Spinach and Feta Cheese Alligator
Turn ordinary ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece with this whimsical Spinach and Feta Cheese Alligator. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or when you're simply feeling creative, this recipe combines flaky puff pastry with a rich, savory filling of sautéed spinach, creamy feta, and tangy cream cheese, seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. The real magic lies in shaping the pastry into an adorable alligator—complete with scales, eyes, and a tail—for a playful presentation bound to impress. Brushed with a golden egg wash and sprinkled with sesame seeds, this baked creation comes out delightfully crisp and irresistibly tasty. Ready in under an hour, this imaginative dish is equal parts delicious and artistic, ensuring it's a hit on your table and your social media feed.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 4 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large egg Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Use one sheet as the base and cut the second sheet to create the alligator's head, tail, legs, and scales.
Spoon the spinach and feta mixture along the center of the first puff pastry sheet, leaving a 1-inch border on the edges.
Use the cut pieces of pastry from the second sheet to form the alligator shape on top of the filling, ensuring that the edges are sealed. Be creative—use small pieces to form eyes, teeth, and scales!
Brush the entire surface of the alligator pastry with beaten egg, then sprinkle with sesame seeds for texture.
Transfer the alligator to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy your whimsical Spinach and Feta Cheese Alligator!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1873 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 150.2 g | 193% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.8 g | 354% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 512 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 4783 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.6 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 62.3 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1526 mg | 117% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1790 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
