If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the flaky, savory flavors of Greek spanakopita without worrying about gluten, you’re in for a real treat with this Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe. These little parcels are packed with tender spinach, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a crispy gluten-free phyllo exterior that will have you reaching for more. They’re perfect for a quick snack, an impressive appetizer at your next dinner party, or a comforting gluten-free meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients make this recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing the richness, earthiness, and aroma that bring every parcel to life.
- 250 g fresh spinach: Washed and chopped for a vibrant, nutritious filling.
- 150 g feta cheese: Crumbled to add that creamy, salty punch everyone loves.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped and sautéed to sweeten and deepen the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the mix with a subtle, savory kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Chopped to bring a bright, herbaceous note.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley: Freshly chopped for a fragrant, fresh layer of taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the filling.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season and enhance all the flavors.
- 8 sheets gluten-free phyllo pastry: Choose store-bought or homemade for that crisp, flaky crust.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil: For brushing and achieving that irresistible golden finish.
How to Make Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures your parcels won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this done upfront lets you focus fully on creating that delicious filling.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic next and cook just for another minute so it becomes fragrant without burning. This combination builds the base of wonderful depth for your parcels.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Next, add the chopped spinach to your skillet. It will quickly shrink and soften as it releases moisture. Stir gently until it’s fully wilted—no more raw greens here. Once done, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a bit, making it easier to handle in the next steps.
Step 4: Combine the Filling
In a mixing bowl, fold together the cooled spinach mixture with crumbled feta, chopped dill, parsley, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This blend is the heart of your Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe, balancing salty, earthy, and fresh notes that sing in every bite.
Step 5: Prepare the Phyllo Layers
Lay one sheet of gluten-free phyllo pastry on a clean surface and gently brush it with melted butter or olive oil. Layer a second sheet on top and brush again. This layering ensures a delicate, crispy texture that’s so essential to an authentic spanakopita experience—now gluten-free!
Step 6: Cut and Fill the Pastry
Cut the two-layered phyllo sheets into 4 equal squares. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach filling onto the center of each square, ready to be wrapped into parcels full of flavor and texture.
Step 7: Fold into Parcels
Fold each square into a neat parcel, carefully pressing the edges to seal the filling inside. This step is key to keeping all those delicious ingredients locked in while they bake to golden perfection.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place your parcels on the lined baking sheet and brush the tops with more melted butter or olive oil. This final brush is what gives your parcels that beautiful, appetizing golden color and a buttery crispness.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake the parcels for 20-25 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become irresistibly crispy. The kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and it will be hard to wait!
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your fingers and to allow the flavors to settle perfectly. Then dig in and enjoy every flaky, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma, brightening up your presentation. A light drizzle of lemon juice right before serving also elevates the tangy feta beautifully.
Side Dishes
These parcels pair brilliantly with a crisp Greek salad, a refreshing tzatziki dip, or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad. The freshness balances the richness of the parcels and rounds out a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a stunning appetizer platter by arranging these parcels with lemon wedges, olives, and small bowls of dips like hummus or a yogurt-herb sauce to encourage dipping and sharing. For a festive touch, serve them on colorful Mediterranean-style plates to enhance the inviting vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover parcels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well but may soften slightly—reheating brings back that lovely crispness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe anytime, feel free to freeze uncooked parcels on a lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be baked straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place your parcels in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can work well as a substitute! Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it to remove any excess water, so your parcels don’t get soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This version is not vegan because it includes feta cheese and butter or olive oil for brushing. However, you could try vegan cheese alternatives and use olive oil only to adapt it.
Where can I find gluten-free phyllo pastry?
Gluten-free phyllo pastry is becoming more accessible in many supermarkets and specialty stores. You can also find recipes online to make it at home if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I add other fillings to the parcels?
Absolutely! Spinach and feta are classic, but you can add mushrooms, leeks, or even cooked chicken for a twist, just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly.
How do I ensure the parcels don’t break when folding?
Handle the gluten-free phyllo gently and brush each sheet thoroughly with melted butter or olive oil to make it pliable. This helps prevent cracking and makes folding easier.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe a try because it’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Greece with a gluten-free twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these parcels bring warmth, crispness, and a burst of fresh, savory goodness to the table. Once you taste them, they might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Easy Gluten Free Spanakopita Parcels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 parcels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy gluten-free spanakopita parcel recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on the traditional Greek spinach and feta pie. Using gluten-free phyllo pastry and a fragrant blend of fresh spinach, herbs, and crumbled feta, these golden, crispy parcels make a perfect appetizer or light meal that’s suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Filling
- 250 g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry
- 8 sheets gluten-free phyllo pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and releases moisture, approximately 3-5 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.
- Mix filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare phyllo layers: Lay one sheet of gluten-free phyllo pastry on a clean work surface. Lightly brush the surface with melted butter or olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush it again with melted butter or olive oil to keep the layers moist and help them crisp during baking.
- Cut and fill squares: Cut the layered phyllo sheets into 4 equal squares. Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and feta filling into the center of each square.
- Fold parcels: Carefully fold each square into a parcel shape by bringing the corners together and pressing the edges gently to seal the filling inside.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sealed parcels onto the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional melted butter or olive oil to promote golden, crispy puffing.
- Bake: Bake the parcels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the parcels to cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture, but you may substitute with frozen spinach—just ensure it is thoroughly thawed and water squeezed out.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs to your taste preferences.
- Gluten-free phyllo pastry can be found in specialty stores or made at home if preferred.
- Butter adds richness, but olive oil works well as a dairy-free alternative.
- These parcels freeze well before baking; freeze them on a tray then transfer to a container, bake from frozen adding an extra 5 minutes to baking time.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or light meal, optionally accompanied by a side salad or tzatziki sauce.
