Spinach and Feta Croissants: A Savory Delight

Spinach and Feta Croissants combine the flaky, buttery layers of crescent roll dough with the savory goodness of spinach, feta, and black olives. These croissants are a perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. The salty, creamy feta pairs beautifully with the earthy spinach and tangy black olives, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a brunch or simply craving something savory, these croissants will be a hit!

For more savory pastry inspiration, check out Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry on BBC Good Food and Spinach Feta Croissants from Bon Appetit.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Spinach and Feta Croissants Recipe – Savory and Flaky with a Creamy Spinach Filling

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 croissants 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Spinach and Feta Croissants are a savory twist on the classic croissant, featuring a delicious combination of spinach, feta cheese, black olives, and mozzarella, all wrapped up in flaky crescent roll dough. A perfect option for a light lunch, snack, or appetizer. The egg wash gives them a golden finish, while the red pepper flakes add a slight kick of heat to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
1/4 cup black olives, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 egg white (beaten, for egg wash)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Filling:
If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained of any excess water.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, black olives, feta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to combine.
Roll Out the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles, as per the package instructions.
Fill the Croissants:
Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta filling on the wide end of each triangle.
Carefully roll the dough from the wide end to the pointed tip to form a crescent shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the top of each croissant with the beaten egg white for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake:
Place the filled croissants on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired, for a bit of heat.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Allow the croissants to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor!

Notes

Spinach: Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly if using frozen to avoid excess moisture that could make the croissants soggy.
Olives: If you prefer less salt, opt for a lower-sodium variety of black olives.
Spice: The red pepper flakes are optional but provide a nice contrast to the creamy feta and mozzarella. You can omit them for a milder flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Savory Pastry
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 croissant
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Spinach and Feta Croissants

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:
- Begin by chopping the spinach into small pieces. If you’re using fresh spinach, sauté it in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to wilt it down, then set it aside to cool. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and excess moisture is squeezed out before chopping.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, black olives, crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a flat surface. Separate the dough into the individual triangles as directed on the package.
Assemble the Croissants:
- Place a heaping spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture at the wider end of each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll up the dough, starting from the wide end and carefully rolling toward the pointed end, enclosing the filling inside the dough. Pinch the edges slightly to seal the filling.
Brush with Egg White:
- Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of each croissant with the beaten egg white. This will give the croissants a beautiful, golden finish once baked.
Bake the Croissants:
- Arrange the filled and brushed croissants on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the croissants are golden brown and puffed up.
Serve:
- Remove the croissants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven, though they can be stored in an airtight container for later.

Advanced Techniques

Perfecting the Spinach Filling

To avoid soggy croissants, ensure that your spinach is well-drained before mixing it into the filling. If using frozen spinach, thoroughly squeeze out any excess water. For fresh spinach, sauté it until most of the moisture evaporates, leaving you with dry spinach. The drier your filling, the better the croissants will bake!

Enhancing the Flavor

If you’d like to elevate the flavor of your filling, try adding some garlic or onion powder. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano would also complement the feta and spinach nicely. Additionally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the savory, cheesy filling.

Shaping Croissants Like a Pro

To achieve perfectly shaped croissants, be sure to roll the dough tightly around the filling, ensuring the seam is sealed to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. You can also shape the croissants into a crescent shape by gently curving the ends, giving them that signature croissant look.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Spinach and Feta Croissants are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. To preserve the texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Freezing Croissants

To freeze Spinach and Feta Croissants, assemble them but do not bake. Place the uncooked croissants on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Shelf Life

For the best quality, enjoy these croissants within 2 days if stored at room temperature. Frozen croissants will keep their flavor and texture for up to 1 month.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

To make a gluten-free version of Spinach and Feta Croissants, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough. Many stores offer gluten-free dough options, but you can also make your own dough using a gluten-free flour blend.

Dairy-Free Option

To make these croissants dairy-free, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella. Make sure the crescent roll dough you choose is dairy-free, as some varieties may contain butter or milk.

Vegan Option

For a vegan version, use a plant-based crescent dough and swap out the egg wash with a plant-based alternative, such as an almond milk wash or a cornstarch slurry. Replace the cheese with vegan feta and mozzarella to keep the flavors intact.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.

Can I make these croissants ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the croissants and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Let them rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature before baking, or you can bake them in advance and reheat them later.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you don’t have feta, goat cheese or ricotta cheese can be a great alternative. Both cheeses provide a creamy texture and a tangy flavor similar to feta.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! You can add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms to the spinach filling to give it an extra flavor boost.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Spinach and Feta Croissants are a flavorful and satisfying treat that will impress your guests or make a perfect addition to your meal. The combination of savory spinach, creamy feta, and flaky crescent dough offers a unique twist on traditional croissants. Whether served for brunch, as an appetizer, or a snack, these croissants will become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give them a try, and enjoy a warm, delicious bite every time!