savory spinach-feta goodness!
