If youโre looking for a delightful and approachable dish that everyone will enjoy, these Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels are exactly what you need to try tonight. With their flaky, golden crust packed full of vibrant spinach and tangy feta, itโs a charming twist on a Mediterranean classic. The best part? These parcels are gluten free, making them perfect for those avoiding gluten without missing out on flavor or texture. Simple to whip up, theyโre an irresistible treat whether for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a cozy dinner.
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Gluten free goodness: Uses gluten free filo or pastry thatโs flaky and crisp, perfect for celiac or gluten-sensitive folks.
- Fresh and flavorful filling: A vibrant mix of spinach and feta cheese bursts with taste in every bite.
- Perfectly portable: These parcels are easy to bake in batches and great for sharing or packing on-the-go.
- Versatile dish: Works as an appetizer, side, or main โ ideal for all occasions from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
Ingredients Youโll Need
The beauty of Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels lies in their simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing texture, flavor, and color. From the silky spinach to the creamy feta and the perfectly crisp gluten free pastry, it all comes together harmoniously.
- Gluten free filo or pastry sheets: Choose your preferred brand that crisps well without crumbling.
- Fresh spinach: Use fresh or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained to avoid soggy parcels.
- Feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with spinach.
- Onion and garlic: For aromatic depth and a subtle savory base.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Keeps the parcels moist and golden as they bake.
- Eggs: Binds the filling ingredients together for easy shaping into parcels.
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley): Brightens the flavor and adds freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every component.
Variations for Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels
One of the joys of Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels is how easily you can tailor the filling and pastry to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make small swaps or additions that keep the spirit of this classic but add your unique touch.
- Cheese swap: Substitute feta with ricotta or goat cheese for a creamier parcel.
- Greens variety: Try kale, swiss chard, or beet greens instead of spinach for a different earthy flavor.
- Vegan option: Use vegan cheese and omit eggs, adding a flax egg or oat milk to hold the mixture.
- Herb enhancements: Incorporate fresh mint, oregano, or basil for extra herbal notes.
- Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch inside the filling.
How to Make Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by sautรฉing finely chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted and any excess moisture evaporates. Transfer the mixture to a bowl to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
Once the spinach mixture is cool, crumble in the feta cheese, add beaten eggs, and stir in your choice of fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. This mix should feel moist but not watery, perfect for filling the parcels.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Sheets
Lay out the gluten free filo or pastry sheets on a clean surface and gently brush each sheet with olive oil or melted butter to ensure a flaky and golden crust once baked. Be delicate, as gluten free filo can be more fragile than traditional.
Step 4: Assemble the Parcels
Cut the pastry sheets into rectangles or squares, spoon a generous amount of the spinach and feta filling onto one side, then fold over to create neat parcels. Press the edges gently to seal, using a little water or beaten egg as glue if needed.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place the parcels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 20-25 minutes, or until the parcels are puffed, crisp, and beautifully golden brown.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels
- Drain spinach well: Excess moisture can make the filling soggy, so press or squeeze out any water thoroughly.
- Use fresh herbs: They brighten the filling and elevate the flavor far beyond just salt and pepper.
- Brush pastry carefully: Light layers of oil or butter will create the perfect crisp without weighing down the delicate gluten free sheets.
- Seal edges securely: This prevents filling leaks during baking, keeping your tray clean and the parcels intact.
- Let parcels cool slightly: Allows the filling to set and prevents burns when biting in.
How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top just before serving for color and a subtle herbal aroma that complements the filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these parcels with a crisp Greek salad, a dollop of tzatziki, or even roasted vegetables to round out the meal in a tasty and nutritious way.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange parcels on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like lemony yogurt, spicy harissa, or traditional hummus for an inviting and shareable platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover parcels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked parcels on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This makes for a convenient ready-to-bake meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen parcels in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp againโavoid microwaving to keep them flaky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling to avoid soggy parcels.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese, ricotta, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the filling creamy and flavorful.
What if I canโt find gluten free filo pastry?
Some gluten free puff pastries or even homemade pie crusts can be used, though the texture will vary slightly from traditional filo.
How do I make these parcels vegan?
Replace the feta with a vegan cheese or tofu crumble, omit eggs, and use a flax egg or other vegan binder. Ensure your pastry is also vegan-friendly.
Can these be made ahead of time and baked later?
Yes, you can assemble the parcels and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze unbaked parcels for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels offer a delicious and approachable way to enjoy a Greek classic without gluten worries. Their crisp, golden pastry paired with rich spinach and feta filling brings comfort and elegance to any meal. Give this recipe a try tonightโyouโll love how simple, tasty, and shareable these parcels are, guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 parcels 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels are a delicious and approachable Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring flaky gluten free pastry filled with a vibrant mix of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly golden and crisp, these parcels make a versatile snack, appetizer, or main course that caters to gluten-free diets without compromising on flavor or texture.
Ingredients
Pastry
- Gluten free filo or pastry sheets (brand of your choice, enough for folding parcels)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing sheets)
Filling
- Fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, well drained, about 300g/10oz)
- Feta cheese (crumbled, around 200g/7oz)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Fresh herbs (dill or parsley, chopped, about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sautรฉ finely chopped onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. Add the spinach and cook briefly until wilted and excess moisture evaporates. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling Ingredients: Once cooled, crumble in the feta cheese, add beaten eggs, fresh chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until combined. The mixture should be moist but not watery.
- Prepare the Pastry Sheets: Lay out the gluten free filo or pastry sheets on a clean surface. Lightly brush each sheet with olive oil or melted butter to promote a flaky, golden crust. Handle the sheets carefully to avoid tearing as gluten free filo can be fragile.
- Assemble the Parcels: Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares sized for parcels. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one side of each piece, then fold over to create a parcel. Press edges gently to seal, using a little water or beaten egg as glue if needed.
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy: Place the parcels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 20-25 minutes, or until parcels are puffed, crisp, and beautifully golden brown.
Notes
- Drain spinach thoroughly to avoid soggy filling.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten flavors beyond salt and pepper.
- Brush pastry sheets lightly and evenly to create crispness without weighing them down.
- Seal parcel edges securely to prevent filling leaks during baking.
- Let parcels cool briefly after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg