These Spanakopita Spring Rolls are a fun and delicious twist on the traditional Greek spanakopita. Inspired by the classic flavors of spinach, feta, and garlic, these hand-held spring rolls are wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers, making them easy to serve as an appetizer or snack. The combination of creamy feta, savory spinach, and aromatic garlic is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons dill weed

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 14 refrigerated egg roll wrappers

• Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, garlic, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Assemble the Spring Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you. Place about 1/3 cup of the filling just below the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the side corners. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

3. Fry the Spring Rolls: Heat oil in a deep-fat fryer or electric skillet to 375°F. Fry the spring rolls, a few at a time, for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Remove the rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels.

4. Serve: Serve the spring rolls warm, with a side of tzatziki sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients

• Calories: 245 kcal per spring roll

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 568mg

• Carbohydrates: 22g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 0g

• Protein: 10g

The Classic Greek Flavors

The flavor profile of Spanakopita Spring Rolls is rooted in classic Greek cuisine, where spinach and feta are often paired together. The spinach provides a savory, earthy base, while the feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy kick. Garlic and dill, both key ingredients in Greek cooking, infuse the filling with aromatic and savory flavors that elevate the dish.

Dill, in particular, plays a significant role in Greek dishes, contributing a fresh and slightly tangy note that complements the richness of the cheese and the earthiness of the spinach. The garlic adds depth and a fragrant aroma, making the filling even more flavorful and satisfying. The combination of these ingredients creates a filling that is rich in flavor yet balanced, making each bite a delicious experience.

Egg Roll Wrappers: The Perfect Crunch

One of the standout features of Spanakopita Spring Rolls is the use of egg roll wrappers. While traditional spanakopita uses phyllo dough, which is thin and delicate, the egg roll wrapper provides a sturdier, crispier exterior that is perfect for deep frying. When fried to golden perfection, the egg roll wrapper becomes crispy and crunchy, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy, flavorful filling inside.

Egg roll wrappers are also more durable than phyllo dough, making them easier to work with and less prone to tearing. They allow the filling to be tightly wrapped, ensuring that the ingredients stay inside while frying. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior with a warm, creamy filling, creating a delicious balance of textures.

The Convenience Factor

One of the key benefits of making Spanakopita Spring Rolls is their convenience. Traditional spanakopita can be time-consuming to prepare, especially when working with phyllo dough, which requires careful handling and multiple layers. In contrast, egg roll wrappers are much simpler to use and don’t require the same level of precision. This makes the spring roll version a much faster and easier option, especially when you need to prepare a large batch for a gathering or event.

The bite-sized nature of these spring rolls also makes them ideal for serving as appetizers or snacks. They are easy to pick up, dip, and enjoy without the need for utensils. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack for the family, or preparing a meal for yourself, these Spanakopita Spring Rolls offer a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Greek cuisine in a more portable and accessible form.

Frying: Achieving Golden Perfection

Frying is the method of choice for cooking Spanakopita Spring Rolls, as it creates the desired crispy texture that sets this dish apart. The oil needs to be heated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying, ensuring that the spring rolls cook quickly and evenly. As the rolls fry, the wrappers become golden and crunchy, while the filling inside remains warm and creamy.

Frying also helps to seal the edges of the spring rolls, keeping the filling secure and preventing any cheese or spinach from escaping. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior that holds up well during frying, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. To achieve the perfect level of crispiness, it’s important to fry the spring rolls in small batches, ensuring that each one has enough room to cook evenly. Once fried, the spring rolls should be drained on paper towels to remove any excess oil, keeping them light and crisp.

Serving Suggestions: Dips and Pairings

Spanakopita Spring Rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. They are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a variety of dipping sauces. Tzatziki sauce, a classic Greek yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill, is a natural pairing for these spring rolls. The creamy, tangy sauce complements the savory filling of the spring rolls and adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy exterior.

If you prefer a more tangy or spicy option, you can serve the spring rolls with marinara sauce or pizza sauce. The acidity of the marinara sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese filling, while the tomato flavor enhances the overall taste. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy dipping sauce, such as sriracha mayo or a hot pepper relish, can add an extra kick to the dish.

In addition to dips, Spanakopita Spring Rolls can be served alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as Greek salad, hummus, or olives. They can also be paired with a light soup, like lentil soup or a vegetable broth, to create a more substantial meal.

Versatility and Customization

While the traditional filling for Spanakopita Spring Rolls consists of spinach and feta, the recipe is highly customizable. You can easily switch out the spinach for other leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, to create a slightly different flavor profile. If you want to add more vegetables, you can include ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, which will further enhance the flavor and texture of the filling.

For those who are not fans of feta, other cheeses, such as ricotta, goat cheese, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, can be used. You can also experiment with adding herbs and spices to the filling, such as oregano, thyme, or parsley, to tailor the flavor to your liking. Additionally, you can make the spring rolls even more indulgent by adding ingredients like cooked chicken or lamb for added protein, making the dish more filling and substantial.

Healthier Alternatives

While these Spanakopita Spring Rolls are undeniably delicious, they can also be made a bit healthier with a few simple modifications. Instead of deep frying the rolls, consider baking them for a lighter version. You can brush the wrapped spring rolls with a small amount of olive oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. This method will still provide a satisfying crunch while cutting down on the oil used in cooking.

Another way to make the dish healthier is by using whole wheat egg roll wrappers instead of the standard white wrappers. Whole wheat wrappers provide additional fiber and nutrients, making the dish a bit more wholesome. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used in the filling or opt for a lower-fat cheese to reduce the overall calorie count while still maintaining the delicious flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Spanakopita Spring Rolls are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer that brings the classic flavors of Greek cuisine to a fun and portable form. The combination of savory spinach, creamy feta, aromatic garlic, and crispy egg roll wrappers makes these spring rolls a satisfying and crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a snack, or a casual dinner, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a great option for a variety of occasions. Whether you stick to the traditional spinach and feta filling or experiment with different ingredients, Spanakopita Spring Rolls are guaranteed to deliver a burst of flavor with every bite. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra touch of indulgence, and enjoy a dish that is as delicious as it is fun to eat.