If you have ever craved a dish that combines flaky, buttery layers with a savory, vibrant filling, this Spinach Pie Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Bursting with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and tangy feta, all enveloped in crisp phyllo dough, this Greek-inspired classic delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that easily satisfies any meal or snack craving. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or an impressive gathering, this dish brings warmth and comfort with every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Pie Recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each add a unique touch, creating a harmonious balance of creamy, savory, and crisp elements. With only a handful of components, the dish is accessible but full of depth and color.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds subtle richness to the filling.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings natural sweetness and depth to balance the spinach.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fragrant and savory punch that’s classic in Mediterranean cooking.
- Fresh spinach or frozen thawed and drained spinach: The star ingredient offering vibrant color and earthy flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy texture that binds the filling beautifully without overpowering the spinach.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Infuses that unmistakable tang and saltiness essential to authentic Greek pies.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder to hold the filling together perfectly once baked.
- Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (optional): Seasonings that enhance the natural flavors and add a subtle warmth.
- Phyllo dough (thawed): The paper-thin pastry sheets that, once baked, create a satisfyingly crisp and flaky crust.
- Butter (melted): Used generously to brush each phyllo layer, giving the pie its golden glow and crunch.
How to Make Spinach Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your pie dish a light grease. This ensures the pie doesn’t stick and promotes a beautifully browned crust. Have your spinach ready—if fresh, roughly chop it; if frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly. The preparation step sets the foundation for the layers of flavor coming next.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat before adding finely chopped onion. Sauté for about five minutes until translucent and sweet-smelling. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute—this brief step softens the sharp edge of raw garlic and infuses the oil with essence.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
If you’re using fresh spinach, add it now and cook it until it wilts down completely, releasing its moisture and concentrating flavor. For frozen spinach, simply incorporate the thawed and drained leaves and heat through to integrate. This warm mixture will meld wonderfully with the cheeses.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Let the spinach mixture cool slightly before combining it with ricotta, crumbled feta, eggs, and the seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous. Mixing while slightly warm helps the eggs to start binding without scrambling. This filling is the creamy, flavorful heart of the Spinach Pie Recipe.
Step 5: Layer the Phyllo Dough
Using a prepared pie dish, lay down 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each generously with melted butter. This delicate layering is essential because it creates the pie’s signature crisp and flaky texture. Keep the remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel so it won’t dry out as you work.
Step 6: Add the Filling and Top Layer
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo base, then layer the remaining 4 phyllo sheets on top, again brushing each with butter. Carefully tuck in the edges and brush the final top layer with extra butter for a beautifully golden finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to set up nicely and to make slicing easier. This final step perfects the beautiful layers and rich flavors of the dish.
How to Serve Spinach Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley adds a fresh herbal note that complements the spinach and cheeses wonderfully. A light dusting of crumbled feta on top can also elevate presentation and flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Spinach Pie Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. A bowl of warm tomato soup also makes for a comforting duo that highlights the pie’s Mediterranean roots.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, consider cutting the spinach pie into small squares or triangles for delightful finger food. You can also plate individual portions with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side for an extra creamy contrast that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Spinach Pie Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it just as delicious the next day when enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in a sealed container. Frozen spinach pie stays good for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat spinach pie in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful flakiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this Spinach Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the pie soggy. Both fresh and frozen spinach work wonderfully well.
Is it necessary to use phyllo dough, or can I substitute another crust?
Phyllo dough is key to achieving the classic flaky and crispy texture of spinach pie. While you can experiment with puff pastry or pie dough, the experience will be different, and you’ll miss the light, layered crunch phyllo offers.
How do I prevent the phyllo from drying out while assembling the pie?
Always keep your phyllo covered with a damp kitchen towel during assembly. It dries out quickly due to its thinness, and once dried, it can crack or become brittle, making layering difficult.
Can I make this spinach pie vegan-friendly?
To veganize this recipe, substitute the ricotta and feta with plant-based cheeses or tofu-based fillings, and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg alternative. Use vegan butter or olive oil for brushing the phyllo sheets.
How long will this Spinach Pie Recipe take from start to finish?
From prep through baking, you’re looking at about 55 minutes. Most of that time is hands-off baking, so it’s a fairly quick recipe to prepare that makes an impressive dish with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Pie Recipe is truly one of those delightful dishes that feels both comforting and special at the same time. It’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with ingredients you can find in any kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or to impress friends, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again for its unbeatable combination of flaky crust and savory, cheesy filling. Do yourself a favor and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Spinach Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Greek spinach pie, also known as spanakopita, features a deliciously flaky phyllo crust filled with a savory mixture of spinach, ricotta, feta cheese, and fragrant herbs. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it combines tender cooked spinach and creamy cheeses encased in crisp, buttery layers of phyllo dough for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 package 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Phyllo and Butter
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring frequently. If using frozen spinach, simply stir in the thawed, drained spinach and heat through. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, eggs, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Stir in the cooled spinach and onion mixture until evenly combined.
- Layer Phyllo Dough: Place four sheets of phyllo dough one at a time into the prepared baking dish, brushing each sheet lightly with melted butter to keep them crisp and separate.
- Add Filling: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo base.
- Top Phyllo Layers: Cover the filling with the remaining four phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter as you layer. Tuck the edges of the phyllo dough neatly into the sides of the dish and brush the top layer generously with butter for a golden crust.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the spinach pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Serve warm with a side salad or soup if desired.
Notes
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
- This spinach pie can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick meal later.
- Pair with a fresh salad or a light soup for a complete and balanced meal.
