Spinach Pie(Spanakopita)
A savory Greek spinach pie with flaky filo crust, rich feta and cottage cheeses, herbs, and a hint of nutmeg—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach; cut off stems.
- Boil spinach for 5 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add cooked onion, olive oil, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the spinach mixture; cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and add crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, and cottage cheese; mix well.
- Combine cheese mixture with spinach mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Layer filo pastry in a greased baking dish, brushing each sheet with olive oil.
- Pour spinach and cheese filling over the filo layers.
- Cover with remaining filo sheets, brushing each with olive oil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen; just be sure to sauté it until wilted before mixing it in. If you're short on time, you can use pre-chopped frozen onions. For a twist, try adding a bit of lemon zest to the filling for brightness. If you prefer a different cheese, ricotta can be substituted for cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. This Spinach Pie pairs beautifully with Herb Potatoes or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a more substantial spread, consider adding Tiropettakia (Cheese Filled Triangles) as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore its crispiness. You can also microwave individual slices, but the texture may not be as flaky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pie(Spanakopita) contains roughly 446 calories, with 16g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% 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 it a day in advance. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to bake it right before serving for the best texture.
What can I use if I can't find filo pastry?
If filo pastry is unavailable, you can use puff pastry as a substitute. Roll it out to fit your baking dish and layer it similarly, but keep in mind that the texture will be different.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the filo pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets or simply use a crust made from ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
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).