Mahon Mencora and Spinach Spanakopita

I love the versatility of phyllo dough and when I first tasted Mahon-Menorca I knew it would be the perfect addition to one of my favorite Greek appetizers, Spanakopita. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is exclusively produced on the island of Menorca, a part of the Spanish Balearic Islands. The unique climate, including temperature, humidity, wind and salt bring together the elements required to add the unique flavors to the cheese itself.

Spanakopita is traditionally made with Feta Cheese and swapping over to Mahon-Menorca changes the flavor quite a bit. The richness of the Mahon-Menorca adds a sharp and savory dimension to the dish that compliments the spinach filling and crispy exterior. 

This easy to make appetizer recipe is perfect for New Years Eve! 

Mahon and Spinach Spanakopita Recipe 

Ingredients 

• Phyllo Dough 
• Butter 
• Shredded Semi-Cured Mahon-Menorca Cheese 
• Frozen Spinach

1. Phyllo dough comes pre-made and is available in the frozen food section of the grocer. Before beginning your recipe, pull the phyllo out of the freezer 3 hours ahead of time to allow it time to properly defrost.
   
2. Melt a stick of butter in the microwave. Using a pastry brush, carefully coat the phyllo dough to prevent it from drying out. You will do each sheet one at a time otherwise the dough will become too soft to work with. 
3. Fold the dough into quarters so you have a layered strip approximately 4 inches wide. This is enough for making two pieces. Find the middle and cut in half.
   
4. Add 2 tablespoons of Mahon Cheese & 1 tablespoon defrosted frozen spinach into the center of the dough. This is the filling. 

   

5. Fold like a football into a triangle by rolling up the phyllo dough. Fold over the edge tightly to keep the filling inside. Repeat for however many pieces you wish to make. 
   
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the finished triangles on a cookie sheet. Coat with one additional layer of butter. Bake for 15 mins or until golden brown.

Interested in learning more about Mahon-Mencora Cheese? Check out their US Website and learn other fun recipes you can make with this delicious ingredient! You can also follow Mahon-Mencora on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.  

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I received a product sample to inspire this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.