Spanakopita Rolls

One of my absolute favorite Greek dishes is spanakopita, which is a mixture of spinach, onions, cottage cheese and feta cheese wrapped with buttery, crispy phylllo dough. Most often, this dish is served as a pastry covered casserole. I added spanakopita to our Mediterranean Grill Party menu but to make it more party friendly to enjoy, I formed them into Spanakopita Rolls instead. They were a hit and were eaten all up well before the end of the party!

Who can resist anything wrapped in buttery, crispy phyllo dough? It’s one dough that may be finicky to work with, but it surely is well worth the effort. But before we even talk about the phyllo dough, the filling is really the star of this dish.

A combination of softened white and green onions are added to cottage cheese, feta cheese, and egg. Together it forms the classic spanakopita filling. Once the filling is made, it’s time to prepare the phyllo dough.

The thing about phyllo dough that may be intimidating to work with is that it dries out quickly and requires lots of butter or oil to keep moist. However the butter butter and oil also helps the phyllo dough to bake up nice and golden with that unmistakable crispy texture.

Using a similar technique in making burritos or eggrolls, the filling is placed on buttered phyllo dough sheets and rolled up tightly to form a roll. These are then kissed with more butter and oil before baking to a crispy golden brown. One roll is quite filling as it is and you can even cut these rolls into smaller bites before serving.

Overview Of Spanakopita Rolls

Spanakopita rolls are a popular Greek dish made from phyllo pastry dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. The filling is typically wrapped in a cylinder shape, resembling a spring roll or cigar. Then baked until the pastry is crispy and golden brown.

The exact origin of spanakopita is unknown, but it is believed to have been created in Greece several centuries ago. Spinach has been a staple food in Greek cuisine since ancient times, and phyllo pastry, which is made by layering thin sheets of dough. It is also a traditional ingredient in many Greek dishes.

Spanakopita rolls are often served as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter. It is a selection of small dishes that are shared among diners. They are also a popular street food in Greece. You can find it in bakeries and markets throughout the country.

Spanakopita is an important dish in Greek culture. They serve it at celebrations and special occasions. In addition to its delicious flavor, they consider it a healthy dish, as spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, and feta cheese is a good source of protein.

Spanakopita Rolls

recipe adapted from CBS

Spanakopita Rolls Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach. thawed and squeezed dry
• 4 to 6 ounces domestic feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound phyllo, thawed
• 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), melted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How To Make Spanakopita Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add white and green chopped onions; cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix spinach, feta, cottage cheese and egg in medium bowl. Add cooked onions and season with salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Combine the remaining butter and oil and set aside until ready to use.
5. Remove one phyllo sheet. With the shortest end of the phyllo sheet nearest you, brush phyllo with butter and oil mixture; top with second sheet and brush again.
6. Fold the buttered phyllo sheets in half, like a book and brush the top layer with butter and oil mixture.
7. Place a heaping 1-1/2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the bottom nearest you.
8. Fold up the phyllo once and then fold over the right side and then the left side of the phyllo.
9. Brush with butter and oil mixture and then continue rolling up like a burrito.
10. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet and brush rolls with butter/oil mixture.
11. Bake until golden, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits of Spanakopita Rolls

Here are some nutritional benefits of Spanakopita Rolls:

Spinach

Spanakopita rolls are typically made with spinach, which is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. Spinach is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Feta cheese

Feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, as well as several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and phosphorus. It is also lower in calories and fat than many other types of cheese.

Phyllo pastry is a low-fat alternative to traditional puff pastry, and they use it in Greek cuisine. While it is not a significant source of nutrients, it is lower in calories and fat than many other types of pastry.

Tips For Making Spanakopita Rolls

Here are some few tips for making Spanakopita Rolls:

Thaw the phyllo pastry

If you are using frozen phyllo pastry, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to use it. Do not attempt to thaw it quickly at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause the pastry to become dry and brittle.

Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach

Spinach contains a lot of water, so it’s important to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before using it as a filling. This will prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

Use a high-quality feta cheese

Feta cheese is an important ingredient in Spanakopita rolls, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality product. Look for feta cheese that is made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk, as these types of cheese are more authentic and flavorful.

Brush the pastry with melted butter or olive oil

To give your Spanakopita rolls a crispy, golden crust, brush the phyllo pastry with melted butter or olive oil before baking. This will help the pastry to crisp up and develop a beautiful color.

Bake until golden brown

Spanakopita rolls should be baked in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crispy. This can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. It will depend on the size of the rolls and the temperature of your oven.

Serve hot or at room temperature

Spanakopita rolls can be served hot out of the oven or at room temperature. They are a great appetizer or snack. It can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion: Give Spanakopita Rolls a Try!

Spanakopita rolls are a delicious and nutritious dish that offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The dish is made with spinach, like Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna, feta cheese, and phyllo pastry. This will come together to create a crispy, savory appetizer or snack. This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and has been enjoyed for generations. So, it’s a great way to explore new flavors and cultural traditions. Additionally, spanakopita rolls are a great source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to spinach and feta cheese. They are also lower in calories and fat than many other types of pastry-based snacks, making them a healthier option. Overall, spanakopita rolls are a delicious, nutritious, and culturally significant dish that everyone should try at least once.