Spinach and Feta Pita Bake: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

## Introduction

Tired of the same old lunches or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This Spinach and Feta Pita Bake is the answer! It’s a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy dish to prepare. The combination of savory spinach, tangy feta cheese, and flaky pita bread creates a delightful texture and taste that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a weekend brunch. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this delightful bake.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and time. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy!
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while feta cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of spinach, feta, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique version.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This bake is perfect for serving a crowd, whether it’s a potluck or a family gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pita Bread:** 6-8 pita breads, depending on size. You can use white or whole wheat pita bread. Make sure they are fresh and pliable.
* **Fresh Spinach:** 10 ounces (about 300g). Baby spinach is convenient, but regular spinach works too (just remove the stems).
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces (about 115g). Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor.
* **Eggs:** 4 large eggs. Eggs bind the ingredients together and create a custardy texture.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup. Use whole milk, 2% milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or soy milk.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Oregano adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Optional additions:**
* Sun-dried tomatoes
* Kalamata olives
* Red pepper flakes
* Chopped red onion
* Fresh dill or parsley
* Ricotta cheese

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the ideal size for this recipe. You can also use a slightly smaller or larger dish, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
* **Large Skillet or Pot:** For sautéing the spinach.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For whisking the eggs and milk.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the garlic and preparing the pita bread.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For stirring and layering the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to creating your delicious Spinach and Feta Pita Bake:

### 1. Prepare the Spinach

* **Wash the Spinach:** Thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any dirt or grit. Pat it dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner.
* **Sauté the Garlic:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* **Add the Spinach:** Add the spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-5 minutes. If using regular spinach, you may need to add a tablespoon of water to help it wilt.
* **Drain Excess Moisture:** Once the spinach is wilted, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a colander. Gently press out any excess moisture using a spoon or your hands. This will prevent the bake from becoming soggy.
* **Chop the Spinach (Optional):** If you prefer smaller pieces of spinach, you can chop it roughly after draining.

### 2. Prepare the Pita Bread

* **Cut the Pita Bread:** Cut each pita bread into quarters or smaller pieces. You can use scissors or a knife.

### 3. Prepare the Egg Mixture

* **Whisk the Eggs:** In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

### 4. Assemble the Pita Bake

* **Grease the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray.
* **Layer the Ingredients:**
* **First Layer:** Spread a layer of pita bread pieces evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
* **Second Layer:** Sprinkle half of the cooked spinach over the pita bread.
* **Third Layer:** Crumble half of the feta cheese over the spinach.
* **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layers with the remaining pita bread, spinach, and feta cheese.
* **Pour the Egg Mixture:** Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure to saturate all the pita bread. Gently press down on the pita bread to ensure it absorbs the egg mixture.

### 5. Bake the Pita Bake

* **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Bake:** Bake the pita bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set. You can insert a knife into the center of the bake to check for doneness. If the knife comes out clean, it’s ready.

### 6. Let it Rest and Serve

* **Rest:** Let the pita bake rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the bake to set properly.
* **Serve:** Cut the pita bake into squares and serve warm. You can garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, or onions.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using a plant-based egg substitute and vegan feta cheese.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pita bread.
* **Prepare Ahead:** Assemble the pita bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to eat. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Preventing Soggy Bake:** Ensure you drain the spinach well to remove excess moisture. You can also lightly toast the pita bread pieces before layering to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
* **Evenly Distribute Ingredients:** Make sure to distribute the spinach and feta cheese evenly between the layers to ensure a consistent flavor in every bite.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Breakfast/Brunch:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
* **Lunch:** Pack a slice for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
* **Dinner:** Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
* **Potluck:** This pita bake is a great dish to bring to a potluck or gathering.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pita bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may become slightly soggy.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze the pita bake, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Spinach and Feta Pita Bake is a fantastic recipe that is both delicious and easy to make. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this satisfying meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and healthy pita bake that everyone will love! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version. Happy baking!