National Dish Israel: Spinach and Cheese Bourekas (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Spinach and Cheese Bourekas, one of Israel’s most beloved savoury pastries! These flaky little parcels wrap crisp, golden pastry around a rich filling of fresh spinach and creamy cheese. Rooted in Jewish and Mediterranean tradition, they are just as at home as a quick snack on the go as they are on a festive table. Simple to make and utterly moreish, they are guaranteed to disappear fast.
About Spinach and Cheese Bourekas
Spinach and Cheese Bourekas are savoury pastry parcels that strike the perfect balance between crisp pastry and a rich filling of fresh spinach and creamy cheese. Originally part of Jewish cooking, they have taken root in countless cultures and are today a much-loved dish across Israel. Whether served as a snack between meals or as an elegant starter at a celebratory dinner, bourekas are wonderfully versatile. Their easy preparation and delicious flavour make them a hit at any occasion.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g puff pastry
- 150 g fresh spinach
- 100 g feta cheese
- 1 small onion
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for spinach and cheese bourekas are easy to find in most supermarkets. Pick up fresh spinach, which is packed with vitamins and nutrients, and be sure to choose a good-quality feta cheese to deepen the flavour. Fresh onions are important too, as they build the savoury base of the filling. For the puff pastry you can use either fresh or frozen, depending on what you have to hand.
Preparing the dish
Preparing the bourekas is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. First, blanch the spinach to soften it. Once it has cooled and drained well, chop it finely and mix it with the crumbled feta and the diced onions. Take care to season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, as this makes a real difference to the finished flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
- Briefly blanch the spinach in boiling water and leave it to cool.
- Chop the onion and fry it in a little olive oil until translucent.
- Combine the cooled spinach, the fried onion and the crumbled feta in a bowl and season the mixture.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each square and fold the pastry into triangles or parcels.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and arrange the bourekas on a baking tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of spinach and cheese bourekas, simply use gluten-free puff pastry, which is stocked by most health food shops. To keep the dish lactose-free, swap the feta for plant-based alternatives that melt well and deliver a similar flavour. These easy tweaks let you enjoy bourekas even if you have particular food intolerances. Much like Sambusak with Cheese, the recipe adapts happily to different needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegan bourekas, replace the feta with a mixture of crushed tofu, nutritional yeast and a squeeze of lemon for a tangy edge. Wrap the filling in gluten-free or classic puff pastry to keep the dish fully plant-based. Plenty of vegetables, such as mushrooms or courgettes, can be worked into the filling too, adding extra flavour and texture. That way you create a distinctive vegan dish all your own.
More tips and tricks
To make sure your bourekas bake evenly, leave enough space between each one on the tray. This lets the heat circulate properly and stops them sticking together. Experiment with different cheeses in the filling, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to discover new flavour combinations. And remember that proper seasoning is key, so keep tasting and playing with spices and herbs until the mixture is just right.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to flavour, and the recipe for spinach and cheese bourekas is easy to adjust. If you like things spicier, add chopped chillies or peppers to the filling. Aromatic herbs such as dill, parsley or chives can enrich the filling too, making the dish fresher and more inviting. Be creative and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect bourekas creation.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no feta to hand, you can use ricotta or a creamy cream cheese instead. Plant-based cream cheese alternatives also work well for a milder note. The spinach can be swapped for other popular greens such as chard or kale, which not only open up new flavours but also boost the nutritional profile. Keep the basic method in mind and enjoy discovering just how much fun it is to play with different ingredients, whether serving Falafel or Shakshuka alongside.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with spinach and cheese bourekas and brings out the flavour of the dish. A chilled glass of wine, such as a crisp white or a lively rosé, complements the pastry perfectly. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling mineral water with lemon or a refreshing homemade iced tea makes an excellent companion. These drinks add a welcome freshness that harmonises wonderfully with the savoury bourekas.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present spinach and cheese bourekas attractively, arrange them on a large plate or a wooden board. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to add a splash of colour. Serve a few dipping sauces alongside, such as a yoghurt dip or a tahini sauce, to enhance the whole experience. A beautifully arranged plate makes a strong impression and invites everyone to dig in.
A bit of history
Bourekas have a long history that reaches back to the Ottoman era. These delicious pastries originate in Mediterranean cooking and found their way into Jewish communities over time. In Israel bourekas are often sold as street food and are a firm favourite in many households. Every region that prepares them adds its own variations and fillings, making the dish all the more interesting — a proud fixture of Israeli cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Spinach and Cheese Bourekas
Spinach and cheese bourekas are a versatile and delicious dish that you can easily make at home. With their combination of crisp puff pastry and a hearty spinach-and-cheese filling, they are perfect both for a quick bite and as part of a festive buffet spread. Adapt the recipe to your own taste and enjoy the flavours of Israeli cooking in your own kitchen. Whether at your next family gathering or as a snack with friends, bourekas are guaranteed to be a hit.
