Easy Spanakopita
This simplified Spanakopita recipe offers a delicious taste of Greece with minimal effort, featuring a savory blend of spinach and cheeses encased in crispy, buttery whole wheat phyllo dough.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the well-drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Carefully unroll the thawed phyllo dough. Keep the phyllo covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap while you work to prevent it from drying out.
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, allowing any excess to hang over the sides. Brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat with another 7-9 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter, to create the bottom crust.
- Spread the spinach and cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
- Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter, just as you did for the bottom crust. Trim any excess phyllo dough from the edges, then fold the overhanging phyllo from the bottom layers over the top layers to seal the pie. Brush the top layer generously with any remaining melted butter.
- Using a sharp knife, gently score the top layers of the phyllo into desired serving pieces (squares or diamonds), being careful not to cut all the way through to the filling. This will help with even baking and easy slicing after baking.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting completely through the scored lines and serving warm.
Spanakopita, the beloved Greek savory pie, is a culinary delight known for its contrasting textures and rich flavors. This rendition focuses on ease without compromising on authenticity, making it accessible for any home cook. The combination of thawed spinach, a trio of creamy cheeses, and aromatic garlic, all embraced by golden, flaky layers of whole wheat phyllo, promises a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any meal or gathering.