Greek Spinach Pie Recipe

The Authentic Greek Spinach Pie Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy layers of phyllo dance around creamy spinach in a delightful greek spinach pie that whispers stories of mediterranean kitchens.

Mediterranean winds carry memories of grandmothers kneading dough with weathered hands.

Delicate pastry sheets create a golden landscape of comfort and tradition.

Earthy spinach mingles with tangy feta, creating a harmony of flavors that sing on your palate.

Crumbly cheese and vibrant greens weave a culinary narrative that connects generations.

Rich textures and bold ingredients promise a slice of pure delight.

Let this pie transport you to sun-drenched greek islands with every magical bite.

Spinach Pie That Stores and Reheats Just Right

  • Store leftover spinach pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy phyllo texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy crust.
  • Place slice on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Enjoy the restored crunchiness of the pastry layers.

Savory Picks For Spinach Pie

  • Savor Crisp Greek Wine Pairing: Opt for a crisp, dry white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini that cuts through the richness of the spinach pie and complements its herbal notes perfectly.
  • Refresh with Herbal Cocktail: Mix a light gin-based cocktail with fresh dill and lemon juice to mirror the pie's Mediterranean flavors and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint.
  • Complement with Greek Salad: Serve a traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and kalamata olives to enhance the pie's texture and add a bright, tangy dimension to the meal.
  • Balance with Tzatziki Dip: Prepare a cool tzatziki sauce with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic to provide a creamy, cooling contrast to the warm, crispy spinach pie.

Greek Pie Filling Combos

  • Gluten-Free Greek Spinach Pie: Replace phyllo dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based crust for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Spinach Pie: Substitute eggs with silken tofu or chickpea flour mixture, replace feta and parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Low-Carb Spinach Pie: Use keto-friendly phyllo alternatives like thin sliced zucchini or cauliflower sheets, reduce cheese quantity and use full-fat options.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked quinoa or ground chicken to spinach mixture, increase egg whites for extra protein content and nutritional boost.

FAQs

  • Why is it important to drain spinach thoroughly?

Excess water can make the pie soggy and ruin the crispy phyllo texture. Squeeze out moisture completely using your hands to ensure a perfectly crisp and delicious pie.

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works great. Just thaw it completely and drain thoroughly, pressing out all excess water to maintain the right consistency for the pie.

  • How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out?

Cover the phyllo sheets with a lightly damp paper towel while working. This keeps the delicate sheets moist and prevents them from cracking or becoming brittle during preparation.

  • What if I don't have both feta and parmesan cheese?

You can use either cheese, but a combination adds more depth of flavor. If you’re short on one, simply increase the amount of the cheese you do have available.

Greek Spinach Pie That Feels Like A Vacation

  • Effortless Gourmet Experience: Dive into a restaurant-quality dish without professional chef skills, making sophisticated Greek cuisine accessible to home cooks.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Savior: Prepare this spinach pie in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious yet nutritious dinner solutions that don't compromise on taste.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for multiple occasions from potlucks to elegant brunches, this recipe adapts seamlessly to vegetarian preferences and impresses guests with its Mediterranean charm.
  • Nutrition-Packed Comfort Food: Loaded with protein-rich eggs, calcium from cheeses, and vitamins from spinach, this pie delivers a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet supports healthy eating goals.

Greek Spinach Pie Filling Components

Greens:
  • Spinach: Fresh and nutritious base for the pie, squeezed dry to prevent sogginess.
  • Dill, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add bright, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Dairy Components:
  • Feta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Tangy and salty cheeses that provide rich, creamy texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the filling together.
Pastry and Fat:
  • Phyllo Dough: Delicate, thin pastry sheets that create a crispy, flaky crust.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Adds moisture and helps achieve golden, crisp phyllo layers.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Green Onions, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders with depth and complexity.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
  • Nutmeg: Subtle, warm spice that complements the spinach and cheese.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright acid that balances the rich ingredients.

Greek Spinach Pie Baking Guide

Step 1: Prep the Spinach Mixture

Thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a soggy filling.

Heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onions, garlic, and green onions until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the drained spinach with dill, parsley, salt, and pepper, cook briefly, and transfer to a bowl to cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Cheese-Egg Blend

In a large bowl, whisk eggs with a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of lemon juice until smooth.

Fold in crumbled feta and grated Parmesan, then gently mix in the cooled spinach mixture until evenly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Base

Preheat your oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Lay out the phyllo sheets on a baking sheet under a damp towel to keep them from drying.

Brush melted butter between every one or two sheets as you build up about half of the phyllo layers in the dish.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread the spinach-cheese mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo, smoothing it right to the edges.

Step 5: Finish the Phyllo Layers

Top the filling with the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing each layer with melted butter.

Be generous on the final layer to ensure a golden, crunchy crust.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake until the phyllo is crisp and deeply golden, about 40–45 minutes.

Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes before slicing so it holds its shape, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Spinach Pie Tips With Greek Flair

  • Remove as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy, wet pie bottom and ensure a crisp, flaky crust.
  • Brush melted butter on each phyllo sheet to create a light, golden, and perfectly crispy texture that adds rich flavor.
  • Let eggs, cheese, and herbs sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to help them blend smoothly and create a more cohesive filling.
  • Cover unused phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent drying out and cracking, which can ruin the delicate layers.
  • Use fresh dill and parsley instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant, authentic Greek flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Greek Spinach Pie Recipe

Greek Spinach Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy, flaky layers of phyllo cradle a savory Greek spinach pie (spanakopita) brimming with tangy feta and tender spinach. Mediterranean comfort arrives on your plate, promising a delightful journey through traditional Greek culinary magic that you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 2 (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Cheeses and Eggs:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (16 ounces) package phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil (or a mix of both)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly eliminate excess moisture from spinach by gently pressing and squeezing, ensuring a firm, non-watery texture for the pie filling.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate heat.
  3. Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and sliced green onions, sautéing until they transform into a soft, delicately caramelized mixture.
  4. Incorporate the drained spinach, fragrant dill, fresh parsley, salt, and cracked black pepper. Gently cook for a brief 2-3 minute interval, then transfer to a cool surface.
  5. In a generous mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs with aromatic nutmeg, zesty lemon juice, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan cheese.
  6. Fold the cooled spinach mixture into the egg blend, ensuring complete and uniform integration.
  7. Calibrate the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
  8. Delicately arrange phyllo sheets on a baking surface, draping a slightly dampened cloth to prevent premature drying.
  9. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by lightly coating with olive oil or cooking spray.
  10. Meticulously layer phyllo sheets, alternating with gentle brushstrokes of melted butter between every two sheets, continuing until approximately two-thirds of the dough is utilized.
  11. Distribute the spinach mixture evenly across the layered foundation.
  12. Complete the construction by layering remaining phyllo sheets, continuing the butter-brushing technique.
  13. Apply a final luxurious brush of melted butter across the topmost layer.
  14. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the crust achieves a stunning golden-brown, crisp perfection.
  15. Allow the pie to rest momentarily before slicing and presenting.

Notes

  • Squeeze spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and flaky pie crust without sogginess.
  • Toast herbs like dill and parsley briefly to enhance their aromatic flavors and release essential oils before mixing into the filling.
  • Brush phyllo layers gently with melted butter using a soft pastry brush to create delicate, even layers that crisp beautifully during baking.
  • Consider substituting some feta with ricotta for a lighter, creamier texture if traditional feta feels too sharp or salty.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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