Description
Authentic Greek Spanakopita is a delicious savory pastry made with a creamy spinach and feta filling wrapped in crispy, buttery phyllo dough. Infused with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, this traditional Greek dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With its flaky texture and vibrant flavor, spanakopita is a crowd-pleaser that brings the best of Greek cuisine to your table.
Ingredients
1 pound (500 g) frozen spinach, thawed
1 medium onion, finely chopped (or 3–4 spring onions, chopped only the white parts)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing the phyllo
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped dill
¼ cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tablespoons dried mint)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon sugar
10–12 ounces (280–340 g) crumbled and grated feta
2–3 medium eggs or 2 large eggs
12 phyllo sheets
Instructions
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Prepare the spinach:
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Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
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Cook the onions:
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the filling:
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Combine cooked onions, spinach, parsley, dill, mint, nutmeg, sugar, and feta in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Add eggs and stir until combined.
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Assemble the spanakopita:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with olive oil. Spread the spinach and feta filling over the phyllo.
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Layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with olive oil. Tuck the overhanging phyllo into the pan edges.
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Bake:
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Score the top layer of phyllo into squares or diamonds. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
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Cool and serve:
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Let the spanakopita cool for 10 minutes before cutting to allow the filling to set.
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Notes
Meat Variation: Add cooked ground lamb or beef to the spinach filling for a heartier version.
Vegan Option: Use a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of eggs and a plant-based feta cheese.
Roasted Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
