Delicious Spinach and Cheese Pie

Spanakopita is a delightful Greek pie made with flaky phyllo pastry and a rich spinach-cheese filling. This savory treat combines the goodness of spinach with the creamy texture of various cheeses, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Encased in crispy layers of phyllo, each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal as an appetizer or a main dish, spanakopita is enjoyed by many for its versatility and taste. It's a perfect dish to entertain guests or for a comforting family meal. The recipe is straightforward, and with a little patience and care with the phyllo dough, you'll be rewarded with a delicious outcome. Customizable with different herbs and spices, it offers room for creativity while still ensuring authenticity. Read on to learn about crafting this delightful dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 5 eggs
• 3 10-oz packages of frozen, chopped spinach, defrosted (ring out any water using cheesecloth or dishrag)
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• 8 ounces or more of crumbled feta cheese
• 8 ounces of small curd cottage cheese
• Olive oil
• 2 bunches of chopped green onions, sautéed
• 1 -lb box of phyllo pastry
• 1 stick of butter

Spices and Herbs

• 1 tablespoon of parsley
• Dill, fennel (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time

• Total: 95 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixer, beat the eggs until they are fluffy.
2. Add Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the cream cheese, crumbled feta, cottage cheese, sautéed green onions, parsley, dill, fennel (if using), Parmesan cheese, and defrosted spinach. Mix just until combined.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Melt the stick of butter. Using a pastry brush, coat a 9x13x3 inch baking pan with butter.
4. Layer the Phyllo: Line the bottom of the prepped pan with half of the phyllo sheets, ensuring that each layer is brushed with melted butter before adding the next.
5. Spread the Filling: Pour the spinach-cheese mixture over the phyllo layers in the pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Add Extra Feta: Sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta on top of the spinach filling.
7. Top with Phyllo: Cover the filling with the remaining phyllo sheets, again buttering between each sheet.
8. Prepare for Baking: Lightly sprinkle water over the top of the phyllo to prevent it from drying out.
9. Bake: Place the pan in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake until the top is golden brown and crispy, approximately 45-50 minutes.
10. Prevent Over-browning: If you notice the phyllo getting too brown during baking, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
11. Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, allow it to cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Tips

• Ensure the spinach is well-drained to avoid soggy filling. Use cheesecloth or a dishrag to squeeze out excess water.
• Handle phyllo gently and keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while working.
• Experiment with herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Nutritions

• Approximate values per serving: 300 calories, 18g protein, 20g fat, 20g carbs.

Variations

• For a vegan option, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter.
• Add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or leeks for additional texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad of tomatoes and cucumbers to complement the rich flavors.
• Pair with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Best Places

• The Real Greek - Known for their authentic spanakopita. Location: 30 Long Acre, London, UK.
• Greek Taverna - Offers traditional Greek dishes in a cozy setting. Location: 292 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ, USA.
• Mama's Taverna - A family-run restaurant famous for homemade Greek pastries. Location: 12 Andronikou St, Athens, Greece.
• Dionysos - Upscale dining with stunning views of the Acropolis. Location: 43 Rovertou Galli St, Athens, Greece.
• Kokkari Estiatorio - A fusion of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine. Location: 200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA, USA.
• Ouzeri - Traditional Greek taverna with authentic flavors. Location: 261 Polychrnioti St, Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Taverna Kyclades - Known for excellent Greek hospitality and dishes. Location: 3307 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY, USA.
• Sarris Tavern - Epitome of authentic Greek dining experience. Location: 5 Miaouli St, Mykonos, Greece.
• Elysee - High-end restaurant with Mediterranean delicacies. Location: 13 Percy St, London, UK.
• Oinopoleio - Popular local spot with a rich tradition of Greek meze. Location: 45 Apostolou Pavlou St, Thessaloniki, Greece.