I have always loved Spanakopita. I always order it when we go out to a Greek restaurant. Spanakopita is a delicious Greek spinach and feta pie that is made with cheese and spinach enveloped in flakey phyllo pastry dough sheets. This is my first attempt at making a Spanakopita pie and it was a hit. It turned out amazing. I had the most delicious Greek spinach pie in Mykonos.

Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor — spanakopita is a traditional Greek spinach pie that has become a favorite far beyond Greece. Made with layers of buttery phyllo pastry wrapped around a savory filling of spinach, creamy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing an easy spinach and feta pie for a family dinner, serving mini spanakopita bites as appetizers, or freezing a batch for later, this recipe will guide you through making the perfect Greek classic at home.
This Spanakopita pie can be served as a main dish for lunch or even dinner. It can also be served as a side dish. Don’t forget to end it with a delicious Greek Orange Pie. I was inspired to make this recipe after seeing my friend Irene’s beautiful pie.
What is Spanakopita? (Greek Spinach Pie Explained)
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Spanakopita, also known as Greek spinach pie, is a classic Mediterranean dish made with layers of crisp phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and seasonings. This savory pie is one of the most popular Greek pies, celebrated for its rich flavor and flaky texture. Whether you call it a spinach and feta pie, spinach cheese pie, or feta and spinach filo pie, spanakopita is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a snack, side, or main dish.

Ingredients for Spinach and Feta Pie
To make an authentic spanakopita recipe, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Spinach – Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) for the filling.
- Feta cheese – The key to a true Greek feta pie flavor.
- Onion or scallions – Adds sweetness and depth.
- Fresh herbs – Dill, parsley, or mint enhance the spinach.
- Eggs – To bind the mixture (optional for vegan versions).
- Olive oil or melted butter – For brushing phyllo layers.
- Phyllo pastry (filo dough) – Paper-thin sheets for that crispy crust.
- Salt, pepper, lemon zest – To taste.
This base gives you a classic spinach feta recipe, but you can also adapt it for variations like a creamy spinach and feta recipe or a low calorie spanakopita.
Spanakopita Pie Filling
- 1 diced onion
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, including the green tops
- 6 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 2 cups of finely chopped Italian parsley
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 package (around 1 1/2 cups) crumble feta cheese
- 1 package of grated Halloumi Cheese
- 2 tsp of fresh thyme
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of ground black pepper
- zest of one lemon
Spanakopita Dough
1 package of 450 g phyllo pastry sheets (found in freezer section where you would find pie crusts)
Pro Tips for Perfect Spanakopita
- Keep phyllo covered: Always keep unused sheets under a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Dry the spinach well: Excess moisture leads to soggy layers — squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Use a mix of fats: Combining butter and olive oil gives the best flavor and crispness.
- Layer generously: Don’t skimp on brushing each sheet of phyllo — it ensures a flaky, golden crust.
- Cool before cutting: Let the spanakopita rest 10–15 minutes after baking for clean slices.
Variations of Greek Spinach Feta Pie
Spanakopita is versatile! Try these versions:
- Easy spinach and feta pie – Use pre-cut phyllo squares or puff pastry for convenience.
- Frozen spanakopita – Assemble ahead, freeze unbaked, and cook straight from frozen.
- Spanakopita casserole – Make in a large baking dish for family gatherings.
- Creamy spinach and feta pie – Add ricotta or cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
- Mini spanakopita filo parcels – Perfect for appetizers or party snacks.

Spanakopita Greek Spinach Pie Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
- 2. Butter an 8-inch springform pan and set it aside.
- 3. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they are translucent and tender for about 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, set aside.
- 4. Add the spinach, green onions, cooked onions, parsley, crumbled feta, shredded halloumi cheese, and the beaten eggs to a large bowl. Add in the thyme, pepper, and salt and mix until the ingredients are combined together.
- 5. Combine the melted butter with olive oil in a bowl.
- 6. Place the phyllo dough sheets between a damp tea towel, this will keep the sheets from drying out.
- 7. Use a pastry brush and brush 8 sheets of phyllo sheets with butter mixture. Layer the 8 sheets of phyllo pastry in the springform pan with the edges of phyllo sheets draping over the sides of the pan.
- 8. Fill with the cheese and spinach mixture. Fold the hanging phyllo edges over the cheese and spinach mixture.
- 9. Add 8 more phyllo pastry sheets, brushing each of the sheets with the melted butter and olive oil mixture. Make sure to tuck each phyllo pastry sheet on the sides of the springform pan.
- 10. Bake the Spanakopita for 50 minutes or until the pie crust is golden on top. Once cooked, remove the Greek Spinach Pie from the oven and allow the Spanakopita to cool for 5 minutes prior to removing it from the springform pan.
SERVINGS 8-10 | PREP & COOK TIME 1 hr 15 minutes

Spanakopita Calories, Storage & Freezing Tips
- A slice of Greek spinach and feta pie spanakopita typically contains 250–350 calories depending on portion size and ingredients.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
- Can you freeze spanakopita? Yes! Wrap tightly before baking or after baking and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat frozen spanakopita pie at 180°C (350°F) until hot and crispy.
What to Serve with Spanakopita
Wondering what to eat with spanakopita? Try these pairings:
A light soup for a balanced meal
A fresh Greek salad
Tzatziki sauce for dipping
Roasted Mediterranean vegetables

Tips for making Greek Spinach Pie
When working with phyllo pastry dough, it is very thin and can dry out quickly. If not handled delicately, it can easily break or tear. Keeping the phyllo in between damp kitchen towels will help keep the sheets slightly damp and easier to work with.
If you don’t want to keep the phyllo sheets in between damp dish towels then I would suggest working quickly and brushing each layer with the butter and oil mixture. If the dough does tear, don’t worry. It will get tucked in or covered anyway.
Do you love Greek spinach pie as much as I do? Let me know if you try this recipe. I would love to hear if you love it as much as I do.
FAQs About Spinach and Feta Pie
1. Is spanakopita the same as a spinach pie?
Yes — spanakopita literally translates to “spinach pie” in Greek. It’s a type of phyllo spinach recipe filled with spinach and feta.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo?
Yes — while traditional recipes use phyllo, a Greek spinach pie puff pastry version is a tasty shortcut.
3. How do I make a low calorie spanakopita?
Reduce the amount of butter and feta, and add more spinach and herbs.
4. Can I make spanakopita without feta?
Yes — swap feta for cottage cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
5. What’s the difference between spanakopita and tiropita?
Spanakopita is a spinach and feta pie, while tiropita is a Greek cheese pie without spinach.
Final Thoughts About Spinach and Feta Pie
This authentic spanakopita recipe Greek style is a flaky, flavorful, and comforting dish that works for any occasion. Whether you prefer it as a traditional Mediterranean spinach pie, an easy spinach and feta filo pie, or bite-sized spanakopita phyllo parcels, this Greek classic is always a crowd-pleaser.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THESE RECIPES:
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- How to Make Sourdough Starter – this is the sourdough starter I used to make this bread
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free) are easy to make and are great for people with nut allergies.
- Greek Orange Pie is so refreshing and takes me back to my time in Greece.
- Easy Low Carb Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten Free) are super easy to make and are low carb and delicious.
- Baked Gluten Free Donuts are great when you are craving a donut without all the sugar and gluten.
- Gluten Free Bread Recipes there are 31 gluten-free bread recipes to help you start baking
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