Spinach Pies
Delicious spinach pies feature tender spinach, onions, and creamy cheese in flaky pastry shells, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or light meal for spinach lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prick the pie shells all over and bake in a 400°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced onion and cook until tender.
- Thaw the chopped spinach, drain, and squeeze out excess moisture by hand.
- Add spinach to the cooked onions and cook and toss until all moisture has evaporated.
- Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the cooked spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and combine until marbled.
- Divide the filling evenly between the two pie shells.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Remove from oven and serve warm or cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some sautéed garlic or herbs like dill or parsley to the spinach mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half of the ricotta cheese with Greek yogurt. Always ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid a soggy pie. For an extra crispy crust, brush the pie shells with a bit of olive oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach pies with a fresh side salad or a dollop of Garbanzo Dip for added flavor. They are great as appetizers or as a main dish alongside Mediterranean recipes like Sicilian Broccoli. A glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors of the filling.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for lunches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pies contains roughly 717 calories, with 12g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1231mg per serving (54% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1.5 pounds of fresh spinach to equal the 20 oz. of frozen spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pies and assemble them in advance. Cover them with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, try using tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast to mimic the texture and flavor of ricotta.
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).