Spanokopita(Greek Spinach Cheese Pie)
Spanokopita is a classic Greek spinach and cheese pie with flaky filo layers, featuring a savory filling of spinach, feta, and herbs, perfect for gatherings or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach, drain and chop.
- Cover and cook with just water that clings to the leaves until tender, about 3 minutes.
- Drain and mix spinach with feta cheese, cottage cheese, chopped onion, parsley, dill weed, and salt; stir into beaten eggs.
- Brush the bottom and sides of an oblong baking dish (12 x 7 1/2 x 2 inches) with softened margarine.
- Unfold filo leaves and remove 10 leaves.
- Cut the filo leaves crosswise into halves.
- Cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Wrap and refreeze remaining filo leaves, gently separate 1 leaf at a time.
- Place a filo leaf in the baking dish, folding edges over to fit the bottom.
- Brush lightly with melted margarine. Repeat the layering process with 9 more filo leaves, brushing each with margarine.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the spinach-egg mixture evenly over the layered filo in the dish.
- Layer 10 more filo leaves over the filling, spreading each with margarine and tucking in around edges to cover.
- Cut the pastry through the top layer of filo into 6 squares with a sharp knife.
- Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, ensure each layer of filo is brushed generously with melted butter or margarine. If you can't find filo pastry, you can use puff pastry as a substitute, but bake until golden brown. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor profile; consider adding fresh dill or mint. If you prefer a different cheese, ricotta can be a good alternative for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Spanakopita is delightful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with Tzatziki Sauce and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a Grilled Vegetable Platter for a colorful spread, or as part of a Mediterranean recipes theme for gatherings. Garnish with extra parsley for a touch of freshness.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. For longer storage, freeze individual portions tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanokopita(Greek Spinach Cheese Pie) contains roughly 337 calories, with 14g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (89% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1641mg per serving (71% 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 it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of Feta cheese?
If you don't have feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or use ricotta for a creamier filling. Adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly, as goat cheese and ricotta can be less salty than feta.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
This spanakopita recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, featuring spinach and cheese as the main ingredients. For a heartier meal, you can add chopped mushrooms or other vegetables to the filling. Explore more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
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).