Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders

Name: Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12.0
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh spinach; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 12 slider buns; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean & Simple Meals

I absolutely love making Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders for gatherings and cozy nights at home. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy feta enveloped in a delicious slider is simply irresistible. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying dish that is both nutritious and decadent. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these sliders are my go-to for impressing guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Every bite is a burst of flavor, and they can be served as appetizers or main dishes, making them incredibly versatile.

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-06T20:46:32.545Z

During my last dinner party, I wanted to serve something light yet full of flavor. That’s when I decided to make Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders. Sautéing the spinach brings out its natural sweetness, while the feta provides a creamy tang that elevates the flavors. I love to add a hint of garlic and a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

What truly makes these sliders a hit is the slider bun. Using a soft, fresh bun allows every element to meld together perfectly. I highly recommend toasting the buns slightly for added texture. Pair these sliders with a side salad and you'll have a delightful meal that everyone will rave about!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory spinach flavor combined with creamy feta
Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal
Quick to prepare with minimal clean-up

      

Mastering the Spinach Sauté

Sautéing the spinach properly is crucial for developing flavor and texture in these sliders. Start by using a large skillet on medium heat, as this allows for even cooking. Once the olive oil is shimmering and the garlic turns fragrant, introduce the spinach gradually. This technique prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. You want the spinach to wilt down and become glossy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

A common misstep is not seasoning the spinach at the right stage. Add salt and pepper once the spinach has wilted down—this ensures the flavor adheres well to the greens. If you find that your spinach releases too much moisture, increase the heat slightly and sauté for an additional minute or two until most of the liquid has evaporated. This step is essential for preventing soggy sliders.

The Role of Feta in the Sliders

Feta cheese isn't just a flavor enhancer; it also adds a creamy texture that balances the earthiness of spinach. When integrating feta into the sautéed spinach, make sure your skillet is off the heat to avoid overcooking the cheese. Stirring in the crumbled feta at this stage allows it to soften slightly while maintaining its crumbly consistency, ensuring that each slider has a rich, creamy bite without becoming overly gooey.

If you want to try a variation, goat cheese can serve as an excellent substitute. While it will add tanginess, it also melts more, so keep that in mind if you're aiming for a firmer texture in your sliders. Whichever cheese you choose, be sure to adjust the salt accordingly, as feta is quite salty on its own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of dips or sides. Consider serving them with a tangy tzatziki sauce or a light yogurt dressing to complement the savory flavors. Additionally, sliced tomatoes or fresh cucumber on the side can enhance the freshness of the dish, providing a nice crunch against the creamy sliders.

If you're looking to expand the recipe, think about adding other ingredients. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives can introduce a different flavor profile that contrasts beautifully with the spinach and feta. For a bit of heat, consider incorporating finely diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of spicy feta in the mix. Feel free to experiment—these sliders are a versatile canvas!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to prepare Sautéed Spinach and Feta Sliders:

Ingredients

1 lb fresh spinach
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp olive oil
12 slider buns
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious sliders:

Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the spinach gradually, stirring until wilted.

Season with salt and pepper.

Mix with Feta

Once the spinach has wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese until well combined.

Prepare the Sliders

Preheat your oven broiler. Cut the slider buns in half and place them on a baking sheet. Spoon the spinach and feta mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns.

Toast and Serve

Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, just until the buns are lightly toasted. Remove from the oven, place the top halves on, and serve immediately.

Enjoy your sliders fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley with the feta. You can also serve these sliders with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing these sliders in advance can save time during busy gatherings. The sautéed spinach and feta mixture can be cooked up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld further, offering an even more robust taste. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the filling gently on the stove over low heat, and assemble the sliders when needed.

In terms of the slider buns, consider toasting them just before serving—this ensures they remain soft on the inside while developing a crispy outer layer that holds up well against the filling. You can also opt for mini pita breads instead of traditional slider buns for a unique twist that adds texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover sliders can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This method helps retain the crispiness of the buns and the integrity of the filling. Avoid microwaving, as this can lead to sogginess.

If you want to freeze the filling, it can be stored in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it easy to whip up fresh sliders on a whim, impressing guests with minimal effort!

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up for larger gatherings is a breeze. For a crowd of 24, simply double the quantities of spinach and feta, as well as the accompanying ingredients. Use a very large skillet or sauté in batches to avoid steaming the spinach—all of it should be sautéed quickly and evenly to retain the optimal texture and flavor.

For a smaller batch, if you’re only looking to make a few sliders for a light snack, feel free to halve the ingredients. This recipe easily adapts to your needs while maintaining the delightful taste that makes it a favorite!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, if you use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before sautéing.

→ What type of bread works best for sliders?

Slider buns, mini brioche, or whole grain rolls work wonderfully for this recipe.

→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The spinach and feta mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Are there alternatives to feta cheese?

Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese for a different flavor profile.