Greek Spanakopita | Greek Spinach Pie with Feta Cheese

Discover the art of crafting an authentic Greek Spanakopita masterpiece with homemade phyllo dough and a creamy feta cheese filling. Immerse yourself in the culinary heritage as we guide you through rolling out delicate layers and assembling the iconic triangle shape. Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors and textures, baked to golden perfection. Elevate your cooking experience with our step-by-step guide.

The Art of Crafting Homemade Phyllo Dough

Homemade phyllo dough is the heart of an authentic Greek spanakopita, delivering unparalleled flakiness and taste. Crafting your own phyllo dough requires just a handful of ingredients (check the recipe card for US:

• All-purpose flour : The foundation of the dough, providing structure and texture.
• Water : Adding moisture to bring the dough together.
• Olive oil : Infusing richness and enhancing the dough’s elasticity.
• Lemon juice: Not only adding a subtle tang but also aiding in creating a soft, workable dough.
• Salt: Balancing flavors and enhancing the dough’s overall taste.

The process begins by mixing and kneading these ingredients until a smooth and pliable dough forms. This dough is then set aside, covered, allowing it to rest while you prepare the sumptuous filling that will soon be encased within its layers. Homemade phyllo dough is a testament to the authenticity and care that goes into crafting a truly exceptional Greek spanakopita.

Savoring the Flavor: Creamy Feta and Spinach Filling

The filling of a Greek spanakopita is a marriage of vibrant flavors, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious filling:

• Spinach : A hearty dose of fresh spinach, blanched and strained to ensure a tender and flavorful filling.
• Onion: Providing a savory base and depth of flavor.
• Spring onions: Adding a hint of freshness and crunch.
• Dill: Infusing the filling with aromatic notes that complement the other ingredients.
• Olive oil: Binding the elements together while enriching the filling’s taste.
• Feta cheese: The star ingredient, offering a creamy, tangy contrast to the earthiness of the spinach.
• Salt and pepper: Elevating the flavors and achieving a well-balanced taste.

As you sauté the onions, spring onions, and dill in olive oil, the kitchen will fill with an enticing aroma. The blanched spinach is added, allowing it to release its moisture and blend harmoniously with the other components. The result is a filling that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine—fresh, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

Assembling the Perfect Greek Spanakopita Triangle

Crafting the iconic triangle-shaped spanakopita is both an art and a joy. To achieve this culinary masterpiece:

• Divide the Phyllo Dough: The rested phyllo dough is divided into 5 equal portions, ready to be transformed into delicate layers.
• Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, each piece of dough is meticulously rolled out to achieve the desired thinness, ensuring the perfect balance between structure and flakiness.
• Layering the Phyllo: The baking pan is coated with olive oil, providing the foundation for the masterpiece. Each phyllo sheet is positioned, and a sprinkle of olive oil between layers promises that sought-after golden crispiness.
• Filling Placement: The first layer of filling is spread evenly over the phyllo, followed by chunks of feta cheese, which will melt and infuse the filling with its creamy richness.
• Repeating the Layers: This process is repeated, layer upon layer, until the filling is nestled within a cocoon of flaky phyllo.
• Finishing Touches: The edges of the dough are gently folded inward, olive oil is drizzled, and the spanakopita is cut into individual portions.

Baking and Presenting Your Culinary Creation

Baking the spanakopita brings all your efforts to a delightful conclusion. Here’s how to achieve that perfect golden crust and present your creation:

• Preheating: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F) to create the ideal environment for baking.
• Baking Time: Allow your spanakopita to bake for about 60 to 70 minutes, letting the layers of phyllo dough turn golden brown and crisp.
• Final Presentation: Once out of the oven, your Greek spanakopita is a sight to behold. The layers of flaky phyllo conceal the vibrant filling within, while the aroma fills the air with anticipation.
• Serving Suggestions: Consider pairing your spanakopita with a dollop of creamy tzatziki, a Greek salad, or a side of olives. These accompaniments enhance the experience and pay homage to the rich tapestry of Greek flavors.

With each slice of spanakopita, you’ll experience the culmination of time-honored techniques, wholesome ingredients, and a passion for culinary excellence. Your homemade creation is a testament to the beauty of Greek cuisine and the joy of sharing these timeless flavors with loved ones.

Greek Spanakopita | Greek Spinach Pie with Feta Cheese

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 2 votes

“Embark on a journey to master the essence of Greek cuisine with our homemade spanakopita recipe. From meticulously crafting the flaky phyllo dough to crafting each triangle, this culinary adventure unfolds. Embrace the interplay of vibrant spinach, savory onions, aromatic dill, and velvety feta cheese. Elevate your cooking skills and delight in an irresistible symphony of flavors, all baked into a golden masterpiece.

Course: SidesCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

24

pieces

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

177

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Metric US

• For the Phyllo Dough

• 500 g 17.6 oz All purpose flour

• 220 g 7.7 oz Water

• 50 g 1.8 oz Olive oil

• Juice of half a lemon

• Salt

• For the Spinach and Feta Filling

• 1000 g 35.3 oz Spinach

• 1 1 Onion, grated

• 5 5 Spring onions, chopped

• 1/2 bunch 1/2 bunch Dill, finely chopped

• 50 g 1.8 oz Olive oil

• 500 g 17.6 oz Feta cheese

• Salt and Pepper

Recipe directions

• Making the Phyllo Dough
• In a bowl add the flour, water, lemon juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix and knead the dough.
• Cover the bowl with a towel and set aside while preparing the filling.
• Preparing the Spinach
• Place a pot over heat and add water.
• Put the spinach into the pot and simmer for a few minutes to soften the spinach.
• Then turn off the heat and strain the spinach.
• Making the Spinach and Feta cheese Filling
• Place the pot over heat and add olive oil.
• Add the onion, the spring onions into the pot and saute. Next, add some of the finely chopped dill into the pot.
• Add the spinach and continue sauteing until the spinach evaporates its liquids.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the rest of the dill.
• Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
• To assemble the Spanakopita
• Divide the phyllo dough into 5 equal pieces.
• Dust the counter with flour to roll out the dough.
• Begin by rolling out the first piece of dough. Be sure to refer to the video for a demonstration of the proper technique.
• Coat the baking pan with a layer of olive oil, then carefully place the phyllo on the prepared pan. Always sprinkle olive oil on each phyllo.
• Unroll the second sheet of phyllo dough and position it onto the baking pan.
• Spread half of the filling evenly over the phyllo in the pan.
• Place half of the feta cheese in large chunks on top of the filling and sprinkle some olive oil.
• Unroll the third sheet of phyllo dough and position it over the filling.
• Spread the rest of the filling evenly over the phyllo in the pan. Add the rest of the feta cheese in big chunks.
• Unroll the last two sheets of phyllo dough and position them onto the baking pan.
• Fold the edges of the dough inward and sprinkle some olive oil.
• Cut the spanakopita into pieces.
• Lightly drizzle a small amount of water over the pie.
• Baking the Spanakopita / Greek Spinach Pie
• Preheat the oven to 180 C (355 F).
• Bake for about 60 – 70 minutes.

Recipe video

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