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spanakopita recipe

🥬 Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Crispy Spinach & Feta Pie

Authentic Spanakopita Recipe – Greek Spinach Pie with Feta and Phyllo

Make traditional Greek spanakopita at home with flaky phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. A savory pie that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal!

📝 Introduction

Spanakopita (pronounced spah-nah-KOH-pee-tah) is a beloved Greek savory pie made with flaky phyllo pastry, fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. This vegetarian-friendly dish is perfect for brunch, mezze platters, lunchboxes, or as a hearty appetizer for parties.

In this blog post, you’ll learn the step-by-step process to make authentic Greek spanakopita that’s golden, crispy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor.

🧾 Ingredients

🥧 For the Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 oz frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 spring onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🧈 For the Pastry:

  • 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)

🍽️ Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and spring onions until soft.
  2. Add garlic and spinach. Cook until wilted and moisture evaporates. Let it cool.
  3. Mix in feta, dill, eggs, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the Spanakopita

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Layer 6–8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter or oil.
  3. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the base.
  4. Top with 6–8 more phyllo sheets, buttering each one.
  5. Score the top in squares or diamonds.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Cool for 15 minutes before cutting.

💡 Tips for Perfect Spanakopita

  • Use fresh herbs like dill or mint for authentic flavor.
  • Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it drying.
  • Let it cool slightly before serving—it tastes great warm or at room temp!

📚 Origin of Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, often served in homes, bakeries, and tavernas. It's a popular dish during Lenten fasting periods, thanks to its vegetarian ingredients, and it showcases the Greek mastery of combining simple, fresh ingredients into rich and satisfying meals.

🥧 Spanakopita Recipe FAQs

🥬 1. What is Spanakopita?

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savory pie made with layers of flaky phyllo dough, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s usually baked until golden and crispy and can be served warm or at room temperature.

🧀 2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen spinach works perfectly — just thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before mixing with the cheese and herbs.

🥧 3. What type of cheese is best for Spanakopita?

Feta cheese is traditional, but you can also mix it with ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamier texture.

🔥 4. How do I keep the phyllo dough from drying out?

Cover the unused sheets with a slightly damp kitchen towel while assembling your pie. Phyllo dries quickly when exposed to air.

❄️ 5. Can I make Spanakopita ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking — or freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months.

⏱️ 6. How long does it take to bake Spanakopita?

Typically 35–45 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), or until golden and crisp.

🍴 7. What can I serve with Spanakopita?

It pairs wonderfully with Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.

🧆 Similar Recipes to Spanakopita Recipe :

  1. Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)
    → Made with flaky phyllo layers and filled only with feta and eggs — a simpler cousin to Spanakopita.

  2. Börek (Turkish Savory Pastry)
    → Similar flaky pastry filled with spinach, meat, or cheese — popular across the Balkans and Middle East.

  3. Greek Moussaka
    → A layered eggplant and minced meat casserole with béchamel topping — hearty and rich.

  4. Greek Lemon Potatoes
    → Oven-roasted potatoes with lemon, olive oil, and oregano — a perfect side for Spanakopita.

  5. Greek Salad
    → Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta — a refreshing, light side to complement any Greek pie.

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