- Can I use frozen spinach?
- Yes! Thaw and squeeze out water very thoroughly. Use about 10 oz frozen to replace fresh.
- Why did the top crack?
- Rolled too tight, or steam built up. Prick with a fork before baking to vent steam.
Spinach and Feta Phyllo Strudel
While we consider Strudel an Austro-Hungarian specialty, its roots stretch back to the Ottoman occupation and Baklava. In this version, Mediterranean flavors meet local technique. Spinach and Feta are a classic duo (Greek Spanakopita), where the saltiness of the cheese eliminates the need for heavy seasoning, and thin, crispy pastry layers provide texture. A perfect example of hiding vegetables in an irresistible package.
Ingredients
1
package
Phyllo Dough Sheets (thawed)
14
oz
Fresh Spinach
7
oz
Feta Cheese
1
large
Egg
0.25
cup
Sour Cream
1
tsp
Salt (go easy!)
0.5
tsp
Ground Black Pepper
0.25
cup
Vegetable Oil (for brushing)
2
cloves
Garlic
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Skillet
- Pastry Brush
- Damp Kitchen Towel
- Mixing Bowl
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Egg
Instructions
1
✓
Wash spinach and wilt in a hot skillet with a little oil. Add crushed garlic in the last minute.
Tip: Spinach volume reduces to one-tenth. Don't worry about the initial bulk.
2
✓
Drain spinach in a colander and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Chop coarsely.
Tip: Wet spinach makes the pastry soggy bottomed.
3
✓
Mix crumbled feta, sour cream, egg, pepper, and cooled spinach. Taste before adding salt.
Tip: The egg acts as a binder (coagulation), keeping the filling from running out when sliced.
4
✓
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Lay a damp towel on the table. Place one phyllo sheet on it, brush lightly with oil, layer another on top. Repeat for 6-8 layers.
Tip: Oil layers separate sheets, allowing steam to puff them up for flakiness.
5
✓
Place filling in a log along the near edge (leave 1 inch border). Fold in sides and roll up tight using the towel.
Tip: The towel helps move delicate dough without tearing.
6
✓
Place seam-side down on baking sheet. Brush top with oil (or egg wash). Bake 30-35 mins until golden.
Tip: Oil promotes browning and crispness (Maillard reaction).
7
✓
Cool for 15 mins before slicing.
Tip: Cutting while piping hot crushes the pastry and squeezes out filling.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 package Phyllo Dough Sheets (thawed)
- 14 oz Fresh Spinach
- 7 oz Feta Cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 0.25 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Salt (go easy!)
- 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil (for brushing)
- 2 cloves Garlic