Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Muffins
These Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Muffins are a delightful blend of creamy cheese and vibrant spinach packed into a savory bite-sized treat. Perfectly versatile, they're delicious served hot or cold and make an excellent addition to any gathering or meal. Outfitted with crispy edges and a fluffy interior, each muffin is not only a tasty snack but also an impressive dish that can be served alongside a spicy tomato salsa or sprinkled with fresh Parmesan cheese. Whether you're planning a party or just need a quick meal prep option, these muffins are easy to make ahead, store in the fridge, and enjoy whenever the craving strikes. A beloved recipe from Olivello, a Mediterranean restaurant nestled in the scenic Winelands of the Cape, with a few personal tweaks to enhance their flavor and texture.
N/A
Servings
199
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
1 cup (softened (230 g tub, low-fat preferred))
feta cheese
7 ounces (crumbled (250 g, drained))
baby spinach leaves
7 ounces (washed (250 g English spinach, not chard))
eggs
3 (largest size)
self-raising flour
1/4 cup (about 62 ml)
spring onion
1 cup (finely chopped, white and green parts (about 1 bunch))
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (used as is)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (used as is)
garlic
2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (coarse)
parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated (or less, to taste))
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baby spinach leaves and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they wilt and soften. Drain well in a colander and roughly chop the spinach with a knife and fork to break it down further.
2
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) for standard ovens, or 150°C for fan/convection ovens. Grease a muffin tin with a light coat of oil or butter. If you have a silicone muffin pan, it works wonderfully and requires less greasing.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped spinach, eggs, self-raising flour, finely chopped spring onions, dried oregano, dried thyme, minced garlic, and black pepper. Using a wooden spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until roughly combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary, although the feta usually provides enough saltiness.
4
For a smoother texture, switch to an electric mixer and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a uniform mixture.
5
Carefully fill each muffin hole in the prepared tin, filling them almost to the top, as the muffins won’t rise much during baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the muffins are firm to the touch and start to turn golden brown on top. Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before gently removing them.
7
Serve warm, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
6g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Muffins?
They are a savory, bite-sized treat featuring a blend of creamy cheese and vibrant spinach with crispy edges and a fluffy interior.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This recipe is inspired by Olivello, a Mediterranean restaurant located in the scenic Winelands of the Cape.
How many calories are in each muffin?
Each muffin contains approximately 199 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 11 grams of protein in each serving.
What type of spinach is recommended?
The recipe calls for baby English spinach leaves rather than chard.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Boil the leaves for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted, drain well, and roughly chop them.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, a low-fat softened cream cheese is actually preferred for this recipe.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 3 eggs of the largest size available.
What is the required oven temperature for standard ovens?
Preheat your standard oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
What is the oven temperature for fan-forced ovens?
For fan or convection ovens, set the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius.
How long should the muffins bake?
Bake them for about 40 minutes until firm and golden brown on top.
Do these muffins rise significantly?
No, they do not rise much during baking, so you can fill the muffin cups almost to the top.
Can I use a silicone muffin pan?
Yes, silicone pans work well and require less greasing than metal tins.
Why should I use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer ensures all ingredients are well incorporated for a uniform, smooth texture.
Are these muffins vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, these muffins are classified as a vegetarian dish.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe includes one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried thyme.
Can these muffins be served cold?
Yes, they are versatile and delicious served either hot or cold.
What are some suggested serving accompaniments?
They are excellent served with a spicy tomato salsa or a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese.
Should I add extra salt to the batter?
It is usually not necessary as the feta cheese provides enough saltiness, but you can adjust to taste.
What is the fat content per muffin?
Each muffin contains 14 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates in each muffin.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup (62 ml) of self-raising flour.
How should I prepare the spring onions?
Finely chop one bunch, including both the white and green parts.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of finely chopped garlic.
What type of pepper is best for this dish?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of coarse black pepper.
Is Parmesan cheese mixed into the batter?
Parmesan is primarily used as a topping or side, though you can adjust its use to taste.
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for later use.
How should the muffins be stored?
Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
Are these muffins suitable for parties?
Yes, they are an impressive and tasty addition to any social gathering or party.
How long should they cool before removal?
Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes to firm up before gently removing them.