Rustic Greek Spinach Pie Recipe: A Flaky Mediterranean Delight

Crisp, flaky layers of pastry hide a secret treasure of vibrant spinach and tangy feta in this classic Greek spinach pie recipe that transports you straight to the sun-drenched islands.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate with each delicate bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this beloved dish, passing down techniques that make every slice a culinary masterpiece.

Phyllo dough becomes golden and delicate when brushed with olive oil, creating a stunning exterior that crackles with each forkful.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with herb-infused goodness, this pie turns an ordinary meal into a celebration of Greek cuisine.

Savor the rich combination of spinach, herbs, and cheese that captures the essence of traditional cooking.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious Mediterranean adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 691 kcal

Servings: 2

Greek Spinach Pie Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds rich, smooth base for sautéing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic foundation with subtle depth to the pie.
• Garlic: Introduces bold, pungent notes that complement spinach and herbs.

• Frozen Chopped Spinach: Delivers nutritious green goodness and creates smooth, tender filling.
• Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley: Bring bright, zesty Mediterranean herb notes with refreshing undertones.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Balance and intensify the natural flavors of other ingredients.

• Eggs: Act as crucial binding agent that helps hold filling together and provides structure.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces tangy, salty Greek character with crumbly texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy, mild richness and helps create smooth, tender filling consistency.

• Phyllo Dough: Creates delicate, flaky layers with crisp, golden exterior.
• Melted Butter: Ensures phyllo sheets remain pliable and develop beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

Tools You’ll Need for Greek Spinach Pie

• Oven: Essential for baking the pie at the right temperature.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating this traditional Greek spinach pie.
• Small skillet: Needed for sautéing onions and garlic.
• Colander or clean kitchen towel: Used to drain excess moisture from spinach.
• Large mixing bowl: Crucial for combining eggs, cheese, and spinach mixture.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs and cheeses smoothly.
• Damp paper towels: Keeps phyllo sheets from drying out during preparation.
• Sharp knife: Helps trim excess phyllo dough neatly.
• Measuring spoons: For precise salt measurements.

How to Make Authentic Spanakopita

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your kitchen companion to a cozy 350° F and lovingly brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, setting the stage for deliciousness.

• Flavor Foundation

Gently sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until they whisper softness, then dance in some fresh dill and parsley for an herbal symphony.

• Spinach Liberation

Rescue spinach from excess moisture by squeezing out its watery secrets using a colander or kitchen towel.

• Creamy Mixture

Whisk eggs, feta, and ricotta into a luxurious blend that promises rich Mediterranean comfort, then fold in the aromatic onion mixture and spinach with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Phyllo Canvas

Layer delicate phyllo sheets like precious silk, brushing each with loving care, creating a flaky foundation that will cradle your spinachy treasure.

• Filling Placement

Spread the vibrant green filling across your phyllo landscape, tucking edges with gentle precision.

• Crispy Crown

Top with remaining phyllo sheets, painting each layer with buttery strokes, creating a golden, crisp summit.

• Baking Transformation

Bake until the top turns a gorgeous amber brown, about 35-40 minutes, then let it rest and settle into its delicious form before slicing.

Tips for Crisp Layers and Savory Filling

• Properly drain spinach to prevent a soggy pie bottom. Press out every drop of liquid using a clean kitchen towel or colander, ensuring your pie stays perfectly crisp and flavorful.
• Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Work quickly and gently to maintain their delicate texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mixing in some crumbled goat cheese or adding a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth of flavor. Each cheese brings a unique twist to the classic Greek spinach pie.
• Prepare the entire pie up to the final baking stage, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven for a fresh, hot meal with minimal last-minute prep.
• For an extra golden and crunchy top, brush the final phyllo layers with a mixture of melted butter and a touch of olive oil. This creates a stunning, restaurant-quality finish that'll impress everyone at the table.

Serving Greek Spinach Pie Warm or Chilled

• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a stunning spread with hummus, tzatziki, olives, and fresh cucumber slices to complement the rich, savory flavors of the spinach pie.
• Crisp Greek Salad Companion: Toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta with a light olive oil and oregano dressing to balance the pie's creamy texture.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the pie's richness and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Refreshing Citrus Finish: End the meal with chilled lemon sorbet or fresh orange slices to cleanse the palate and provide a bright, zesty contrast to the hearty spinach pie.

How to Store Spanakopita the Right Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Greek spinach pie in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the crispy phyllo layers as fresh as possible.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual slices or entire pie in aluminum foil and freeze for maximum 3 weeks, ensuring a quick meal becomes available anytime hunger strikes.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold slices by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, which restores the delightful crispiness of phyllo pastry without making the filling dry.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Assemble the entire pie a day before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate – then simply pop into the oven when ready to serve, minimizing day-of cooking stress.

Authentic Greek Spinach Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Homemade spanakopita delights palates with layers of flaky phyllo and rich spinach filling. Mediterranean comfort combines crisp pastry, tangy feta, and fresh herbs for a classic Greek experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 20 oz (567 g) frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 20 sheets phyllo dough (thawed to room temperature)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh dill (or mint)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 12 tbsps (180 ml) melted butter (plus more if needed)
• Sea or kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Aromatics Infusion: In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Incorporate fresh dill and parsley, creating a fragrant herb mixture.
3. Spinach Preparation: Thoroughly drain spinach using a colander or kitchen towel, eliminating excess moisture through firm pressing.
4. Cheese Blending: Whisk eggs with feta and ricotta in a large mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
5. Filling Assembly: Gently fold sautéed onion mixture, drained spinach, salt, and black pepper into the cheese blend, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution.
6. Phyllo Layering: Carefully handle phyllo sheets, keeping them covered with a damp towel. Create a base layer of nine buttered sheets in the baking dish, brushing each with melted butter to develop a crisp, flaky foundation.
7. Filling Placement: Evenly spread the spinach and cheese mixture across the phyllo base, ensuring complete coverage to all dish corners.
8. Final Layering: Top with remaining ten phyllo sheets, meticulously brushing each with butter. Trim excess dough for a refined presentation and brush the top layer with an additional butter coating to guarantee a golden, crispy crust.
9. Baking and Serving: Bake for 35-40 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown color. Allow the pie to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into elegant serving portions.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain spinach to prevent a soggy pie bottom, using a colander or kitchen towel and pressing firmly to remove all liquid.
• Phyllo Protection: Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel during preparation to prevent drying and cracking, which can ruin the delicate texture.
• Butter Brushing Technique: Generously brush each phyllo layer with melted butter to create a crisp, flaky, and golden-brown crust that adds rich flavor and texture.
• Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest 5-10 minutes after baking, which helps set the filling and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 691
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg