Best Ever Spanakopita : Greek Spinach Pie Done Right

If you’ve ever wanted to master a classic Greek dish that’s comforting, full of flavor and actually approachable, this Best Ever Spanakopita (Greek spinach-pie) is the one to try. Layers of buttery phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese and fresh herbs bake up into golden slices of savory perfection. It works as a vegetarian main dish, a side to roasted meats, or cut into squares for a party platter. As the recipe says, “a delicious savory Greek pie made of perfectly flaky phyllo and a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese.” The Mediterranean Dish
This recipe comes from The Mediterranean Dish and author Suzy Karadsheh, so you know it comes together beautifully. The Mediterranean Dish
In this article, you’ll get everything you need: why it works, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, smart tips, variations, what to serve it with, storage, and FAQs.
Plus you’ll find internal links to other great recipes so you can build a full menu around it.

Save

Why This Spanakopita Recipe Works

There are many spinach-feta pies out there, but this one stands out because:

• It uses a high ratio of filling to phyllo so each bite is flavorful, not just crunchy layers.
• It gives clear tips for working with phyllo-dough (a challenge for many home cooks) — thawing, keeping sheets moist, brushing with olive oil. The Mediterranean Dish
• It invites you to serve it in many ways: as a main, side or appetizer, giving you flexibility.
  This flexibility means you could pair it with recipes like the vegetarian friendly Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad for a fresh contrast, or serve it alongside richer mains or bread.
  If you love Mediterranean dishes full of flavor and texture, you’ll also enjoy exploring Cheesy Zucchini Bread for a side idea or Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo for a hearty main.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the ingredient list for the spanakopita, broken into filling and crust to keep things organized.

For the Spinach & Feta Filling

• 16 oz (1 lb) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and very well drained. The Mediterranean Dish
• 2 bunches flat-leaf parsley, stems trimmed and finely chopped. The Mediterranean Dish
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped. The Mediterranean Dish
• 2 garlic cloves, minced. The Mediterranean Dish
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for brushing phyllo). The Mediterranean Dish
• 4 large eggs (to bind the filling). The Mediterranean Dish
• 10.5 oz quality feta cheese, crumbled. The Mediterranean Dish
• 2 teaspoons dried dill weed (or fresh dill if you prefer). The Mediterranean Dish
• Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste. (Salt may not be needed depending on feta saltiness.)

For the Phyllo Crust

• 1 (16 oz) package phyllo (fillo) dough sheets, properly thawed per instructions. The Mediterranean Dish
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil for brushing between phyllo layers. The Mediterranean Dish

Pro Ingredient Tips

• When using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much liquid as possible — excess moisture will make the phyllo soggy. The Mediterranean Dish
• For the phyllo: Thaw it in the refrigerator, keep sheets covered with damp towel so they don’t dry out. The Mediterranean Dish
• Use good quality feta (not pre-crumbled) for best texture and flavor.
• If you love herbs, add some chopped dill and parsley for that classic Greek brightness.

How to Make Spanakopita – Step by Step

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) as indicated. The Mediterranean Dish Prepare a 9½″ × 13″ baking dish by brushing it generously with olive oil.
While the oven is heating, make sure the phyllo sheets are thawed and ready, and the spinach is drained thoroughly.

Step 2: Combine the Filling

In a large bowl, add the drained spinach, chopped parsley, onion, garlic, olive oil, eggs, crumbled feta, dill weed and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined. The Mediterranean Dish
Make sure the spinach is not watery. This ensures the filling holds together and doesn’t make the phyllo soggy.

Step 3: Layer the Phyllo and Filling

Unroll the phyllo sheets and place them between two kitchen towels (one slightly damp, one dry) so they don’t crack. The Mediterranean Dish
Line the prepared baking dish with 2 sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet generously with olive oil. Continue layering until about two-thirds of the sheets are used. The Mediterranean Dish
Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the phyllo base.
Then cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, layering two at a time and brushing each with olive oil until all sheets are used. Brush the final top layer and fold in any overhang. Score the top lightly (cut halfway, not all the way through) to make portioning easier after baking. The Mediterranean Dish

Step 4: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 1 hour or until the top is crisp and golden brown. The Mediterranean Dish
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then cut into squares or rectangles before serving.

Save

Serving Suggestions & What to Serve With

This spanakopita is versatile. You can serve it as a vegetarian main, as a side dish, or cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.
Because it’s rich and savory, pair it with fresh and light sides:

• A big Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and olives.
• A bright Harvest Quinoa Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette for a full vegetarian meal.
• A side of lemony roasted vegetables or steamed green beans.
  For a full Mediterranean-inspired menu, follow the spanakopita with something like Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts for a sweet finish.

Variations and Creative Twists

Mini Spanakopita Triangles

Instead of one large pan, cut phyllo into smaller rectangles, spoon filling, roll into triangles, bake until crisp — perfect for parties.

Add Other Greens

Mix in chopped Swiss chard or kale with spinach for extra greens.

Swap in Other Cheeses

While feta is traditional, you could add ricotta for extra creaminess.

Oven-free Version

For a quicker, lighter version, layer filling between baked tart shells or puff pastry cups and top with crispy phyllo strips.

Vegan Version

Leave out the eggs and feta, use a vegan feta alternative, and bind with a chickpea flour batter. Still delicious and friendly for plant-based diets.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make ahead (unbaked): Assemble the pie, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready. The Mediterranean Dish
• Leftovers: Store covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until crisp. The Mediterranean Dish
• Freezing: Bake, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap and freeze. Reheat from frozen at 325°F until hot and crisp. The Mediterranean Dish

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you must sauté and drain it completely to remove moisture. Using frozen, thawed and drained spinach simplifies the process. The Mediterranean Dish
Do I have to use phyllo dough?
Traditional spanakopita uses phyllo. Puff pastry or a thick crust variant can be used, but you’ll lose some of the crisp-thin layer textures.
What if my phyllo tears?
It happens! Just patch it with another layer and keep going. The brushed oil helps hide imperfections.
Can I bake at a higher temperature to shorten time?
Yes, but you risk over-browning the top while leaving the filling undercooked. The recommended method ensures even doneness.
How do I get crisp top layers every time?
Brush phyllo layers well with oil, ensure filling is drained, and bake until golden brown. Let it rest before cutting to let juices settle.

Why Spanakopita Deserves a Place in Your Recipe Box

This dish is a perfect example of Mediterranean cooking: simple ingredients, big flavors, layered textures, and nutritious components. With spinach, herbs, feta and healthy olive oil, you get a dish that satisfies and supports wholesome eating.
Greek food authorities list spanakopita as one of the “7 Essential Greek Dishes Everyone Needs to Try.” Food & Wine
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting friends, or prepping ahead for gatherings, this spanakopita is reliable, impressive and deeply comforting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dish that’s flavorful, crowd-pleasing and versatile, this Best Ever Spanakopita is a winner. It hits the texture, the taste and the practicality. From crisp golden phyllo layers to savory spinach-feta filling, it brings Mediterranean goodness to your table.
Serve it up at gatherings, enjoy it as a vegetarian main, or present it as a side at holiday dinners — you’ll be proud of how it looks and easy you’ll find it to make.
And when you’ve mastered this, don’t stop there — explore more recipe gems from our collection like Greek Chicken Meatballs with Zesty Lemon Orzo or One-Pot Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya for your next kitchen adventure.

Print