Spanakopita

(Σπανακόπιτα)

Spanakopita is a Greek spinach pie consisting of a buttery, flaky phyllo pastry with a filling of cooked spinach, lemon juice, feta cheese, and sometimes dill. It can be served either as a small snack, an appetizer, or a light main course. Due to a farming tradition of handheld foods, the pies were originally invented for the field workers who would carry them in their pockets and consume them while working.

Although spanakopita has humble beginnings, it has risen to greater gastronomic heights, so today it can be found in most Greek diners, taverns, and upscale restaurants. It is likely that the dish originated 400 years ago, during the Turkish occupation of Greece, since a Turkish dish called ispanaki is almost identical in presentation.

The traditional way to serve the pie is to cut it into small triangles and consume it while slightly warm, accompanied by tzatziki sauce - a flavorful dip consisting of yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers.

Greece

Pairing tips

Wine Variety

Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko is the most widely planted red grape variety in Greece. It is cultivated in several wine regions, but Nemea, where the grape originated, is its most ... Read more

Serve with

Dip

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a Greek concoction made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and numerous herbs and spices such as dill, mint, or parsley. It is usually served as a sauce accompanying ... Read more

Recipe variations

4.6
Spanakopita with Homemade Phyllo
READY IN 2h 35min
The following is the traditional spanakopita recipe, with instructions on how to make homemade phyllo dough. Doing the dough yourself might take a bit more time, but biting into that flaky, homemade crust makes it all worth it. The filling consists of spinach, fresh herbs, creamy feta, and onions, seasoned with nutmeg, pepper, and salt. The recipe is courtesy of Diane Kochilas, a Greek-American cookbook author, celebrity chef, and cooking school owner.
4.6
Spanakopita Triangles
READY IN 1h 25min
The following spanakopita triangles recipe is a twist on the traditional recipe. It shows how to create yummy spinach and feta-filled pockets that you can freeze and cook when needed. You'll sauté baby spinach, mix it with crumbled feta and nutmeg, and then wrap it in buttery phyllo dough. In about 40 minutes of baking, you'll have crispy, golden-brown triangles ready to delight your taste buds.

Spanakopita Authentic recipe

PREP 1h 10min

COOK 1h 25min

READY IN 2h 35min

The following is the traditional spanakopita recipe, with instructions on how to make homemade phyllo dough. Doing the dough yourself might take a bit more time, but biting into that flaky, homemade crust makes it all worth it. The filling consists of spinach, fresh herbs, creamy feta, and onions, seasoned with nutmeg, pepper, and salt. The recipe is courtesy of Diane Kochilas, a Greek-American cookbook author, celebrity chef, and cooking school owner.

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