Deliciously Easy Spinach and Ricotta Phyllo Triangles Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistible appetizer that is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than our easy Spinach and ricotta phyllo triangles recipe. These delightful pastries, also known asSpanakopita when made traditionally in Greek cuisine, are a beloved choice at any gathering. Layered with flaky phyllo pastry and a creamy filling of fresh spinach, ricotta, and herbs, these triangles are not just delicious; they’re visually stunning and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just for a cozy night in, homemade Spinach and ricotta phyllo triangles from scratch will become a staple in your kitchen that you’ll want to share with everyone. Plus, for those seeking alternatives, we’ll also share tips to customize this recipe into vegan spinach and ricotta phyllo triangles.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serving Size: 20 triangles

Ingredients

To make these delightful phyllo triangles, you will need the following ingredients:

For the crust:

1 package of phyllo pastry (about 16 oz), thawed
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a healthier option)

For the filling:

1 pound of fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional for extra flavor)
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
1 tablespoon of fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Swaps:

For those looking for variations, here are some substitution ideas:

Use almond milk instead of whole milk in the filling for a dairy-free option.
Replace ricotta with vegan ricotta made from cashews or firm tofu blended with nutritional yeast.
For a gluten-free version, seek out gluten-free phyllo pastry or use wonton wrappers.

Equipment List

Gather the following tools to help us in our culinary adventure:

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Baking tray lined with parchment paper
Pastry brush
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making these scrumptious phyllo triangles!

Prepare Your Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, and dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a cohesive filling. The smell of herbs and cheese will awaken your appetite at this stage.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the triangles will bake evenly and develop that irresistible golden color.
Prepare the Phyllo Pastry: Carefully unroll the thawed phyllo pastry on a clean surface. Cover the sheets with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out. Take a sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat this step until you have layered 3-4 sheets, which will create a sturdy base for your triangles.
Cut the Phyllo: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered phyllo sheets into long strips (about 3-4 inches wide). Working quickly is important to keep the phyllo from drying.
Assemble the Triangles: Place a spoonful of the spinach filling at the base of each strip. Fold the phyllo over the filling at an angle to form a triangle. Continue folding the triangle up the strip, maintaining the triangle shape until you reach the end. Brush the top with more melted butter to help it become crispy and golden in the oven.
Repeat the Process: Continue this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling, placing the assembled triangles on the prepared baking tray. Make sure they are spaced apart to allow even baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the triangles are crisp and golden brown. The aroma of baked phyllo will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist tasting one from the oven!
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the triangles cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a drizzle of lemon juice for an added zing!

Special Notes

Storage: Leftover phyllo triangles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the triangles ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Prepare them as directed, place them on a baking tray, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag and bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, adding a few more minutes if needed for golden perfection.

Troubleshooting: If the phyllo becomes too dry while you’re working, lightly spritz it with water or keep the dough covered as you work. If the filling seems too watery, add a bit more ricotta or squeeze some extra moisture from the spinach before mixing.

Variations and Customizations

Here are some ideas to customize your phyllo triangles:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free phyllo pastry or wonton wrappers as mentioned earlier.
Vegan Option: Along with using vegan ricotta, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, set aside until gel-like).
Add Protein: Consider adding cooked, chopped chicken or sautéed mushrooms for an extra depth of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (1 triangle) contains approximately:

Calories: 150
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 10g
Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

As you embark on this culinary journey, envision those beautiful golden triangles emerging from the oven, their flaky layers exuding warmth and inviting aromas. The contrast of vibrant green spinach and creamy cheese peeking through crispy phyllo edges is sure to be an Instagram-worthy delight. Imagine the first bite, the crunch of the pastry giving way to the smooth, herb-infused filling that dances on your taste buds! Consider sharing pictures or videos of your creation to inspire others.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the tips and tricks to create your own Spinach and ricotta phyllo triangles, it’s time to get cooking! This comforting dish isn’t just perfect for entertaining; it also makes a delicious snack or light meal. You’ll find it hard to stop at just one! We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! Or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish for a chance to be featured!