Spanakopita(Greek Spinach Pie)
Spanakopita is a classic Greek savory pie featuring a flavorful filling of spinach, feta, and herbs wrapped in flaky filo pastry. Its cheesy, herbaceous taste and crispy layers make it a perfect appetizer or main dish for gatherings and family meals, offering a delightful combination of textures and Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion in olive oil.
- In a bowl, combine the browned onion, drained spinach, beaten eggs, crumbled feta cheese, and cottage cheese.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add salt, pepper (if desired), chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh parsley to the mixture.
- Melt the butter.
- Brush a 9 x 13-inch pan with melted butter.
- Layer 10 sheets of filo dough in the pan, butter each sheet as you go.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the layered filo.
- Cover with the remaining 10 sheets of filo, brushing each sheet with butter.
- Use a sharp knife or razor blade to cut through the top 10 sheets into pieces.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F to 375°F for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, ensure you brush each layer of filo dough generously with melted butter. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried dill and parsley can be used, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering flavors. You can also substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of nutmeg into the spinach mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Spanakopita is best served warm and can be accompanied by a fresh salad or tzatziki sauce for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Garden Vegetable Bake or Veggie Pita Pizzas for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside grilled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spanakopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the filo dough soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanakopita(Greek Spinach Pie) contains roughly 298 calories, with 16g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze spanakopita before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the spanakopita and freeze it unbaked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; just bake it directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).