Easy Spanakopita Recipe – Greek Spinach Pie

Easy Spanakopita Recipe – Greek Spinach Pie that’s crisp, savory, and packed with Mediterranean flavor. This simple dish combines spinach, feta, and flaky phyllo dough for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.

Inspired by Greek tradition and Middle Eastern flavors like tangy Fatayer Sabanekh, this version adds a bright touch of lemon and sumac. Pair it with beet hummus, baba ganoush, or Greek salad for a delicious Mediterranean spread.

Ingredients for your Easy Spanakopita Recipe

Everything you need for this Easy Spanakopita Recipe: spinach, feta, fresh herbs, and flaky phyllo dough.

• Frozen Chopped Spinach: Thawed, drained, and patted dry, the spinach contributes a vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
• Shallots: Chopped shallots bring a mild oniony aroma and sweetness to the dish.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic cloves add a pungent, savory note.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley lends a fresh, herbaceous element to the spanakopita.
• Green Onions: The white and green parts of chopped green onions provide a mild flavor and a touch of color contrast.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese is an essential ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Dry Dill: Dry dill infuses the filling with a gentle herbal flavor.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor, while lemon juice provides a zesty, tangy kick.
• Spices: A blend of spices includes salt, black pepper, sumac, nutmeg, and chili flakes. These spices together add depth, warmth, and a hint of spiciness to the filling.

Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach

Preparing the spinach properly is essential before diving into your Simple Spanakopita Recipe. We’ve covered you with easy steps, whether you’re using frozen or fresh.

• Using Frozen Chopped Spinach: Frozen spinach is a convenient choice. Here’s how to get it ready: Thaw it as per package instructions, drain off excess water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Working with Fresh Spinach: Opting for fresh greens? Follow these simple steps: Wash the spinach thoroughly, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the leaves, give them a gentle massage, rinse under cold water, and squeeze out excess liquid. This ensures your Spanakopita filling stays delightfully dry and the dish turns out just right.

Preparing Phyllo Dough for Spanakopita

Handling it carefully is essential when working with phyllo dough for your Spanakopita. Follow these steps to ensure your dough remains perfectly pliable and doesn’t dry out:

• Thawing the Dough: Start by taking the phyllo dough out of the freezer and allowing it to thaw. You can do this by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
• Keep It Covered: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so it’s crucial to keep it covered. Use a damp towel or plastic wrap to cover the dough while you work.
• Working in Pairs: To assemble your Spanakopita, simultaneously work with two sheets of phyllo dough. This helps create a sturdy base for your savory pastries.
• Cutting the Dough: Cut the phyllo dough into 3-inch-wide strips using a ruler or a sharp knife to create individual Spanakopita. Each set of two sheets should yield four small Spanakopita.
• Brushing with Butter: Before adding the spinach mixture, brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter. This step adds flavor and helps create a delightful, crispy texture.
• Folding with Precision: Fold the corner of the dough over the spinach to form a triangle shape. Continue folding until you reach the end of the strip, creating a neat and attractive pastry.
• Sealing with Egg Mixture: Brush both sides of the Spanakopita with an egg mixture to ensure they hold together during baking.
• Baking Perfection: Place your beautifully assembled Spanakopita evenly on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, ready for the oven.

Variations of the Spanakopita recipe

Spanakopita is a versatile dish that allows for creative variations. If you want to change things up, consider experimenting with different types of cheese. While feta is the classic choice, you can try using ricotta, cottage, or goat cheese for a unique twist. For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Additionally, you can vary the greens in the filling. While spinach is traditional, kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens can add a different dimension of flavor and texture. Don’t be afraid to play with spices, too; a pinch of nutmeg, dill, or red pepper flakes can elevate the spanakopita and make it unique.