Crispy Kale and Ricotta Spanakopita

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
Be the First to Review!

If you're yearning for a crispy, savory snack with a twist, this Crispy Kale and Ricotta Spanakopita will hit the spot. It's the perfect blend of traditional Greek flavors with a modern twist, bringing a delightful crunch and creamy filling that's hard to resist.

Ingredients for Crispy Kale and Ricotta Spanakopita

Olive oil is the base for our sauté, providing a rich depth of flavor. Onion and garlic are the aromatic foundation, creating an inviting, savory aroma. The star of the show, kale, adds a hearty, earthy note and is packed with nutrients. Ricotta cheese delivers creaminess, while feta cheese adds a sharp, salty contrast. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill bring brightness and freshness to the mix. A hint of nutmeg ties everything together with its warm, subtle spice. Finally, phyllo dough becomes the crispy, golden vessel for our delicious filling, with unsalted butter ensuring that perfect flakiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp towel as you work to prevent it from drying out.
  • Use a pastry brush for even butter application on the phyllo sheets—this ensures maximum crispiness.
  • Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half of the spanakopita before baking for an easy future snack.

Serving Suggestions

These spanakopita triangles make for an excellent appetizer or snack. Pair them with a simple Greek salad for a light meal or serve alongside a bowl of tzatziki for dipping. They're also a delightful party food, perfect for mingling with a glass of crisp white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Absolutely! Traditional spanakopita often uses spinach, so feel free to swap if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Crispy Kale and Ricotta Spanakopita Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for that golden, crispy finish we’re after. Grab a skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion and garlic, and sauté until they’re translucent—this should take just a few minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, signaling it’s time for the kale. Add it to the skillet and let it cook until wilted, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool.

While the kale cools, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, parsley, dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir well, then fold in the cooled kale mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Now, it’s phyllo time! Lay a sheet on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top, brush with butter again, and repeat until you have a stack of four buttered sheets. Cut this stack into strips about 3 inches wide.

Place a tablespoon of the kale mixture at the end of each strip, then start folding into triangles, similar to how you’d fold a flag. Keep folding until the strip is completely wrapped. Brush the outside with more butter and place it on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and filling.

Bake these beauties for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A healthier spin on a classic, thanks to nutrient-rich kale.
  • The creamy combination of ricotta and feta offers a rich, tangy taste.
  • Phyllo dough provides an irresistible, flaky crunch.
  • Easy to prepare ahead of time and freeze for later.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz kale, stems removed and chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
12 sheets phyllo dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Add kale to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, feta, parsley, dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled kale mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Lay a sheet of phyllo on a clean surface and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with butter again. Repeat with two more sheets, making a stack of four buttered sheets.
6. Cut the phyllo stack into strips, about 3 inches wide.
7. Place a tablespoon of the kale mixture at the end of each strip and fold into triangles, continuing to fold until the strip is completely wrapped.
8. Brush the outside with more butter and place on a baking sheet.
9. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!