Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy Recipe
Ready to taste the magic of Greece at home? This Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy is your golden ticket to flaky, savory, and utterly irresistible spinach pie. With layers of crisp phyllo embracing a flavorful mix of spinach, fresh herbs, and creamy feta, every bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine. Whether baked as a big, bubbly casserole, dazzling rolls, or adorable hand-held bites, this classic dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Even better, this recipe is approachable enough for any home cook to master—so gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy lies in its simple yet bright ingredients. Each component brings something special—herbs for vibrancy, cheese for tang, phyllo for crunch, and of course, spinach for its luscious earthiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters:
- Fresh spinach: Brings vibrant color and hearty texture; you can use frozen spinach for convenience, just squeeze it dry.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling with a tender bite.
- Green onions: Amp up the flavor and provide gentle sharpness that makes the filling pop.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich, fruity base note and helps the vegetables soften without burning.
- Garlic: Delivers robust, appetizing aroma and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley: Provides herby freshness and a bright green fleck to the filling.
- Fresh dill: Essential for classic Greek flavor; it lightens and perfumes every bite.
- Fresh mint (optional): Adds cool, refreshing flavor that’s aromatic and unique.
- Feta cheese: Brings tangy, creamy, salty goodness—don’t skimp on quality here.
- Eggs: Bind the filling together so it holds its shape when sliced or served.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the ingredients.
- Phyllo dough: Provides the signature flaky, crispy layers that make spanakopita irresistible—handle with care.
- Unsalted butter (or olive oil): Used to brush between phyllo layers, giving that gorgeous golden crackle.
How to Make Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green onions, sautéing until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes is perfect. Toss in the garlic for a quick minute, just until the kitchen is full of its wonderful aroma. If you’re working with fresh spinach, add it in handfuls so it wilts down without overflowing. Let it cook until the moisture is mostly gone; if you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure all the excess liquid evaporates. Remove from heat and let things cool slightly. In a bowl, combine this luscious spinach mixture with the fresh herbs and crumbled feta. Mix in the eggs, then season well with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Give everything a good stir so each bite is herby, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough is famously delicate, but don’t let it intimidate you! Unroll it carefully onto your work surface, then keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. This simple trick keeps the fragile sheets pliable. Work briskly but gently, and don’t worry if a few sheets tear—the beauty of spanakopita is that the layers camouflage any little imperfections.
Step 3: Assemble the Spanakopita
This Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy is a choose-your-own-adventure! For a classic casserole, lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer about 8 to 10 sheets of phyllo on the bottom, brushing each with butter as you go. Heap on your glorious spinach filling in an even layer, then top with another 8 to 10 phyllo sheets—again, each brushed with butter for the ultimate flake factor. Gently tuck the edges, score the top with a sharp knife for easy serving, and bake until golden, puffed, and irresistible.
Want to make festive rolls or bite-sized appetizers? For rolls, spoon a generous line of filling along the edge of double-stacked phyllo sheets, then roll up tightly, brushing with butter before baking. For bites, cut phyllo into strips, add a spoonful of filling at one end, and fold up like a little triangle package. Each style bakes up golden and crisp, ready to wow your guests or family!
How to Serve Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy
Garnishes
Fresh is best! Sprinkle chopped parsley, dill, or a few crumbles of feta over your spanakopita before serving for a burst of color and a pop of herby aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon is another gorgeous finishing touch that wakes up all those flavors.
Side Dishes
Spanakopita pairs perfectly with a simple Greek salad—think ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. A scoop of creamy tzatziki or a side of braised beans will also elevate your meal, keeping things healthy and satisfying without extra fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try baking mini spanakopita bites in muffin tins for an adorable appetizer tray! Or serve the casserole as part of a Mediterranean brunch spread, sliced into diamonds and piled high. Roll-ups make terrific lunchbox treats or travel snacks, especially with a cooling yogurt dip on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover spanakopita is a treasure! Simply let it cool to room temperature, cover tightly with foil or an airtight lid, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The phyllo will stay fairly crisp for the first day or two, then soften but remain delicious.
Freezing
This Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy freezes beautifully either baked or unbaked. If freezing before baking, assemble everything as directed, then wrap well with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the bake time). If already baked, let it cool, then wrap and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For optimum crispiness, reheat spanakopita in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and flaky again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make the phyllo dough a bit soft—if possible, use your oven or a toaster oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I make spanakopita with frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach is a wonderful shortcut for this Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy. Just thaw it well and squeeze out as much liquid as you can, so your filling isn’t watery. The rest of the process stays exactly the same!
What if I can’t find fresh dill or mint?
If fresh dill or mint isn’t available, dried versions can stand in—just use a lighter hand, as dried herbs are more potent. Dill is more essential for classic flavor, while mint is a fun but optional twist. You can even skip mint if you prefer.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from tearing?
It’s totally normal for phyllo to tear now and then! The key is to keep the sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while working, and use gentle hands. Remember, all those buttery layers come together in the bake, hiding small flaws under crispy goodness.
Can I prepare spanakopita in advance?
Yes! Assemble your spanakopita (unbaked) ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, proceed as usual. This makes spanakopita the perfect dish for entertaining or prepping meals ahead of a busy week.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! The Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy is a fully vegetarian dish, relying on spinach, herbs, and feta for deep, satisfying flavor—no meat required. It’s perfect for sharing with vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a homemade dish that feels like a vacation in every bite, you can’t go wrong with this Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy. The mix of flavors, flaky texture, and pure comfort is hard to beat. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table—everyone will be begging for seconds!
Print
Authentic Greek Spanakopita Recipe – Healthy & Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and authentic Greek Spanakopita with this easy and healthy recipe. This savory spinach and feta pastry is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed, stems removed, and chopped (or 1 pound frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped (optional)
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Phyllo Dough:
- 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or a mixture of butter and olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and green onions until translucent. Add garlic, spinach, and cook until wilted. Combine with herbs, feta, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Phyllo Dough – Unroll phyllo dough and keep covered with a damp towel.
- Assemble the Spanakopita – Choose casserole, rolls, or bites method. Layer phyllo with filling, bake until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Work quickly with phyllo dough as it can dry out easily.
- Spanakopita can be frozen before or after baking for future enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Greek, Spanakopita, Spinach, Feta, Phyllo Dough, Appetizer, Vegetarian
