If you’re looking for a wonderful Appetizer that can be served as a main dish, Golden Filo Spinach Delight is a must-make at home. It’s a modern Greek spanakopita you’ll love again and again. The recipe is explained in simple terms.
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Golden Filo Spinach Delight : Modern Greek Spanakopita
If you love flaky pastry, a rich, savory filling, and a distinctly Mediterranean flavor, spanakopita, a Greek spinach pie, deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. It’s traditionally served as a snack, appetizer, or main course in Greek. Spanakopita is a buttery, crispy filo pastry layered with a delicious spinach and feta cheese filling.
This USA-friendly version retains the authentic Greek feel and simplifies all the steps for home cooks. Whether you’re planning to host a brunch, plan a holiday menu, or simply looking for a vegetarian comfort dish, Golden Filo Spinach Delight delivers a crunch, creaminess, and golden flavor every time.
This easy recipe, with step-by-step instructions, explains everything from selecting the right spinach to making crispy filo, so beginners can achieve bakery-style results at home.
Let’s break down what spanakopita is
What is Spanakopita?
Spanakopita is a classic Greek savory pie made with:
- Paper-thin pastry sheets – filé dough
- Fresh herbs
- Butter or olive oil
- Spinach
- Feta cheese
Can be baked as:
- A large tree-style pie
- Rolled log or square
- Individual triangles
- In the USA, spanakopita is very popular as an appetizer, a light, vegetarian dinner, or as a food party item. It is often served with salad or soup.
Why this dish is popular in the US:
- Crispy, buttery texture
- Protein-rich and vegetarian
- All ingredients approved by the Mediterranean diet
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and meal prep
- Freezer-friendly.
All Ingredients
Ingredients for the Spinach Filling:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 pounds fresh spinach or 20 frozen spinach leaves, thawed
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tsp olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp finely chopped onion
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, optional but recommended
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
Ingredients for the Phyllo Layers:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet (16 oz) filé dough, melted
- (Use olive oil for a lighter version)
Kitchen Essentials:
- Sharp knife
- Large pan
- Mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Pastry brush
- 9 × 13-inch baking dish
How to Make Golden Filo Spinach Delight (Spanakopita) Instruction:
1. Preparing the Spinach
- Preparing Fresh Spinach:
- First, wash the spinach thoroughly to remove all dirt.
- Place the spinach in a large pan and sauté over medium heat until it wilts.
- Now let it cool.
- Use a towel and squeeze out all the water.
A better way to prepare frozen spinach:
- First, thaw it thoroughly.
- Squeeze it thoroughly until it dries.
- This step prevents the pie from becoming soggy, which is crucial.
Tip: Dried Spinach = Crispy Spanakopita
2. Cooking the Aromatics
- Use a pan.
- Heat the olive oil thoroughly.
- Soft the chopped onion over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add the green onion and continue cooking for 1 more minute.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Making the Filling
- Use a large bowl:
- Add the roasted onions, spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.
- Add salt, egg, pepper, and nutmeg and mix well.
- Keep mixing gently until well combined.
- The filling should be moist but not watery.
4. Preparing the Phyllo Dough
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, 190°C and have it ready.
- Lightly grease a baking dish and,
- Unfold the phyllo sheet, then cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
5. Layering the Phyllo
- Now place another phyllo sheet in the dish and lightly brush with melted butter.
- Repeat for 9 to 10 servings.
- Let the edges hang over the edge.
- Don’t worry about wrinkles; this rustic layer creates a flaky texture.
6. Add the Filling
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the filé base.
- Fold the overhanging filé edges.
- Place the remaining filé sheets on top and brush them all with butter.
7. Scoring and Baking
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score into square, diamond shapes.
- Bake uncovered for 50 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Be sure to let cool for 15 to 17 minutes before slicing.
How to Serve Golden Filo Spinach Delight:
Try serving Spanakopita:
- At the brunch table or on holidays
- Try it as a vegetarian main course
- As an appetizer with tzatziki
- Great with a Greek salad for lunch
- Wonderful with soup for dinner
Spanakopita Storage and Making-Ahead Tips:
To extend the shelf life of Golden Filo Spinach Delight, try these:
Refrigerating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for three to four days.
Freezing: Baked or unbaked spanakopita can be refrigerated for up to two months.
Bake directly into the frozen pie, adding 12 to 15 minutes.
Reheating: For optimal crispiness, place in the oven at 350°F. Avoid microwaving if possible.
Healthy Variations:
To vary Golden Filo Spinach Delight, try these:
- Add Swiss chard or kale.
- Use gluten-free filés, if available.
- Use olive oil instead of butter.
- Add ricotta for a creamier texture, and
- Use low-fat feta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
When making Golden Filo Spinach Delight, avoid these things:
- Over-buttering the filo
- Not squeezing the spinach dry
- Using too much salt, the feta remains salty
- Cutting before it cools
- Letting the filo dry.
Nutrition per serving, approximately:
- Protein – 9g
- Carbohydrate – 24g
- Calories – 280 to 320
- Fiber – 3g
- Fat – 18g
FAQ
Q. What does spanakopita taste like?
It’s buttery, salty, lightly salted from the feta, and has a fresh, ultra-crispy layer from the herbs.
Q. Can I make it in advance?
Yes! You assemble everything and refrigerate it 24 hours before baking.
Q. Why does spanakopita get soggy?
Because of undercooking or excess moisture from the spinach filés.
Q. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! It’s very common in the USA; just squeeze out all the water first.
Q. Is Golden Filo Spinach Delight vegetarian?
Yes! It’s traditionally vegetarian.
Q. Is spanakopita healthy?
Yes! It’s a balanced Mediterranean dish with green vegetables, olive oil, and protein—it’s best eaten in moderation.
Q. Can I make mini spanakopita triangles at home?
Yes! Cut the filo into strips, then add the filling, fold into triangles, and bake for 22 to 25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Golden Filo Spinach Delight brings the heart of Greece straight to your American kitchen with its flaky crust, herb-infused filling, and universally loved flavor. This spanakopita is a recipe you can make for years and never get enough of because it remains a universal favorite.
Whether you’re a Greek food enthusiast, a longtime fan, or just want a more modern, step-by-step spanakopita recipe, this one delivers perfect results every time and never disappoints.