Spinach and Feta Brownies: A Savory Twist on a Classic Treat

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When you think of brownies, you probably picture a sweet, chocolatey dessert. But what if I told you there’s a savory version that’s just as delicious—and much healthier? Spinach and feta brownies are a unique, nutrient-packed dish that combines the goodness of leafy greens, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs in every bite. These savory brownies make a great snack, a light meal, or even an impressive dish for entertaining guests.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make these savory spinach and feta brownies step by step. With a combination of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to try something different, nutritious, and downright delicious.

Why You’ll Love Spinach and Feta Brownies

  • Healthy and satisfying: Packed with spinach, feta, and oat flour, these brownies are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
  • Quick and easy: The recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy days.
  • Versatile: These savory brownies are great as a snack, appetizer, or paired with a salad for a complete meal.
  • Full of flavor: The combination of feta, Parmesan, fresh dill, and garlic creates a savory, cheesy, and herbaceous treat.
  • Meal prep-friendly: These brownies store well, making them ideal for meal prep or make-ahead snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make spinach and feta brownies:

CategoryIngredientAmount
Wet IngredientsEggs, large2
Milk (any kind)1 cup
Olive oil, extra virgin¼ cup
Dry IngredientsBaking powder1 teaspoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Ground black pepper½ teaspoon
Oat flour1½ cups
Add-insFrozen spinach, thawed & squeezed10 oz
Feta cheese, crumbled7 oz
Parmigiano Reggiano, grated½ cup + more for topping
Green onion, finely chopped½ cup
Fresh dill, finely chopped½ cup
Garlic cloves, grated2 large
For the PanCooking sprayAs needed

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spinach and Feta Brownies

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spray a 9×9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray (or lightly grease it with olive oil). Set it aside.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together:
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup milk
    • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Add 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, then whisk again until fully combined.

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually stir in 1½ cups oat flour using a spatula. Mix until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.

4. Add the Spinach and Flavorful Fillings

  • Gently fold in:
    • 10 ounces of thawed and squeezed spinach (make sure to remove as much liquid as possible to avoid a soggy texture).
    • 7 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
    • ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
    • ½ cup finely chopped green onions
    • ½ cup finely chopped dill
    • 2 grated garlic cloves
  • Stir until everything is evenly distributed, and the batter becomes thick and packed with ingredients.

5. Transfer to the Baking Dish

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
  • Optionally, sprinkle some extra Parmigiano Reggiano on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

6. Bake the Brownies

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool for at least 30 minutes in the dish. This resting time helps them firm up for easier slicing.

7. Slice and Serve

  • Transfer the cooled brownies to a cutting board and slice them into 9 squares.
  • Serve them warm or cold, as they’re equally delicious both ways.

Tips for Perfect Spinach and Feta Brownies

  • Squeeze the spinach well: Removing excess moisture from the spinach is essential to prevent soggy brownies. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth to squeeze out as much water as possible.
  • Use block feta: Crumbled feta from a block has a better texture and flavor than pre-crumbled feta.
  • Experiment with herbs: While dill is classic, you can substitute or add parsley, cilantro, or even basil for a unique twist.
  • Make oat flour at home: If you don’t have oat flour, simply blend rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.
  • Add toppings: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds on top before baking.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 9 servings):

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories~160
Protein~9g
Carbohydrates~12g
Fat~10g
Fiber~2g
Sodium~300mg

Creative Variations

1. Add Protein

  • Mix in shredded chicken or cooked turkey for a more filling meal.

2. Make It Gluten-Free

  • Oat flour is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.

3. Use Fresh Spinach

  • Replace frozen spinach with fresh spinach. Sauté it briefly in olive oil until wilted, then chop and squeeze out excess moisture.

4. Add a Spicy Kick

  • Mix in ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.

5. Vegan Option

  • Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2½ tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan cheese substitutes for feta and Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

  • As a side dish: Pair these savory brownies with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • As a snack: Pack them in your lunchbox for an easy, on-the-go snack.
  • For brunch: Serve them as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, smoked salmon, or avocado toast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze spinach and feta brownies?

Yes! Once cooled, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

2. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just make sure to cook it down and remove excess water before adding it to the batter.

3. What other flours can I use?

If you don’t have oat flour, you can try whole wheat flour or almond flour, though the texture may vary slightly.

4. How long do these brownies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these brownies stay fresh for up to 4 days.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt or milk alternatives, and swap the feta and Parmesan for vegan cheese.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers, grated zucchini, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes would all work well.

Final Thoughts: A Savory Treat for Every Occasion

Spinach and feta brownies are proof that brownies don’t have to be sweet to be delicious. These savory squares are bursting with flavor, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to enjoy as a snack, side, or main course.

So why not try something new? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of these savory spinach and feta brownies today.

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Spinach and Feta Brownies: A Savory Twist on a Classic Treat


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  • Author: Stacy
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 brownies

Description

Spinach and feta brownies are a savory twist on the classic treat, combining the richness of feta cheese with the goodness of spinach and aromatic herbs. These nutrient-packed brownies are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups oat flour

Add-ins:

  • 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 7 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for topping
  • 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, grated

For the Pan:

  • Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease the pan)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Baking Dish
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Mix the Wet Ingredients
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil until smooth.
    • Add the baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the wet mixture and whisk again.
  • Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
    • Gradually add the oat flour to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until fully combined. The batter should be slightly thick.
  • Add the Spinach and Fillings
    • Fold in the spinach, crumbled feta, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, chopped green onions, fresh dill, and grated garlic.
    • Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Transfer to the Baking Dish
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
    • Sprinkle extra grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
  • Bake the Brownies
    • Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  • Cool and Slice
    • Let the brownies cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
    • Transfer to a cutting board and slice into 9 squares.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    • Serve warm or cold as a snack, side dish, or paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Squeeze the spinach well: Removing excess water ensures the brownies have the right texture.
  • Oat flour substitute: If you don’t have oat flour, whole wheat or almond flour can be used, though the texture may vary.
  • Herb swaps: Fresh parsley or cilantro can be used instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Snack/Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

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