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Spanakopita Recipe

Spanakopita Recipe

Dive into the layers of flaky phyllo dough and discover the savory blend of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese in this classic Spanakopita recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this Greek delicacy is a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and elegant.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek Cuisine
Keyword: Spanakopita Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound phyllo dough sheets thawed
  • 3/4 cup butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 pounds fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 8 ounces feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the spinach and sauté until wilted. Continue by adding the remaining spinach and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until fully wilted.
  • Once the spinach is cooked, transfer it to a colander, allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess liquid. Coarsely chop the spinach and set aside.
  • Using the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the green onions, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and dill, cooking briefly for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
  • Transfer the onion and herb mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and beaten egg. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, then stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Unroll the phyllo dough onto a clean, flat surface, keeping the sheets covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
  • Start by placing one sheet of phyllo dough in front of you, with the longer side facing you. Brush the entire surface with melted butter. Place a second sheet on top of the first and brush it with butter as well.
  • Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the layered phyllo dough vertically into strips that are approximately 3 inches wide.
  • Spoon about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the spinach and feta filling onto one end of each strip. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding, keeping the triangle shape, much like folding a flag. Brush the top of each triangle with a bit more melted butter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Ensure that the triangles are spaced about 1 1/2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake each tray one at a time in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the spanakopita is golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve the spanakopita warm and enjoy!

Notes

It's crucial to remove as much liquid as possible from the cooked spinach to prevent a watery filling. I find a potato ricer works well for pressing out the liquid, but you can also use your hands or a thin kitchen towel to wring it out.
While I believe this recipe shines with fresh spinach, you can substitute it with frozen spinach if needed. Just use two 10-ounce boxes, making sure to thaw and thoroughly squeeze out any excess water.