🥧 Spanakopita (Greek Spinach & Feta Pie)
🧂 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch pan)
🥬 Filling:
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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500 g (1 lb) fresh spinach, chopped (or 300 g frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
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200 g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
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100 g (3.5 oz) ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Zest of ½ lemon (optional, adds brightness)
🥧 Pastry:
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10 sheets phyllo (filo) pastry, thawed
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100 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a lighter version)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the spinach mixture
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook 3–4 min until translucent.
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Add garlic and spinach. Sauté until spinach wilts and liquid evaporates (5–7 min).
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Remove from heat and cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, mix spinach mixture with feta, ricotta, eggs, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
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Stir well to combine.
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Mixture should be moist but not watery.
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Step 2. Prepare the phyllo layers
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Preheat oven to 180 °C / 350 °F.
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Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
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Lay one sheet of phyllo in the dish, letting excess hang over the sides. Brush lightly with butter.
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Repeat with 5–6 sheets, buttering each one.
⚠️ Tip: Keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel — it dries quickly!
Step 3. Add filling
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Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.
Step 4. Top layer
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Place the remaining 4–5 sheets of phyllo over the filling, brushing each with melted butter.
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Tuck in or trim the edges.
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Using a sharp knife, score (don’t cut through) the top into squares or triangles for easier slicing after baking.
Step 5. Bake
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on top.
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Let cool 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
🧀 Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Great with Greek salad, tzatziki, or olives.
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Can be eaten as a main dish or cut into small triangles for appetizers.
🥗 Make-Ahead Tips
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Unbaked spanakopita can be assembled and frozen for up to 2 months.
Bake directly from frozen, adding ~10 extra minutes. -
Baked spanakopita keeps well refrigerated 3–4 days; reheat in oven for crispness.
🌿 Variations
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Add leeks or green onions for a subtle sweetness.
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Use puff pastry instead of phyllo for a rustic version.
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Make mini spanakopita triangles for party appetizers.













