Best-Ever Spanakopita

This Best-Ever Spanakopita is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. With its flaky layers of phyllo dough and a savory filling of spinach and feta, this appetizer is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual lunch, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its rich taste and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With premade phyllo sheets and frozen spinach, making Spanakopita at home has never been simpler.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of feta cheese, fresh herbs, and spices creates a delicious filling that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, lunch, or even dinner; this dish fits perfectly into various meal settings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its crispy layers and flavorful interior, it’s an instant hit at parties and gatherings.
• Nut-Free & Vegetarian: This dish accommodates various dietary preferences, making it suitable for many guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Best-Ever Spanakopita, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring that your Spanakopita cooks evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly before filling the phyllo dough.
• Pastry brush: Helps in applying olive oil to the phyllo sheets for that perfect golden crust.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting through layers neatly without tearing the delicate phyllo dough.

Ingredients

This buttery Greek Spanakopita is so easy to make at home with premade phyllo sheets and frozen spinach, spiked with lots of feta cheese.

For the Filling:

• 2 (10-oz.) packages thawed, squeezed dry frozen chopped spinach
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 c. crumbled feta (about 6 oz.)
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
• Pinch of grated fresh nutmeg (optional)

For the Phyllo:

• 10 (17-x-12) sheets frozen phyllo, thawed
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

How to Make Best-Ever Spanakopita

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed dry spinach with olive oil.
2. Add finely chopped onion, scallions, and garlic to the bowl.
3. Season with oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
4. Fold in crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, lemon zest, and nutmeg (if using).

Step 2: Assemble the Spanakopita

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it on a clean surface; brush lightly with olive oil.
3. Place another sheet on top; repeat until you have about five layers.
4. Spoon some filling along one edge of the layered phyllo.
5. Roll gently but tightly into a log shape; place on a greased baking sheet seam-side down.
6. Brush the top with more olive oil before repeating with remaining sheets and filling.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Allow cooling slightly before slicing into pieces to serve.

Enjoy your homemade Best-Ever Spanakopita warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Best-Ever Spanakopita

Best-Ever Spanakopita is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Pair with a refreshing yogurt dip or tzatziki for added creaminess.

With a Salad

• A light Greek salad complements the richness of the spanakopita perfectly.
• Choose mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a colorful plate.

Alongside Soup

• Enjoy spanakopita with a bowl of lemony chicken soup or vegetable broth.
• The combination creates a comforting and hearty meal.

On a Buffet Table

• Place spanakopita in bite-sized portions on an appetizer platter.
• This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.

How to Perfect Best-Ever Spanakopita

Making the best-ever Spanakopita requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use thawed phyllo sheets: Make sure your phyllo dough is completely thawed before handling. This prevents tearing and ensures even layering.
• Squeeze out excess moisture: When using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much water as possible. This prevents soggy pastries.
• Brush each layer: Generously brush each layer of phyllo with olive oil for that signature flaky texture.
• Add flavor depth: Incorporate spices like nutmeg or red pepper flakes into the filling for enhanced flavor.
• Cut before baking: Cut the assembled spanakopita into squares before baking. This helps it cook evenly and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Best-Ever Spanakopita

To create a balanced meal, consider pairing your Best-Ever Spanakopita with these delicious side dishes. They complement the flavors and textures beautifully.

1. Greek Salad – A mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and texture contrast.
3. Hummus Platter – Creamy hummus served with pita chips enhances the Mediterranean theme.
4. Lemon Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice infused with lemon and herbs brings zesty freshness to the table.
5. Cucumber Yogurt Dip – A cool dip made from yogurt and cucumber pairs well with warm spanakopita.
6. Stuffed Grape Leaves – Tender grape leaves filled with rice and herbs add an extra touch of Greek cuisine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Best-Ever Spanakopita can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the Spinach Prep: Always squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach. If you skip this step, your spanakopita could turn soggy.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your filling. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances flavor, so be generous but not overwhelming.
• Overfilling the Phyllo: Be careful not to overload your phyllo dough with filling. This can cause tearing and make it hard to fold properly.
• Not Brushing the Phyllo: Failing to brush each layer of phyllo with olive oil leads to a dry texture. Make sure every sheet is well coated for that buttery finish.
• Rushing the Cooking Time: Ensure you cook until golden brown. An undercooked spanakopita will have an unappetizing texture, so be patient.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing Best-Ever Spanakopita

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Label with a date for easy reference.

Reheating Best-Ever Spanakopita

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but note that this may make it less crispy.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, cover and warm each side for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best-Ever Spanakopita, along with their answers.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! Just ensure to remove excess water after cooking fresh spinach before adding it to your filling.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative if you’re looking for other options.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Best-Ever Spanakopita, substitute regular phyllo dough with gluten-free phyllo sheets available at specialty stores.

Can I prepare spanakopita ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer before baking. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.

What dishes pair well with spanakopita?

Spanakopita pairs wonderfully with Greek salad or tzatziki sauce as sides, enhancing its flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Best-Ever Spanakopita is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or an elegant dinner party. Its versatility allows you to customize the filling with various herbs or cheeses according to your taste. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and enjoy its deliciousness!