Spanakopita

Spanakopita is one of Greece’s most beloved dishes, celebrated for its flaky layers of pastry and flavorful spinach filling. This savory pie has been a staple of Greek cuisine for centuries, enjoyed both as a comforting homemade meal and as a popular street food. Its combination of simple ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors makes it a dish that feels timeless and elegant, while still being approachable and satisfying.

What sets spanakopita apart is its use of phyllo pastry, a paper-thin dough that bakes into a golden, crisp crust. Inside, a mixture of spinach, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese creates a rich yet light filling. The result is a dish that balances delicate textures with bold flavors, making every bite memorable. Spanakopita can be made as a large pie, perfect for sharing, or as individual triangles that are easy to serve at parties or gatherings.

Beyond its taste, spanakopita carries a sense of tradition and cultural pride. In Greece, it’s often prepared for special occasions, holidays, or family celebrations, with each household adding its own twist. Some families incorporate additional greens or cheeses, while others stick to a more classic filling. Regardless of the variation, the essence of the dish remains the same: a celebration of fresh ingredients and culinary heritage.

Spanakopita has also become a global favorite, frequently found in bakeries, cafés, and restaurants outside of Greece. Its versatility and beautiful presentation make it an ideal appetizer, light lunch, or vegetarian main dish. Paired with a fresh salad or enjoyed on its own, it’s a dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth to any table.

What’s truly special about spanakopita is how it connects people to Greek culture. It’s more than a savory spinach pie, it’s a piece of culinary history passed down through generations. Whether you’ve had it on a sun-soaked island in Greece or from your local bakery, spanakopita always delivers a comforting combination of flaky pastry, vibrant greens, and tangy feta that never goes out of style.

Spanakopita

3.60 from 27 votes

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek savory pie made with spinach, feta cheese, and a flaky phyllo pastry crust. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is perfect as an appetizer or a main dish.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and drained
• 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1 cup cottage cheese small curd
• 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
• 10 sheets phyllo dough thawed
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 teaspoon dill dried
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, dill, salt, and black pepper.
• Brush a baking dish with olive oil. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush lightly with olive oil. Continue this process, layering and oiling each sheet until half of the phyllo dough is used.
• Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo dough layers.
• Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with olive oil.
• Tuck in the edges of the phyllo dough, then cut into squares or triangles with a sharp knife.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
• Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Calories: 250kcal

Meal Type: Snacks & Appetizers

Cuisine: Greek

Keyword: greek cuisine, Savory Pie, spinach

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Nut-free

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

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