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spanakopita served

Greek Spanakopita Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds  fresh spinach
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 green onions sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons  olive oil
  • 3 garlic  cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup  fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup  fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup  fresh mint finely chopped
  • 8 ounces  feta cheese
  • 2 large  eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Phyllo Dough

  • 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough thawed
  • 1/2 cup  unsalted butter

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and green onions until they turn translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or until excess water evaporates (if using frozen). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, parsley, dill, mint (if using), and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well. Add the beaten eggs, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until evenly combined.
  4. Unroll the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Phyllo dough can be delicate, so work quickly but carefully.

Option 1: Casserole Style

  1. Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Layer a sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering 8–10 sheets. Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the phyllo.
  2. Continue layering and buttering another 8–10 sheets of phyllo on top of the filling. Tuck in the edges to seal. Score the top layer into squares or diamonds using a sharp knife. Bake for 40–50 minutes or until golden brown  375°F (190°C).

Option 2: Spanakopita Rolls

  1. Lay one sheet of phyllo on a flat surface. Brush it lightly with butter and place another sheet on top. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling along one edge of the phyllo. Roll the phyllo tightly into a log, tucking in the edges as you go. Brush the outside with butter. Place the rolls on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. 375°F (190°C).
  2. Option 3: Spanakopita Bites

  3. Cut phyllo sheets into strips (about 3 inches wide). Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling at one end of the strip. Fold the phyllo over the filling into a triangle, continuing to fold like a flag until the strip is fully wrapped. Brush the outside with butter and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crisp 375°F (190°C).

Notes

  1. Use fresh herbs: They add a burst of authentic flavor that dried herbs can’t match.
  2. Keep the phyllo dough moist: Cover unused sheets with a damp towel to prevent cracking.
  3. Don’t skimp on butter: It ensures the layers bake up crisp and golden.
  4. Customize the filling: Add chopped walnuts or raisins for a unique twist.