Delicious Spanakopita (Greek Spinach & Feta Pie)
Spanakopita is a classic Greek savory pie made with flaky phyllo dough, spinach, feta, herbs, and eggs. It’s popular throughout Greece and served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the filling:
1 kg (2 lbs) fresh spinach, chopped (or 500 g / 1 lb frozen, thawed & drained)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3–4 green onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
200–250 g (7–9 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
2 large eggs, beaten
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg
For the pastry:
12–16 sheets phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
½ cup olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion and green onions until soft (3–4 minutes).
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add spinach and cook until wilted (or until excess moisture evaporates if using frozen).
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Stir in feta, eggs, dill, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the filling is not watery—drain well to keep the pie crisp.
2️⃣ Assemble the Spanakopita
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter.
Layer 6–8 sheets of phyllo, brushing each lightly with oil.
Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the base.
Top with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer.
Tuck in edges and score the top into squares.
Lightly brush the top with oil or butter.
3️⃣ Bake
Bake 35–45 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Let rest 10–15 minutes before cutting.
❓ Q&A – Common Questions
❓ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before cooking.
❓ Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
❓ Can I freeze Spanakopita?
Yes.
Before baking: Freeze assembled pie and bake from frozen (add 10–15 extra minutes).
After baking: Freeze slices and reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F).
❓ How do I keep phyllo from drying out?
Keep it covered with a slightly damp towel while working.
❓ What can I serve with it?
Greek salad
Tzatziki
Lemon potatoes
Or enjoy it on its own!
🌿 Tips for Extra Flavor
Add a handful of ricotta for creaminess.
Mix in sautéed leeks.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
