Growing up, my mom would make the most incredible spinach pies. There was something about the flaky phyllo dough, the creamy feta, and the vibrant spinach that just hit the spot every single time. I can still remember the aroma of the herbs and the slight crunch of the phyllo as she’d pull it out of the oven. It was always a family favorite, and a dish that evoked such warm memories for me.
As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen, I knew I had to put my own spin on her classic recipe. That’s how this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie was born – a delightful twist on the traditional spinach pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting and delicious dish, this recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your household.
Why This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
What really sets this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie apart is the unique way the phyllo dough is used. Instead of layering it traditionally, we’re going to roll it up with the spinach and feta filling for a beautiful spiral presentation. This not only makes the dish look absolutely stunning, but it also creates the perfect balance of crispy, flaky phyllo and rich, creamy filling in every single bite.
The trick is to work quickly and with a gentle hand when assembling the spiral. This ensures the delicate phyllo doesn’t tear and that the filling is evenly distributed. And by brushing the top with melted butter, you get that lovely golden-brown color and delightful crunch. It’s a total showstopper, but surprisingly easy to make!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie to life, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen phyllo dough, thawed – The thin, flaky layers of phyllo are the foundation of this dish, creating a crispy, light texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – The butter adds rich flavor and helps the phyllo dough turn a beautiful golden brown.
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped – Fresh spinach is the star of the filling, providing a vibrant, nutrient-packed element.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese – The creamy, tangy feta cheese balances the spinach perfectly and adds a delightful creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – This classic Mediterranean herb complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a touch of salt to enhance all the flavors.
With these simple yet incredible ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie that will have your family and friends raving.
Step-by-Step Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Instructions
Preparing Your Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie comes together in just 40 minutes total – 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time. To get started, you’ll need a clean work surface, a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a baking sheet.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently unroll the thawed phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Toss everything together until well mixed.
3- Brush a sheet of phyllo dough lightly with the melted butter, then place another sheet on top and brush that with butter as well. Continue this process until you have a stack of 5-6 buttered phyllo sheets.
4- Spread about 1/3 of the spinach-feta filling in a line down the center of the phyllo stack, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides. Carefully roll the phyllo up around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a spiral log.
5- Transfer the spiral log seam-side down to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with any remaining melted butter.
6- Bake for 25 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Work quickly when assembling the spiral to prevent the phyllo from drying out.
- Be gentle when rolling the phyllo to avoid tearing the delicate layers.
- Make sure to brush every layer of phyllo with butter for maximum crispness.
- Chopping the spinach into smaller pieces helps it distribute more evenly throughout the filling.
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality feta cheese that crumbles easily.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Let the baked spiral pie rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Serving and Storing Your Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
Perfect Pairings for Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is the perfect main dish or appetizer, serving 6 generously. For a complete meal, it pairs beautifully with a fresh Greek salad, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, or a light lemon-herb couscous. And don’t forget the wine! A crisp white or a bold red would both be delicious accompaniments.
If you’re serving it as an appetizer, it’s wonderful alongside a zesty tzatziki dip, some olives and cherry tomatoes, and perhaps a glass of sparkling wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is easy to make ahead and store for later. Once baked, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked spiral can be wrapped tightly in plastic and frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining – you can have a delicious, homemade dish ready to go with minimal effort.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
Creative Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Variations
While this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is already a flavor-packed delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. For a more Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, or a sprinkle of fresh basil. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese or ricotta, for a creamier filling.
In the fall and winter, roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions would be a lovely addition. And for a spicier version, amp up the red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne. The possibilities are endless!
Making Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap the phyllo dough for gluten-free puff pastry or even a homemade gluten-free pie crust. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
If you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free version, you can replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative, like crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. And instead of butter, use a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter substitute to brush the phyllo.
For a low-carb spin, you could use almond flour or coconut flour to create a grain-free phyllo-like dough. Just be mindful of the texture and baking time when experimenting with alternative flours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the filling.
Q: How long does it take to assemble the spiral?
A: The assembly process typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your level of experience. Working quickly and gently is the key to preventing the phyllo dough from drying out or tearing.
Q: Can I make this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the unbaked spiral up to 2 days in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also bake the spiral and reheat slices as needed for up to 4 days.
Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?
A: This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie recipe serves 6 people generously. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, you may be able to get 8-10 servings out of it.
Q: What if my phyllo dough tears while I’m assembling the spiral?
A: If a few layers of phyllo tear, don’t worry! Just carefully patch them up as best you can and continue rolling the spiral. The final baked result will still be delicious, even with a few imperfections.
Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory goodness of this homemade Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie! Flaky dough, fresh spinach, and tangy feta come together in a delightful spiral that’s perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
– 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the phyllo dough and lay one sheet on a clean work surface. Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter.
3. Repeat with 5 more phyllo sheets, brushing each one with butter.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, feta, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt.
5. Spread the spinach-feta mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo sheets, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Starting from the short end, carefully roll up the phyllo dough into a tight spiral.
7. Transfer the spiral roll to the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.
9. Let the spiral pie cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
For a crispy top, brush the spiral with additional melted butter before baking. Serve the spiral pie warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Conclusion
This Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is a true show-stopper of a dish – it’s both impressive in presentation and utterly irresistible in flavor. With its crispy, flaky phyllo exterior and its creamy, herbed spinach-feta filling, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new household favorite.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course, an appetizer, or even for meal prep, this Savory Spinach & Feta Spiral Pie is a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the same joy and nostalgia that I feel every time I make this recipe. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
