Classic Spanakopita
This traditional Greek spinach pie features a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, all encased in crispy, flaky phyllo dough. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 45 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 676 kcal
Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 900 gfresh spinach, rinsed
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 clovegarlic, minced
- 250 gfeta cheese, crumbled
- 120 gricotta cheese
- 2 pcslarge egg, beaten
- 0.25 cupfresh dill, chopped
- 0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 tspnutmeg, ground
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 450 gphyllo dough, thawed
- 170 gunsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbspolive oil
Equipment
pastry brush · large skillet · baking dish · large pot · large bowl
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
About 5 min
- 2
Blanch the spinach in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop cooking.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This helps retain the spinach's vibrant color and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- 3
Drain the spinach thoroughly, squeezing out as much excess water as possible. Chop the spinach finely and set aside.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Removing water is crucial for a non-soggy filling.
- 4
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the yellow onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
- 5
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, fresh dill, fresh parsley, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the filling is evenly mixed for balanced flavor.
- 7
Unroll the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
Cook’s note: Phyllo dries out very quickly once exposed to air.
- 8
Brush the bottom of the prepared baking dish with melted butter.
About 1 min
- 9
Layer half of the phyllo sheets in the baking dish, brushing each sheet generously with melted butter before adding the next. Let the edges hang over the sides of the dish.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Don't skip brushing every layer; this creates the flaky texture.
- 10
Evenly spread the spinach and cheese filling over the layered phyllo dough.
About 2 min
- 11
Fold the overhanging phyllo edges over the filling. Then, layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter.
About 8 min
- 12
Trim any excess phyllo from the edges and tuck them in. Score the top layer of phyllo into serving-sized squares or diamonds, but do not cut all the way through.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Scoring before baking makes it easier to cut after, and allows steam to escape.
- 13
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
About 50 min
Cook’s note: If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- 14
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This allows the filling to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 676.4kcal
- Protein
- 20.6g
- Carbs
- 53.2g
- Fat
- 43.6g
- Fibre
- 5.4g
- Sugar
- 4.4g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover spanakopita in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
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