Growing up, my mom would make the most delicious spinach pies for our family gatherings. The flaky phyllo dough and the creamy feta and spinach filling were a heavenly combination. I always looked forward to those savory spiral pies, and the aroma would fill the house, making my mouth water in anticipation.
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my own version of this beloved dish – the Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie. This recipe takes the classic flavors and gives them a fun, visually stunning twist. The spiral design not only looks impressive but also makes this pie easy to slice and serve. It’s become a staple in my repertoire, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Table of Contents
Why This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
What sets this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of the creamy feta, the earthy spinach, the fragrant dill and parsley, and the flaky phyllo dough creates a symphony of taste and aroma in every bite. The secret lies in the careful preparation of the filling and the layering technique that results in the beautiful spiral pattern.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry – This provides the base of the filling, contributing both flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – The tangy, creamy feta is the star of the show, adding richness and tanginess to the filling.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory depth and a subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – These fresh herbs elevate the filling with their bright, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile and bring out the best in the other ingredients.
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed – The delicate, flaky phyllo dough creates the perfect crispy and golden crust for this spiral pie.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter helps the phyllo dough achieve that irresistible crispness.
Step-by-Step Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Instructions
Preparing Your Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie comes together in a total of 45 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a baking sheet, a large mixing bowl, a clean work surface, a rolling pin, and a pastry brush.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thaw the frozen chopped spinach according to the package instructions, then squeeze out any excess moisture using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh dill, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3- Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on your clean work surface and brush it lightly with the melted butter. Repeat this process, layering 8-10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each one with butter.
4- Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. Carefully roll up the phyllo dough, starting from the short side, to create a spiral shape.
5- Transfer the spiral-shaped pie to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of the pie with the remaining melted butter.
6- Bake the Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Success
1- Be sure to squeeze the thawed spinach thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible. This will prevent the filling from becoming soggy.
2- When layering the phyllo dough, work quickly to avoid it drying out. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp cloth or paper towel.
3- Brush the phyllo dough generously with melted butter to ensure a perfectly crisp and golden crust.
4- Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil or chives, to add even more flavor to the filling.
5- For a heartier meal, consider adding diced cooked chicken or crumbled feta to the filling.
Serving and Storing Your Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
Perfect Pairings for Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie serves 6 people and makes a fantastic main course or side dish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad, a light lemon-garlic vinaigrette, and a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The spiralized presentation also makes this dish a showstopper at dinner parties or potlucks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the spiral pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
Creative Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Variations
- Swap the spinach for other greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, like a blend of feta, goat cheese, and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle the top of the spiral pie with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
Making Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, replace the phyllo dough with gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade gluten-free pastry dough.
To make a vegan-friendly spiral pie, use a plant-based feta alternative and replace the butter with a dairy-free, melted butter substitute.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can use low-carb phyllo dough or swap the phyllo for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant to create the spiral layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! You can use 1 lb of fresh spinach, washed and chopped, in place of the frozen spinach. Just be sure to sauté the fresh spinach briefly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake the Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie?
A: The total time for this recipe is 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.
Q: Can I make the Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The unbaked spiral pie can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Q: How many servings does this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of the Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie.
Q: What if the phyllo dough starts to tear while I’m assembling the spiral?
A: Don’t worry if the phyllo dough tears a bit. Simply patch any holes with additional layers of phyllo and brush with melted butter. The spiral shape will still come together beautifully, and the filling will hold everything in place.
Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, flaky pastry and savory spinach-feta filling of this homemade Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie. Perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is a comforting delight.
Ingredients
– 1 package (16 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, feta, Parmesan, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
4. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter. Repeat with 4 more sheets of phyllo, creating a stack of 6 buttered sheets.
5. Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the phyllo sheets, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the phyllo into a spiral. Transfer the spiral seam-side down to the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of crumbled bacon or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach-feta filling. This pie can also be made ahead and frozen unbaked, then baked directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Cakes, Pies & Cheesecakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Conclusion
The Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its beautiful presentation, incredible flavor, and versatility for various diets, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.
I encourage you to try making this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos and thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations. Enjoy this delicious and visually stunning dish!
