Savory, cheesy spinach bites packed with Mediterranean flavors—perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. All the taste of spanakopita without the fuss of phyllo!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes (if baking)
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 12 bites (or 4 servings)
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Option
📝 Ingredients
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2 cups fresh baby spinach, finely chopped (press out excess moisture)
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1 cup crumbled feta cheese (sheep’s milk for authentic flavor)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh dill)
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½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 large egg (or 1 tbsp almond flour for egg-free binding)
Optional Add-Ins:
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2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 tbsp toasted pine nuts
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Filling
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In a large bowl, combine spinach, feta, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, black pepper, and egg.
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If using, stir in sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and red pepper flakes.
Step 2: Form the Bites
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into small patties or balls.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Cook
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Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and firm.
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Or Pan-Fry: Heat a non-stick skillet with a little olive oil and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 4: Serve
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Serve warm with tzatziki, marinara, or a squeeze of lemon.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Moisture tip: Squeeze the spinach well to avoid soggy bites.
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Binding tip: If mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tbsp almond flour or breadcrumbs.
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Cheese tip: Use high-quality feta for the best texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: squeezing spinach → mixing filling → shaping bites → baking or pan-frying → serving plate)
Pro Tip: These freeze beautifully—make a double batch and freeze uncooked bites for future quick meals!
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Spinach & feta: Classic Greek combination with bold flavor.
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Parmesan: Adds umami and helps bind.
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Egg/almond flour: Keeps the bites together.
Substitutions:
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Swap almond flour for breadcrumbs if not avoiding gluten.
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Use kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Add-Ins:
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Fresh chopped mint or parsley for brightness.
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A pinch of smoked paprika for added depth.
Serving Suggestions:
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As an appetizer with tzatziki or hummus.
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As a main course with a side salad and lemon wedges.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate cooked bites for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
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Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving, approx. 3 bites)**
Calories: ~120 kcal | Protein: ~8g | Carbs: ~2g | Fat: ~9g
W-W Points (per serving using full-fat cheeses and egg):
➡️ 3 Points
Lightened version (using reduced-fat feta and Parmesan):
➡️ 2 Points
W-W Points can vary based on cheese brands and any added ingredients. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Dairy, Egg (omit or substitute for egg-free version)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this egg-free?
A: Yes—use 1 tbsp almond flour or a flax egg as a binder.
Q: Can I make them ahead?
A: Yes—shape the bites and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I air-fry them?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
Inspired by traditional spanakopita but simplified for busy weeknights, these bites capture all the bold, briny, herby flavors in a low-carb, W-W-friendly form. Perfect for snacking or turning into a meal!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Did you try these Greek spinach & feta bites? What did you pair them with? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!