When I was little, my grandmother used to make Spanakopita for special family dinners. The smell of buttery pastry and herby spinach would float through the house, making everyone hungry and happy. This flaky spinach pie is like a hug from the inside—crunchy on top, soft and cheesy in the middle, and so simple to make. Let’s bake it together!
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach (or 10 oz/280g frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup (120g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) phyllo dough (about 16 sheets), thawed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it. Cook in a big pan for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then squeeze out as much water as you can.
- In a big bowl, mix the spinach, crumbled feta, ricotta, chopped onion, eggs, dill, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well.
- Set Up the Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a baking dish (about 9×13-inch or 23x33cm) with olive oil or butter.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a slightly damp towel (so it doesn’t dry out).
- Assemble the Pie
- Place one phyllo sheet in the dish and brush lightly with oil/butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, brushing each layer.
- Spread all the spinach filling evenly over the pastry.
- Cover with the rest of the phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with oil/butter.
- Tuck the edges down into the sides of the dish. Brush the top with extra oil/butter.
- Score and Bake
- With a sharp knife, gently cut the top layers into squares or diamonds (but don’t cut all the way through).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes, then cut into pieces and enjoy!
🌟 Helpful Tips
- Don’t let phyllo dry out! Keep it covered with a damp towel while you work.
- No fresh dill? Try mint or parsley for a fresh twist.
- Make it healthier: Use low-fat cheeses and less butter.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
🛠️ Handy Tools & Affiliate Links
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish (Affiliate Link)
- Pastry Brush (Affiliate Link)
- Sharp Kitchen Knife (Affiliate Link)
These are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy something—at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting my blog!