Spinach Pie (spanakopita)

Recipe for Spinach Pie (spanakopita): the authentic Greek delight in your home

Spinach pie, known as spanakopita in Greece, is much more than a simple dish. It is an experience of Mediterranean flavors that combines the freshness of spinach, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the crispy texture of puff pastry. In 2025, this dish continues to win hearts, being the star of family dinners, celebrations, or as a tasty appetizer to surprise guests. The magic of spanakopita lies in its simplicity and the versatility it offers, allowing any home cook to create a masterpiece with easy-to-find ingredients and accessible techniques. The key is in the quality of the ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the patience when assembling each layer which, in the oven, transforms into a golden and crispy crust that embraces a juicy and aromatic filling. This dish, rooted in Greek gastronomic tradition, represents a healthy and delicious option, filling tables with joy and culture, bringing the flavors of Greece to every corner of the world. Take advantage of each step to learn, experiment, and enjoy the process, because preparing a spanakopita is not just cooking, but also an act of love and culture that connects with the history and soul of Mediterranean cuisine.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the dough

• 16 sheets of phyllo dough, fresh and thawed
• 120 g of melted butter
• Sesame seeds (white and black, optional)

For the filling

• 500 g of fresh spinach, cleaned and finely chopped
• 200 g of feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• A handful of fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

If feta cheese is not available, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta, adjusting the salt to balance the flavor.

Utensils we will use

• Rectangular mold or baking dish
• Kitchen brush
• Knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula for handling phyllo dough sheets

Preparation: How to make Spinach Pie (spanakopita)

1. Prepare the filling

• Wash and chop the spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly under the tap and cut it into thin pieces, approximately 2–3 cm. Set aside.
• Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until transparent. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, being careful not to burn it.
• Cook the spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet, reduce the heat, and cook until all the water has reduced and the spinach is tender. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
• Mix the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, beaten eggs, dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine without breaking up the cheese too much.

2. Assemble the spanakopita

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C and lightly grease the mold with butter or non-stick spray.
• Prepare the first layer of dough: Place a sheet of phyllo dough in the mold and brush it with melted butter using the brush, making sure it is well covered. Repeat the process with 5 sheets, overlapping them and brushing each one with butter.
• Distribute the filling: Place the filling on the dough layer, spreading it evenly, leaving a 2 cm margin at the edges.
• Finish with the top layers: Cover the filling with the remaining sheets, brushing each with butter and sprinkling some sesame seeds between the first 5 layers to add aroma and texture.

3. Bake and serve

• Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
• Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before cutting into portions. Serve hot or at room temperature.

To finish and serve

Remove any sesame seeds you may have sprinkled and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper. This spinach pie is best enjoyed with a fresh salad or on a charcuterie board. Ideal for a special dinner, brunch, or family celebration. For an even more authentic touch, accompany with freshly baked milk bread or a glass of dry white wine, which will enhance the Mediterranean flavors and make each bite memorable.

Tips that will make you love your spanakopita

• Use well-drained spinach to prevent the filling from becoming watery, ensuring a crispy crust.
• When assembling the dish, brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter to achieve a golden and shiny texture.
• For a more intense flavor, add a teaspoon of dill or fresh mint to the filling.
• If you want a healthier touch, you can substitute butter with olive oil and reduce the amount of sesame seeds.
• The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until assembly, facilitating the final preparation.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Proteins: 11 g
• Fats: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Spinach Pie (spanakopita)

Spinach Pie (spanakopita): step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spice and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: pie, spinach, (spanakopita), Mexican, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT45M

Total Time: PT75M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 500 g frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 200 g good quality feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package phyllo dough sheets approximately 250 g
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil for brushing

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: :

Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 6-8 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Medium

Thaw and drain the spinach: :

Thaw and drain the spinach: It is essential to remove all liquid to prevent the dough from becoming wet and soft. Use a clean cloth or press with your hands to squeeze them completely. Efficiency in this step ensures a perfect texture.

Sauté the vegetables: :

Sauté the vegetables: In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until transparent and fragrant. Add the drained spinach and mix well, cooking a few more minutes to blend flavors. Let cool before mixing with the other ingredients.

Final mix: :

Final mix: In a bowl, combine the spinach with the feta cheese, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. The combination of these ingredients creates a creamy and flavorful filling, with enough body to fill each layer of the phyllo dough without it escaping.

Prepare ingredients in advance: :

Prepare the ingredients in advance: Having everything ready in trays facilitates a clean and error-free assembly.

Keep phyllo dough covered: :

Keep the phyllo dough covered: To prevent it from drying out, always work with a dry damp cloth over the sheets during assembly.

Monitor baking::

Control the baking: Watch the last few minutes and adjust the temperature to avoid burning the dough.

Editor's Rating:
4.7