Spanakopita(Spinach Pie)
A savory Greek spinach pie with flaky filo layers, feta and herbs, perfect for sharing at family dinners or potlucks, offering a delicious blend of crispy, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the frozen chopped spinach, squeezing out all liquid.
- Place the feta cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, grated Romano cheese, and cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Bring the cheese mixture to room temperature.
- Add grated onion, fresh dill, oregano, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture, then mix thoroughly.
- Grease an 8-inch pie pan with margarine or butter.
- Begin placing sheets of filo dough in the pan, one at a time, in a crisscross pattern, buttering each sheet as you go.
- Save one sheet of filo for the top.
- Place the last sheet on top, folding it to fit the pan.
- Tuck the edges of the filo in along the sides of the pan with the dull side of a knife.
- Cut four lines about 1/4-inch deep across the top of the filo.
- Paint the top with the remaining melted butter or margarine.
- Bake at 375° to 400°F for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cut into serving pieces and serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter filling, consider using low-fat cottage cheese. If feta is unavailable, crumbled goat cheese can be a good substitute. To save time, you can use fresh spinach instead of frozen—just sauté it to remove excess moisture. Ensure you butter each layer of filo well to achieve that desired crispy texture. Incorporating some nutmeg into the filling can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Spanakopita is delicious served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish for any meal. Pair it with a fresh salad, like a Mediterranean salad, or serve alongside a creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping. It also makes a wonderful appetizer or side dish. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with grilled chicken or fish, such as Fried Cod (Baccala).
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spanakopita can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the filo remains crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces, but the texture of the filo will not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanakopita(Spinach Pie) contains roughly 282 calories, with 9g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 616mg per serving (27% 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 make spanakopita ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare spanakopita in advance. Assemble the pie and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. If baking from frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking, and increase baking time as needed.
What can I use if I don’t have filo dough?
If you don’t have filo dough, you can use puff pastry as an alternative, though it will result in a different texture. Roll it out thinner and layer it similarly, ensuring to butter each sheet. Alternatively, you can create a crust using a mix of flour, butter, and water to make a simple pie crust.
How do I know when the spanakopita is done baking?
The spanakopita is done when the top is golden brown and crispy. You can also check the filling by inserting a knife in the center; it should feel hot, and the cheese should be melted. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through.
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).