Spinach Pie (Spanakopita)
A savory Greek spinach pie with flaky phyllo pastry, filled with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta, cottage cheese, and herbs, ideal for appetizers or mains.
Ingredients
- 2 cups melted butter or margarine
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 1 1/2 lb. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained thoroughly ⓘ
- 1/3 cup farina ⓘ
- 9 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dill weed (optional) ⓘ
- 1 lb. phyllo strudel leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour 1/2 cup melted butter into a saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and sliced green onions and sauté until golden.
- In a large bowl, combine crumbled Feta cheese, cottage cheese, drained spinach, and farina.
- Stir in the sautéed onion mixture.
- Gradually add beaten eggs, stirring constantly until well blended.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dill weed if desired.
- Follow package instructions to layer and bake the phyllo leaves, filling with the prepared mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter and avoid overfilling. You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese for a creamier filling. If fresh spinach is available, use about 2 pounds instead of frozen; just be sure to wilt and drain it thoroughly. For added flavor, incorporate herbs like parsley or mint along with the dill weed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spinach pie warm or at room temperature, making it a perfect appetizer or main dish. Pair it with a fresh salad, such as a Greek Salad, for a light meal. It also complements dishes like Roasted Bell Pepper Appetizer* or Asparagus With Parmesan Vinaigrette. Consider offering tzatziki or a yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spinach pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for a quick option, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) contains roughly 686 calories, with 17g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1697mg per serving (74% 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 spinach pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of phyllo dough?
If phyllo dough is unavailable, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Roll it out and layer it similarly, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different. Alternatively, you could create a crust using crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a unique take on the pie.
How can I enhance the flavor of the filling?
You can enhance the filling by adding sautéed garlic and fresh herbs, like dill, parsley, or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors. Some even add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, earthy note. Experiment with these additions to find your perfect flavor combination!
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).