Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (2024)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

1 9-inch square pie

Jump to Nutrition Facts

If you've never tried rich, cheesy, and utterly decadent spanakopita, you need to remedy that ASAP — and we've got just the recipe for you! With this top-rated Greek spanakopita recipe, you'll have the most delicious savory pie of your life on the table in just over an hour.

What Is Spanakopita?

Spanakopita is a savory Greek pie that consists of a spinach-ricotta filling baked in a buttery phyllo crust.

Spanakopita Pronunciation

"Spanakopita" is pronounced "spah-nah-KO-pee-tuh."

How to Make Spanakopita

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated spanakopita:

Make the Filling

Saute onion, green onions, and garlic in olive oil until they're soft and lightly browned. Add spinach and parsley, then continue to saute until spinach is limp. Remove from heat and let cool. In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta. Stir into spinach mixture.

Assemble the Spanakopita

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in a lightly oiled 9x9 inch baking pan. Brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat this process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture into the pan and fold overhanging dough over filling. Brush with oil, then layer with the remaining sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Seal the filling with the overhanging dough.

Bake the Spanakopita

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares and serve while it's still hot.

How to Store Spanakopita

Store leftover spanakopita in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until heated through.

How to Freeze Spanakopita

The best way to freeze spanakopita? Freeze it before baking. It won't lose nearly as much flavor or texture this way, as the dish won't be cooked twice. Just assemble the spanakopita, wrap it in one layer or storage wrap and one layer of aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and cook according to the recipe.

You can also freeze spanakopita after baking: Simply let the dish cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"My apologies to the purists out there, but I also added fresh basil, chopped asparagus, mushrooms, and artichoke hearts," says S'more. "I have made it with none of the additions, all of the additions, and a combination of the 3 depending on what I had on hand and it always turns out phenomenal!"

"This is awesome," raves Sylvia C. "We ate the whole thing in 15 minutes. I will probably need to double this next time. I used a 9-oz. bag of pre-washed spinach, chopped, and it turned out great. This would be great with a Greek salad with olives."

"I used frozen spinach to save time," according to JoAnne Gauthier. "This was half-thawed and, when added to the hot mixture, it was just the right consistency and temp to keep moving and finish this. Great pie."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 pounds spinach, rinsed and chopped

  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 8 sheets phyllo dough

  • ¼ cup olive oil, or as needed

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (1)

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly oil a 9-inch square baking pan.

  3. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chopped onion, green onions, and garlic in the hot oil until soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (2)

  4. Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to saute until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (3)

  5. Mix feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and eggs in a medium bowl until well combined. Stir in spinach mixture.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (4)

  6. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with olive oil. Repeat the process with two more sheets of phyllo dough; the sheets will overlap the pan.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (5)

  7. Spread spinach and cheese mixture into the pan. Fold any overhanging dough over the filling. Brush with oil.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (6)

  8. Layer the remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil. Tuck overhanging dough into the pan to seal the filling.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (7)

  9. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (8)

  10. Cut into squares and serve while hot.

    Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (9)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

494Calories
35g Fat
32g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe6
Calories494
% Daily Value *
Total Fat35g44%
Saturated Fat12g58%
Cholesterol100mg33%
Sodium894mg39%
Total Carbohydrate32g11%
Dietary Fiber7g26%
Total Sugars5g
Protein18g36%
Vitamin C62mg69%
Calcium495mg38%
Iron8mg43%
Potassium1304mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) (2024)

FAQs

Why is my spanakopita soggy on the bottom? ›

The main two reason for soggy spanakopita is the spinach or the ricotta cheese. Spinach must be well wilted. Look for little to no remaining moisture in the skillet. If you do this ahead of time, put it in the fridge, uncovered to let it dry out even more.

Do you have to refrigerate spanakopita? ›

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat slices on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 -13 minutes, or until heated through. Freeze baked Spanakopita in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.

What is spanakopita made of? ›

Spanakopita is a delicious savory Greek pie made of perfectly crispy layers of phyllo dough and a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese. I'm sharing my family's favorite spanakopita recipe, complete with tips, video, and step-by-step photos.

How long to cook frozen spanakopita? ›

To bake the frozen spanakopita, preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and put the frozen triangles on a baking sheet, then brush each with butter. Bake for 30 minutes, or until deeply-golden brown.

How do I stop my pastry from going soggy on the bottom? ›

Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, or other types of cereal, on the bottom crust before filling and baking in the oven. The layer will absorb moisture and prevent the filling from turning the crust soggy.

How do you keep filo pastry from getting soggy? ›

Tip #3: Keep Your Phyllo Covered While You Work

Once you take a sheet off the stack, lay the towel back over the unused dough. Plastic wrap can also work, but I personally think the damp towel works the best.

What do you eat with spanakopita? ›

In Greece, spanakopita is often served in small pieces as a side dish for a big celebration meal of slow-roasted lamb or lemon chicken, but it also makes a fine meal on its own. Serve a helping with a big Greek salad and a garlicky tzatziki dip for a summer dinner or a light supper.

What temperature do you reheat spanakopita in the oven? ›

*Phyllo dough will become soggy in the microwave. On the off-chance you have leftovers, reheat the spanakopita in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes.

How long can cooked spinach sit out overnight? ›

The Two-Hour Rule

Havern explains: "The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, [chopped] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products."

Do they eat spanakopita in Greece? ›

A version without cheese and eggs is eaten during religious fasts throughout Greece. Spanakopita appears in many traditional Greek cookery books and appears in numerous restaurants and hotel menus throughout Greece and internationally.

Why is spanakopita so good? ›

What's the secret to the best spanakopita recipe? Spanakopita in Greek translates to spinach and feta pie. Layers of flaky phyllo pastry hold a creamy spinach and feta filling. The cheese makes it creamy, and the herbs add so much freshness.

Do Greeks eat spanakopita for breakfast? ›

When they go out and eventually get their second coffee, a freddo espresso this time, they will buy a “tiropita”, “spanakopita”, or “bougatsa”. These “pitas” are breakfast pastries made out of many layers of buttered Filo.

How do you cook Costco spanakopita? ›

Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Place pieces glazed side up on a baking sheet. Do not separate pieces apart. Bake on center rack of oven for 17 to 19 minutes or until golden brown.

Does Costco sell spinach pie? ›

Cuisine Adventures Frozen Spanakopita, Pack of 48 | Costco.

Why is the bottom crust of my apple pie soggy? ›

Wet pie fillings + raw dough are a tricky combination. If the bottom crust doesn't set before the filling soaks in, it's going to be gummy. A metal pie pan placed on a preheated surface will set the bottom crust quickest; once cooked, the liquids from the filling above won't soak in, and as a result: no soggy bottom.

Why is my pastry soggy inside? ›

Soggy bottoms

This normally happens when the oven is not hot enough or the pastry is not baked for long enough. However, it can also be because too much water was added to the dough.

Why is my spinach pie watery? ›

Pulverizing the spinach too much released more water out of the leaves. It ends up being a lot like frozen spinach where you have to wrap it in paper towels to soak out the excess moisture. If you're in a pinch and you don't mind a soggier pie, go for it.

Why is my pizza crust soggy on the bottom? ›

Limit Your Wet Toppings

If you are putting wet and soggy toppings on your pizza, it's likely that they will cause your crust to become soggy. The main culprit is the tomato sauce. If your sauce is too watery it's going to affect the crispiness of the crust. Other toppings such as veggies can affect the crispiness too.

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