Spinach Pie (Cottage Cheese)(Spanakopita)
A savory Greek-inspired spinach pie filled with feta and cottage cheese, layered with buttery pastry, perfect for sharing at family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and chop the spinach; place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add crumbled feta cheese, cottage cheese, salt, and white pepper; mix well.
- Add egg yolks; mix thoroughly.
- Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into the spinach mixture gently.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan; place 6 pastry sheets into the pan, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the pastry layer.
- Cover the spinach mixture with the remaining 6 buttered pastry sheets.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour or until golden brown.
- Cut into squares; serve hot or cold.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the spinach mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with olive oil. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pastry sheets. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a soggy pie. This dish can also be made as Spinach And Cheese Squares(Spankopetes) for bite-sized snacks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach pie hot or cold, making it versatile for any meal. It pairs beautifully with a light Tomato, Onion And Pepper Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also offer a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Herbed Spaghetti Squash or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spinach pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help maintain the crispness of the pastry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pie (Cottage Cheese)(Spanakopita) contains roughly 205 calories, with 10g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 626mg 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 use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative. Just ensure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess water before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help maintain the desired texture of the pie.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it includes spinach, cheese, and eggs. For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer, and use a plant-based cheese alternative in place of feta and cottage cheese.
What can I serve with spinach pie?
Spinach pie is delightful on its own but can be complemented with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a Greek yogurt dip, a refreshing cucumber salad, or even a slice of Psomi Bread(Greek) for a more filling meal. A glass of white wine also pairs well with 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).