The combination of spinach and feta cheese is a classic pairing that transcends borders and cuisines, celebrated for its unique blend of earthy greens and tangy creaminess. This Savory Spinach and Feta Cake brings together the rich, hearty flavors of sautéed spinach, onion, and parsley with the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, all baked into a tender, golden cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, this dish is a deliciously versatile addition to any meal.
This savory cake is inspired by traditional Mediterranean flavors but adapts them into a modern, easy-to-make dish that suits busy lifestyles. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings for comfort food while delivering a healthy dose of nutrients. With its soft texture, robust flavors, and visually appealing green-and-white speckles, this savory cake is sure to impress family and friends.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Spinach Mixture
- Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 520g Spinach (fresh, or use frozen and thawed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
For the Cake Mixture
- 3 Eggs
- 130ml (1/2 cup) Milk
- 160g (1 1/4 cups) All-Purpose Flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (to taste)
- 220g Feta Cheese, crumbled
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach Mixture
- Sauté the Onion: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet. If using fresh spinach, cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thawed and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet.
- Season the Mixture: Season the spinach mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cake Mixture
- Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Add Milk: Pour in the milk and whisk to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, whisking to create a smooth batter. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Herbs and Cheese: Stir in the chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Combine and Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a baking dish or cake tin with parchment paper.
- Combine Spinach and Batter: Fold the spinach mixture into the cake batter, gently stirring until fully incorporated.
- Pour into the Tin: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Slice into squares or wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
The Savory Spinach and Feta Cake is timeless because it takes a beloved flavor combination and transforms it into a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Spinach and feta have been staples in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, and their pairing continues to shine in everything from pies to salads. This cake modernizes the duo, making it easy to prepare and adaptable to various occasions.
Its simplicity is another reason for its enduring appeal. With basic pantry staples like flour, eggs, and milk, along with spinach and feta, this recipe is affordable and accessible. Its nutritional value is also noteworthy—spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals, while feta adds protein and calcium. Together, they create a wholesome dish that feels indulgent but is packed with goodness.
This savory cake is ideal for today’s fast-paced lifestyles, as it can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week. Its ability to be served warm or cold makes it a versatile option for breakfasts, packed lunches, or quick dinners. Moreover, it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or brunch spreads.
Tips for Perfect Spinach and Feta Cake
- Drain the Spinach Well: If using frozen spinach, ensure you squeeze out all excess water to avoid a soggy cake.
- Use Fresh Feta: Fresh feta cheese crumbles better and has a richer flavor than pre-crumbled options.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding the spinach mixture into the batter, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough.
- Customize the Herbs: Add dill, oregano, or chives for additional layers of flavor.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Slice the cake into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, both fresh and frozen spinach work well in this recipe. If using fresh spinach, you may need to sauté it in batches to fit in your skillet.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or grated zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Goat cheese or ricotta can be used as a substitute for feta. Just ensure the cheese complements the spinach.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed substitute, use plant-based milk, and substitute feta with vegan cheese.
Conclusion
The Savory Spinach and Feta Cake is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of timeless flavors and nourishing ingredients. This dish takes the familiar combination of spinach and feta and transforms it into something fresh, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Its golden crust, tender crumb, and bursts of tangy cheese make it a standout choice for any meal.
Whether you’re preparing a wholesome breakfast, a quick snack, or an elegant addition to a dinner table, this savory cake delivers every time. Its simplicity, adaptability, and crowd-pleasing nature ensure that it remains a staple in your culinary repertoire. Plus, its nutritional benefits make it a dish you can feel good about serving to loved ones.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s shared over a casual brunch or presented as part of a holiday spread, this cake creates moments of connection and joy. Baking it fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas, reminding us of the simple pleasures of home cooking.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in this timeless dish. The Savory Spinach and Feta Cake is more than a meal—it’s an experience that will leave you coming back for more. Enjoy!