Spinach Pies(Spanakopita)
Delicious Greek spinach pies (Spanakopita) feature flaky fillo dough filled with seasoned spinach and feta, perfect as an appetizer or light meal for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash spinach and discard stems.
- Dry spinach thoroughly on absorbent paper and cut into small pieces.
- Saute chopped onion in 4 tablespoons of butter until tender.
- Add spinach and saute a few minutes longer until wilted.
- Set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, add beaten eggs, crumbled Feta cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; mix well.
- Cut fillo dough sheets to desired width and butter each layer.
- Place a spoonful of filling at the bottom of a fillo sheet, about 1 inch from the edge.
- Fold 1 inch of the fillo over the filling, then fold the side edge in 1 inch, and fold an angle from the lower right corner, forming a triangle.
- Continue folding in the shape of a triangle, cutting off any excess fillo.
- Place the triangle on a buttered pan and brush with melted butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure your fillo dough is thawed properly and keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out. You can substitute ricotta for Feta if you prefer a milder flavor or add herbs like dill for extra freshness. If you're short on time, consider using store-bought pastry rather than fillo for a quicker assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these spinach pies warm as an appetizer or main dish. They pair beautifully with a refreshing Cucumber And Yogurt Salad With Fresh Herbs. For a complete meal, consider adding Golden Mint Potatoes With Peas as a side dish. These pies can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spinach pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. For longer storage, freeze them before baking and cook directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pies(Spanakopita) contains roughly 412 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing. When ready to assemble the pies, ensure the filling is at room temperature to avoid soggy pastry.
What can I use instead of Feta cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, ricotta or goat cheese can be great alternatives. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, so choose based on your taste preference or dietary needs.
How do I prevent the fillo dough from tearing?
To prevent tearing, handle the fillo dough gently and keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work. If it becomes too dry, it will become brittle and more prone to tearing. Take your time and work carefully!
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).