Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr

Okay, so you have to try this Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr! It’s warm, cheesy, and just perfect for chilly days. The smell alone makes your kitchen feel like fall.

I made this last weekend, and wow—it was gone in minutes. The spinach, the melty cheese, the buttery crust… it all just works. It’s like a cozy hug in food form.

You don’t need anything fancy, either. Just simple stuff, mixed together in the yummiest way. One bite, and you’ll totally be hooked.

Wanna make it with me? I’ll show you how, step by step. Let’s bake something that feels like autumn in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Cozy Fall Delight: The combination of spinach and cheeses wrapped in a buttery dough is a comforting treat that screams autumn!
• Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheese deliver the perfect balance of meltiness and tanginess.
• Versatile: These boatkyiv can be served as a side, snack, or main course and pair wonderfully with soups or salads.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require hours of prep.
• Family-Friendly: Even the picky eaters in your house will fall for this warm, cheesy, spinach-filled boat.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these autumn spinach cheese boatkyiv, here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: For preparing the dough and spinach filling.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough into an even layer.
• Baking sheets: For placing the boatkyiv as they bake.
• Pastry brush: To coat the dough with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accuracy in the ingredients.
• Oven: Preheat your oven for perfect baking results.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious boatkyivr (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Warm Water: Essential to activate the yeast and make the dough rise.
• Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps the yeast grow and makes the dough fluffy.
• Active Dry Yeast: The star ingredient for soft, pillowy dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; we’ll use this to create a rich, elastic texture.
• Salt: For seasoning and enhancing the dough’s flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps with its smooth texture.
• Fresh Spinach (chopped): The perfect vegetable to complement the creamy, rich cheese.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Gives the dish its stretchy, melty consistency.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese: Provides a tangy contrast to the mozzarella and balances the overall flavor.
• Large Eggs: Used for egg wash and a little in the filling for creaminess.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): This is brushed on top of the dough to give it a golden, crisp finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the spinach filling and dough.

Part 1: Preparing the Dough and Spinach Filling

Step 1: Activating the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 1/4 cup) and sugar (1 tsp). Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle active dry yeast (2 tsp) over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential for ensuring the dough rises properly.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

In a larger bowl, combine all-purpose flour (3 cups) and salt (1 tsp). Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with olive oil (2 tbsp). Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until the dough starts to come together.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Preparing the Spinach Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, let’s get the spinach and cheese mixture ready!

In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped fresh spinach (2 cups) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it wilts down and becomes tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Once the spinach has cooled a bit, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups) and crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup). Crack in one egg (optional but adds richness) and stir everything together until well combined. Set this mixture aside while the dough finishes rising.

Step 4: Assembling the Boatkyivr

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Now comes the fun part: Filling the boatkyivr! Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture along the center of the dough. Be sure to spread it out evenly, leaving a little space on each edge.

Fold the dough over the filling like a burrito, pinching the edges to seal. Then, cut the dough into sections (about 4-6) and shape them into individual boat-like forms by gently curving each piece. Place the boatkyivr on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Part 2: Baking and Serving the Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr

Step 5: Adding the Golden Finish

Before you pop the boatkyivr into the oven, give them a lovely golden finish with an egg wash. In a small bowl, beat one egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash generously over the surface of the boatkyivr. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a slight sheen when baked.

Once the egg wash is applied, place the baking sheet with the boatkyivr into the preheated oven (350°F or 175°C).

Step 6: Baking the Boatkyivr

Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. The cheese will be melted inside, and the aroma of fresh spinach and butter will fill your kitchen—absolutely mouthwatering! Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown, especially around the edges.

Once they’re baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This will help the filling set and prevent any hot cheese spills when you cut into them.

Step 7: Serving the Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr

These boatkyivr are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They’re perfect as a main dish or a side to accompany a hearty soup or salad. Here are a few creative serving ideas:

• With a Side Salad: Pair these with a crisp autumn salad—think mixed greens, roasted squash, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. The lightness of the salad contrasts perfectly with the richness of the boatkyivr.
• Soup Sidekick: These boatkyivr make an excellent accompaniment to soups such as butternut squash, tomato basil, or creamy potato leek.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve them as part of a cheese platter or as finger food at a cozy dinner party or family gathering.

Part 3: Storing and Reheating the Boatkyivr

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover boatkyivr, don’t worry—they store beautifully! Simply let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to enjoy them later, these boatkyivr can be frozen as well. To freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from the freezer.

Reheating Leftovers

Reheat the boatkyivr in the oven to preserve their crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the boatkyivr on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also warm them in the microwave, but the dough may lose some of its crispiness. For a quick fix, cover the boatkyivr with a damp paper towel in the microwave to prevent drying out.

Variations of Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr

While the classic recipe is amazing on its own, here are some variations to experiment with:

1. Add Bacon or Sausage:

For a meatier version, crumble some cooked bacon or sausage into the spinach and cheese filling. The smoky, savory notes will pair wonderfully with the creamy cheese.

2. Add Roasted Garlic:

Roast some garlic and mix it into the spinach for an extra layer of flavor. The sweetness of roasted garlic enhances the overall profile, making the filling even more aromatic.

3. Try Different Cheeses:

If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier filling. You can also experiment with cheddar for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.

4. Swap Spinach for Kale:

Kale is a great substitute for spinach. If you want a heartier, more robust vegetable flavor, simply swap the spinach with chopped kale. It’s perfect for a fall dish and gives a lovely texture to the boatkyivr.

5. Make Them Mini:

For an appetizer or finger food, make mini boatkyivr by dividing the dough into smaller portions. These little bites are perfect for serving at a party or as a snack.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Dough Rising: Give your dough time to rise. If you rush it, the boatkyivr might not have that perfect, light, and airy texture inside.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture. If you opt for frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all the excess water before using it in the filling.
• Experiment with Herbs: You can add a pinch of nutmeg, thyme, or rosemary to the spinach filling for an extra autumnal touch. These earthy herbs will elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
• Roll the Dough Evenly: Ensure the dough is rolled out evenly. If it’s too thick in some spots, the boatkyivr won’t bake uniformly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 410mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 9g

Ingredients

• Warm water: 1/4 cup
• Sugar: 1 tsp
• Active dry yeast: 2 tsp
• All-purpose flour: 3 cups
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Fresh spinach (chopped): 2 cups
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups
• Crumbled feta cheese: 1/2 cup
• Large egg (for filling): 1
• Unsalted butter (melted): 2 tbsp
• Egg (for egg wash): 1
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the dough: Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Prepare the filling: Sauté spinach in olive oil. Mix with mozzarella, feta, and egg.
5. Shape the boatkyivr: Roll the dough into a rectangle, add the filling, and fold the dough over. Seal and shape into boats.
6. Brush with egg wash: Apply egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Autumn Spinach Cheese Boatkyivr is a delicious and comforting recipe that blends the earthy flavors of spinach and tangy cheeses with a golden, buttery dough. It’s an ideal dish to make for a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or a tasty weekend treat.

The combination of spinach, feta, and mozzarella is a match made in heaven, and the dough, with its rich buttery finish, wraps everything together in the most satisfying way. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable, so you can adjust the filling based on your preferences or what you have on hand.