Savory Feta Turnovers

Savory Feta Turnovers are a delicious pastry snack or appetizer filled with a rich, tangy feta cheese filling. They’re easy to make, and the combination of crispy golden pastry and the creamy, savory feta filling makes them irresistible. Perfect for serving at parties, as a starter, or even as a light lunch.

Here’s a simple recipe for Savory Feta Turnovers:

Savory Feta Turnovers

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (or phyllo dough if preferred), thawed if frozen
• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cream cheese for a richer filling)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional, but it adds great flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, ricotta (or cream cheese), Parmesan, parsley, dill (if using), garlic powder, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
• If you’re using onion, you can sauté it in a little olive oil until softened, then let it cool before adding it to the filling. Add salt and pepper to taste, but keep in mind that feta is salty, so you might not need much additional salt.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface if needed. If you’re using pre-rolled puff pastry, you can simply cut it into squares or rectangles (about 3-4 inches wide).
• Cut the pastry into 6-8 squares or rectangles, depending on the size of the turnovers you want.

4. Fill the Turnovers:

• Place a generous spoonful of the feta mixture in the center of each pastry square or rectangle. Be careful not to overfill, or it will be difficult to seal them.
• Fold the pastry over to form a triangle (for squares) or a rectangle (for long rectangles). Press the edges together gently, then use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they’re sealed.

5. Brush with Egg Wash:

• Brush the top of each turnover with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked. For a lighter finish, you can also brush with a little olive oil.

6. Bake the Turnovers:

• Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.

7. Serve:

• Let the turnovers cool for a couple of minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch.

Tips for the Best Savory Feta Turnovers:

• Puff Pastry Tips: If you want extra flaky turnovers, make sure your puff pastry is cold before you work with it. This helps the layers stay distinct and puff up beautifully in the oven.
• Filling Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini to the filling for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté or cook them to release moisture before adding to the cheese mixture to prevent sogginess.
• Herbs: You can experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme instead of parsley and dill for different flavor profiles.
• Freezing for Later: These turnovers freeze well! After assembling them, freeze the uncooked turnovers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake them from frozen at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Dips: Serve the turnovers with a yogurt-based dip, like tzatziki, or a simple olive tapenade for added Mediterranean flair.
• Side Salad: Pair them with a simple salad, such as a Greek salad or a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance out the richness of the turnovers.
• Appetizers for a Party: These feta turnovers make a great appetizer for parties, gatherings, or holidays. They pair well with other Mediterranean dishes like stuffed grape leaves, hummus, or bruschetta.

Savory Feta Turnovers are a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat with a crispy exterior and a rich, creamy filling. They’re simple to make but packed with flavor, and they can easily be customized to your taste. Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to fancy entertaining!