Authentic Greek Spanakopita (Printable View)
Crispy golden phyllo layers surrounding a rich spinach and feta filling, fragrant with dill, parsley, and mint.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables & Herbs
01 - 2.2 lbs fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, and chopped (or 21 oz frozen, thawed and well drained)
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 4 spring onions, finely sliced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
→ Dairy & Eggs
07 - 14 oz feta cheese, crumbled
08 - 7 oz ricotta cheese
09 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
→ Pastry
10 - 1 lb phyllo dough, thawed
11 - 7 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
12 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Spices & Seasoning
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
15 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch rectangular baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté yellow onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add spring onions and cook 2 more minutes.
03 - Add spinach in batches if using fresh. Cook until wilted and any liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in dill, parsley, and mint. Let cool slightly.
04 - In a bowl, combine feta, ricotta, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add cooled spinach mixture and mix well.
05 - Cover the phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent drying while you work.
06 - Place one sheet of phyllo in the baking dish. Brush with olive oil and/or melted butter. Repeat with 6–8 sheets, brushing each.
07 - Spread the spinach filling evenly over the layered phyllo.
08 - Layer remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with oil or butter. Tuck in edges and brush the top generously.
09 - Score the top layers with a sharp knife into serving-sized squares or diamonds.
10 - Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and crisp.
11 - Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving along scored lines.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between impossibly crispy layers and that velvety spinach-feta filling creates pure magic in every bite
- It's one of those make-ahead dishes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for gatherings
02 -
- Removing excess moisture from your spinach, whether fresh or frozen, is absolutely critical or you'll end up with soggy spanakopita
- Work quickly with your phyllo once you uncover it, because it dries out faster than you'd believe possible
03 -
- Brush your phyllo sheets with a mixture of olive oil and melted butter—oil keeps it crisp while butter adds that gorgeous golden color
- Score the top deeply before baking but don't cut all the way through, then finish cutting after it rests for those picture-perfect pieces