Ah, the magic of Greek Spinach Pie—every bite is a savory delight packed with rich flavors, flaky layers, and a perfect balance of cheese and greens. Imagine the warm, golden crust crunching as you cut into it, revealing that creamy, comforting spinach filling. Trust me, this recipe is an absolute game-changer! It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Greek taverna, no passport required.
But let’s be real—who can resist that beautiful, buttery phyllo dough paired with spinach and feta? Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something incredible, this Greek Spinach Pie will have you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Greek Spinach Pie
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this Greek Spinach Pie—it’s made with a few simple ingredients, but the result is nothing short of spectacular. Let’s break it down:
- Spinach: The heart of the dish, adding color, flavor, and a delightful texture that’s both fresh and earthy.
- Feta Cheese: This creamy, tangy cheese adds richness and a Greek-inspired flair.
- Phyllo Dough: The golden, crispy wrapper that makes this dish irresistible. Each flaky layer is a moment of pure bliss.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Olive Oil: The essence of Mediterranean cooking, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
- Eggs: Help bind the filling and add richness.
- Garlic: A little bit of garlic goes a long way, infusing the pie with aromatic, savory goodness.
- Herbs: Fresh dill and oregano bring that herby punch that’s perfect with spinach and feta.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your pie the perfect golden, crispy crust.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare the Spinach: Add the spinach to the pan in batches, letting each batch wilt before adding more. Once all the spinach is wilted, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture, feta, eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is nicely incorporated.
- Assemble the Pie: Brush a baking dish with olive oil and layer several sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with more olive oil. Once you have a solid base, spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the dough. Top with more layers of phyllo dough, brushing with olive oil between each layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it, and if it starts to get too dark, cover with foil for the last few minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pie and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a fresh Greek salad or some tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Serve Greek Spinach Pie
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or tzatziki to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots or zucchini, add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch. Presentation matters too! Serve the pie on a beautiful platter, adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: Swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute spinach with another leafy green?
A1: Absolutely! You can use kale, chard, or even arugula as a substitute for spinach. Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the pie.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the day you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! This pie freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure the pie is cooked through before serving.
Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes! You can swap out the phyllo dough for gluten-free alternatives available at most grocery stores.
Q8: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A8: Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water before using.
Q9: Can I add more cheese?
A9: Of course! If you love cheese, feel free to add more feta or even some mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Q10: How do I make the crust extra crispy?
A10: Be sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with plenty of olive oil, and don’t skip preheating your oven to ensure the crust bakes evenly.
Conclusion
There you have it—a Greek Spinach Pie that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this dish is bound to become a favorite. It’s simple, comforting, and loaded with flavor. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some delicious magic happen!
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Greek Spinach Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) features a flaky phyllo crust filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta cheese, eggs, and herbs. It’s a classic Greek comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a satisfying meal or appetizer! Whether you’re looking for healthy homemade recipes, healthy dinner recipes, or quick dinner ideas, this dish is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Spinach Mixture:
- 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Spinach Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
For Assembling the Spinach Pie:
- 1 (16-ounce) package phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil (or a mix of both)
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach:
- Drain excess water from the spinach, squeezing it out with your hands to prevent a soggy pie.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, and green onions. Sauté until soft and lightly browned.
- Stir in the drained spinach, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Spinach Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, nutmeg, lemon juice, feta, and parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooled spinach mixture and stir until well combined.
Assemble the Spinach Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Place phyllo dough sheets on a baking sheet and cover with a lightly damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or baking spray.
- Layer two sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing melted butter between each 2-sheet layer. Continue layering until you’ve used 1/2 to 3/4 of the phyllo dough.
- Evenly spread the spinach filling over the phyllo layers.
- Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough, brushing butter between layers.
- Brush the top layer with melted butter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the phyllo crust is crisp and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen (about 1 1/2 lbs, cooked and drained).
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg