Spanakopita

Posted in Mediterranean Recipes
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a crisp Greek spinach and feta pie layered with buttery phyllo. The filling is bright with dill, parsley, scallions, and lemon, while the pastry bakes into a golden, shattering top.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed very dry
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup chopped dill
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Make the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Cook the scallions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the spinach and cook until any remaining moisture evaporates. Cool slightly.

  2. Add Cheese and Herbs: In a bowl, combine the spinach mixture, feta, ricotta, eggs, dill, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

  3. Layer the Bottom: Heat the oven to 375°F. Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each with melted butter.

  4. Fill and Top: Spread the spinach filling evenly over the phyllo. Top with remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.

  5. Score and Bake: Score the top into squares with a sharp knife. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.

Crisp Phyllo, Bright Spinach Filling

Spanakopita is all about the contrast between flaky phyllo and a salty, herby spinach-feta filling. The filling should be flavorful but not wet, or the pastry will lose its crispness.

Tips and Variations

  • Squeeze the spinach very well before mixing the filling.
  • Keep phyllo covered with a towel so it does not dry out while you work.
  • Serve with Greek salad, lemony potatoes, grilled chicken, or soup.
  • Add dill, mint, parsley, scallions, or a little lemon zest.
  • Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Servings Per Recipe: 12
  • Calories: 270

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 18g (23% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 8g (40% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 55mg (18% DV)
  • Sodium: 520mg (23% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g (7% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Vitamin A: 310mcg (34% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 14mg (16% DV)
  • Calcium: 210mg (16% DV)
  • iron: 3mg (17% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.