Recipe for Spanakopita Greek Spinach Pie: Flaky Phyllo With Feta-Rich Filling

This traditional Greek pie delivers flaky phyllo layers encasing a rich spinach and feta filling that’s both hearty and elegant.

Mastering the layering technique ensures crisp, golden sheets while keeping the center perfectly moist and flavorful.

Ingredients for Recipe for Spanakopita Greek Spinach Pie

Flaky phyllo, creamy feta, and vibrant greens create this elegant Greek classic with ease.

The phyllo dough is non-negotiable for authenticity. Athens brand is widely available at most supermarkets and reliably consistent. Feta cheese should be Greek-made for the proper tang and texture—avoid pre-crumbled varieties as they tend to be drier. Look for phyllo with at least 12 sheets per pound for that delicate, paper-thin quality essential to achieving the signature flakiness.

Substituting the spinach? Frozen chopped spinach at one-third the volume works if thoroughly drained (squeeze out all moisture in a clean towel). No dill on hand? Dried dill at one-fifth the amount maintains the essence. Ricotta can be swapped for cottage cheese blended smooth, though the texture differs slightly. For a richer filling, some cooks add cream cheese alongside the feta.

Assemble just before baking for crispest results. Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated, though the phyllo softens. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to revive the flakiness. The filling mixture can be prepped 1 day ahead and stored separately.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spanakopita Greek Spinach Pie

Master this technique and you’ll achieve perfectly crisp, flaky layers with a rich, creamy filling.

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

Heat the 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in the 4 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add the 2 lb chopped fresh spinach in batches, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more. Cook for 8-10 minutes until all moisture has evaporated and the mixture is dry. Transfer to a colander and press out any remaining liquid—this prevents a soggy filling.

Step 2: Combine Cheese and Herb Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the 1 lb crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 whole lightly beaten large eggs, 0.5 cup chopped fresh dill, 0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.

Add the cooked spinach-onion mixture to the cheese mixture and stir well. The filling should be thick and cohesive—if it seems loose, the spinach wasn’t sufficiently drained. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the feta provides substantial saltiness.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough

Preheat oven to 375°F. Unroll the 1 lb phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying. Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with some of the 1 cup melted unsalted butter.

Layer 8 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter before adding the next. Spread the spinach-cheese filling evenly over the phyllo base. Top with another 8 sheets of buttered phyllo, ensuring the edges are tucked in.

Step 4: Score and Bake to Golden Perfection

Using a sharp knife, score the top layers into diamond or square portions to make serving easier. Brush the top with any remaining melted butter. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp throughout.

Check at 35 minutes—if the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. The filling should be set and the layers should separate easily when a knife is inserted. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the phyllo to crisp fully.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Rich in Iron

Spinach is the star here, delivering 6.4mg of iron per cooked cup—about 36% of your daily needs. This plant-based iron is non-heme, so pairing it with vitamin C (like a squeeze of lemon on top) boosts absorption. I always notice more energy when I eat leafy greens regularly. 💪

Calcium Powerhouse

The 1 lb of feta cheese provides a massive 1,200mg of calcium—that’s your entire daily requirement in one dish. Combined with the 1 cup ricotta, you’re getting bone-building nutrients that also support muscle function and nerve signaling.

Vitamin K Boost

One serving gives you over 180% of your daily vitamin K needs, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Spinach is one of the best dietary sources of this fat-soluble vitamin, which also helps regulate calcium in your body.

Protein Without Meat

With 2 eggs and two types of cheese, this dish packs about 20g of protein per serving. The combination of dairy and leafy greens creates a complete protein profile with all essential amino acids your body needs. 🌱

Antioxidant Rich

Spinach brings lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support eye health and may reduce age-related macular degeneration. The fresh herbs add polyphenols that combat inflammation throughout your body.

Low Calorie Density

Despite its rich taste, a serving contains only about 350-400 calories. The phyllo adds crisp texture without excess fat, while the spinach provides volume with minimal calories. This makes it a satisfying yet balanced meal option.

Frequently Asked Questions