Mediterranean Cheese Cups with Spinach and Herbs
Delight your guests with these charming Mediterranean Cheese Cups, crafted from crispy, golden Parmesan frico and filled with a luscious blend of feta, neufchâtel (or cream cheese), and fresh spinach. These delightful little bites are perfect as a sophisticated appetizer or complement to your favorite pasta or antipasto dish. With a hint of lemony zest from fresh herbs and a beautifully crispy texture, they promise to be a standout feature at any gathering. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
neufchâtel cheese
4 ounces (softened)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened (optional for neufchâtel))
frozen chopped spinach
3 ounces (thawed and drained)
green onion
1 (chopped)
fresh dill weed
1 teaspoon (chopped)
low-sodium parmesan cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Greek seasoning
1 tablespoon (or Italian seasoning)
butter
1 teaspoon (for frying)
Instructions
1
Filling: In a medium bowl, combine feta cheese, neufchâtel (or cream cheese), spinach (if using), green onion, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheeses are melted and the filling is warm and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Frico Cups: In a small bowl, mix the shredded parmesan cheese with the Greek or Italian seasoning. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom.
3
Using a spoon, create three 3-inch circles of the parmesan mixture in the skillet, making sure they are thin but covering the base. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is golden brown around the edges.
4
Carefully flip each cheese circle with a spatula and cook for another 30 seconds or until both sides are lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and immediately drape over an inverted mini muffin tin to form cups. Let them cool and set for a few minutes.
5
Once the frico cups are cool to the touch, gently fill each with the cheese mixture. Serve immediately for the best experience or refrigerate for later serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Cheese Cups?
They are crispy Parmesan frico cups filled with a blend of feta, cream cheese, and fresh spinach.
What is the texture of the cups?
The frico cups are designed to be crispy and golden brown.
What cheeses are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of feta cheese and either Neufchâtel or cream cheese.
How is the spinach prepared for this recipe?
Use frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained.
What herbs provide the lemony zest mentioned?
Fresh dill weed and green onions are used to provide fresh herbal notes.
How do I make the filling smooth?
Microwave the cheese and spinach mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
What is the base of the frico cups?
The base is made from shredded low-sodium Parmesan cheese mixed with Greek or Italian seasoning.
How do I cook the Parmesan circles?
Cook three-inch circles of the cheese mixture in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
How long should I cook the second side of the frico?
After flipping, cook the cheese circle for another 30 seconds or until lightly golden.
How do I shape the frico into cups?
Immediately drape the warm cheese circles over an inverted mini muffin tin to set.
How long do the cups need to cool?
Let them cool and set for a few minutes until they are firm and cool to the touch.
Can I serve these Mediterranean Cheese Cups warm?
Yes, serving them warm provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can fill the cups and refrigerate them for later serving.
What seasoning is recommended for the Parmesan?
The recipe suggests using either Greek seasoning or Italian seasoning.
What type of skillet is best for making frico?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Yes, use butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom of the skillet.
What is the recommended size for each cheese circle?
The circles should be approximately 3 inches in diameter.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: feta, Neufchâtel, cream cheese, spinach, green onion, dill, parmesan, seasoning, and butter.
Can I use Neufchâtel instead of cream cheese?
Yes, the recipe suggests Neufchâtel or cream cheese as interchangeable options.
What should I do if the frico is too thick?
Ensure the cheese circles are thin when placing them in the skillet while still covering the base.
What dishes do these cups complement?
They are a great accompaniment to pasta dishes or antipasto platters.
Is there a specific preparation for the green onion?
The green onion should be finely chopped before being added to the filling.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded low-sodium Parmesan cheese.
Is salt added to the recipe?
A pinch of salt and pepper is added to the filling mixture.
What is the purpose of the mini muffin tin?
It acts as a mold to shape the melted cheese into a cup shape as it cools.
Should the filling be hot when added to the cups?
The filling should be allowed to cool slightly after melting before being added to the cups.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
The recipe specifies frozen chopped spinach, but fresh could be used if cooked and drained similarly.
What makes this a 'Mediterranean' dish?
The use of feta cheese, spinach, dill, and Greek seasonings gives it a Mediterranean flavor profile.
How do I know when to flip the cheese circles?
Flip them once the cheese has melted and the edges have turned golden brown.
What is the best way to fill the cups?
Gently spoon the cheese and spinach mixture into the hardened frico cups once they are cool.