Home / Breads / Spanakopita authentic recipe

Spanakopita authentic recipe

Spanakopita
Spanakopita

spanakopita

Spanakopita, the classic Greek spinach and feta pie, delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor and texture in every bite.
Total Time 1 hour 16 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 unit onion finely chopped
  • 4 clove garlic minced
  • 500 gm spinach fresh, washed and roughly chopped
  • 200 gm feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 unit eggs lightly beaten
  • 0.25 cup fresh dill chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 250 gm phyllo dough thawed
  • 0.25 cup olive oil for brushing the dough

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted and all moisture has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture, crumbled feta cheese, lightly beaten eggs, chopped dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  6. Brush a baking dish with olive oil. Layer a sheet of phyllo dough into the dish and brush lightly with olive oil. Repeat, layering and brushing, with half of the phyllo sheets.
  7. Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the phyllo.
  8. Cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with olive oil. Brush the top layer generously.
  9. Score the top layers of the phyllo with a sharp knife into squares or diamonds.
  10. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Spanakopita is a beloved classic in Greek cuisine, celebrated for its layers of crispy phyllo and creamy spinach filling. Its versatility makes it a favorite for brunch, appetizers, and light dinners—whether you’re serving a crowd or preparing a comforting family meal.

Tips for the Perfect Spanakopita

Draining spinach thoroughly is key for a crispy base. If using fresh spinach, sauté and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel. For frozen spinach, make sure it's fully defrosted and pressed dry. Too much liquid can make your phyllo soggy.
Fresh herbs like dill and parsley are traditional, but you can substitute or mix with mint or green onions for a unique flavor twist. If you're out of feta, ricotta or cottage cheese works as a milder alternative, though it changes the character slightly.

Working with Phyllo Dough

Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel as you work to avoid drying out—they’re delicate and can tear easily. Brush each layer with a light hand of olive oil for maximum crispness and sheen. Don’t worry if the sheets tear—just patch them up, as the layers will bake up beautifully regardless.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Spanakopita is delicious when paired with a fresh Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or a simple bowl of tzatziki. For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted lamb or chicken. Try adding pine nuts, sundried tomatoes, or swapping spinach for other leafy greens like chard or kale for new flavor profiles.
Spanakopita can also be made ahead: assemble, cover well, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It freezes well, either baked or unbaked, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Tagged:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating