Delicate layers of phyllo dough envelop a rich, savory filling of spinach, feta, and fresh herbs, baked until crisp and golden brown.
Yields6 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time1 hr
For the Spinach Filling
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or parsley, mint, or a mix)
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but traditional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
1 package phyllo dough, thawed (about 18–20 sheets)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil or ghee)
Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Make the Filling
1
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
-
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
-
Stir in spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
-
Remove from heat and cool slightly.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine spinach mixture with:
-
Feta
-
Ricotta (if using)
-
Egg
-
Fresh herbs
-
Nutmeg
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Mix well until creamy and cohesive.
Prepare the Phyllo
2
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
-
Unroll phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
-
Take one sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with melted butter.
-
Place another sheet on top and brush again.
-
Cut the layered sheets lengthwise into 3 equal strips.
Fill & Fold the Triangles
3
-
Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling near the bottom corner of one phyllo strip.
-
Fold up corner over filling to form a triangle (like folding a flag).
-
Continue folding up in a triangle shape until you reach the end.
-
Brush the outside with butter and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
-
Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
Bake
4
-
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until triangles are golden brown and crisp.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
5
-
Add chopped leeks, green onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
-
Use vegan feta and olive oil for a dairy-free version.
-
Replace spinach with kale or chard (sautéed and chopped finely).
-
Add pine nuts or raisins for texture and sweet-savory contrast (a nod to Greek "spanakorizo").
Pairing Suggestions
6
-
Wine: Dry rosé, Assyrtiko (Greek white), or Sauvignon Blanc
-
Cocktail: Ouzo spritz, cucumber gin & tonic, or a lemony vodka fizz
-
Non-alcoholic: Mint lemonade, cucumber soda, or sparkling water with herbs
Ingredients
For the Spinach Filling
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or parsley, mint, or a mix)
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but traditional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
1 package phyllo dough, thawed (about 18–20 sheets)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil or ghee)
Optional: sesame seeds for topping
Directions
Make the Filling
1
-
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
-
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
-
Stir in spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
-
Remove from heat and cool slightly.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine spinach mixture with:
-
Feta
-
Ricotta (if using)
-
Egg
-
Fresh herbs
-
Nutmeg
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Mix well until creamy and cohesive.
Prepare the Phyllo
2
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
-
Unroll phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
-
Take one sheet of phyllo and brush lightly with melted butter.
-
Place another sheet on top and brush again.
-
Cut the layered sheets lengthwise into 3 equal strips.
Fill & Fold the Triangles
3
-
Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling near the bottom corner of one phyllo strip.
-
Fold up corner over filling to form a triangle (like folding a flag).
-
Continue folding up in a triangle shape until you reach the end.
-
Brush the outside with butter and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
-
Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
Bake
4
-
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until triangles are golden brown and crisp.
-
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
5
-
Add chopped leeks, green onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
-
Use vegan feta and olive oil for a dairy-free version.
-
Replace spinach with kale or chard (sautéed and chopped finely).
-
Add pine nuts or raisins for texture and sweet-savory contrast (a nod to Greek "spanakorizo").
Pairing Suggestions
6
-
Wine: Dry rosé, Assyrtiko (Greek white), or Sauvignon Blanc
-
Cocktail: Ouzo spritz, cucumber gin & tonic, or a lemony vodka fizz
-
Non-alcoholic: Mint lemonade, cucumber soda, or sparkling water with herbs
Mini Spanakopita Triangles