If you love flaky pastry and savory Mediterranean flavors, this Spanakopita Spiral is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Made with layers of crisp filo pastry wrapped around a rich spinach and cheese filling, this traditional Greek-inspired dish is both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or part of a family gathering, this Spanakopita Spiral delivers delicious flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden filo pastry with a creamy filling.
- Packed with spinach, herbs, and flavorful cheeses.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for family dinners, brunches, or entertaining.
- Beautiful spiral presentation that looks bakery-quality.
- Great make-ahead and freezer-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
Sautéed Spinach
- 1–1½ lbs (350 g) spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Spinach Filling
- ½ cup (113 g) goat cheese or creamy feta
- 1½ cups (225 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup (60 g) cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (67.5 g) pine nuts, toasted
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
For Assembly
- 16 sheets filo pastry
- ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5).
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cook over higher heat until all excess liquid evaporates.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add goat cheese, feta, cheddar cheese, egg, parsley, toasted pine nuts, and nutmeg.
- Mix thoroughly until the filling is evenly combined.
- Brush a 9-inch pie pan or baking dish with olive oil.
- Lay two sheets of filo pastry on a work surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Spread approximately 4 tablespoons of filling along one edge, leaving a small border.
- Roll into a long log and place it in the center of the pan, coiling it into a spiral.
- Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling, wrapping each new roll around the previous coil.
- Tuck any excess pastry around the edges.
- Brush the entire Spanakopita Spiral generously with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent a soggy filling.
- Keep filo sheets covered with a damp towel while working.
- Toast pine nuts for deeper flavor.
- Substitute dill for some of the parsley for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Use melted butter for extra richness.
- Fresh spinach provides the best texture, but frozen spinach works well when drained properly.
Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary Information: Vegetarian
Notes
- Add fresh dill or mint for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve with Greek salad, olives, or tzatziki.
- A mixture of feta and ricotta can be used if preferred.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
FAQ
Can I make Spanakopita Spiral ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze either baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
What is the best cheese for spanakopita?
Feta is traditional, but combining feta with goat cheese adds creaminess and flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Why is my filo pastry tearing?
Filo dries quickly. Keep unused sheets covered with a slightly damp towel.
How do I keep the pastry crispy?
Allow moisture to evaporate from the spinach mixture and avoid overfilling.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain texture.
Similar Recipes
Spanakopita Spiral
Ingredients
Sautéed Spinach
- 1 –1½ lbs 350 g spinach
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Spinach Filling
- ½ cup 113 g goat cheese or creamy feta
- 1½ cups 225 g feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup 60 g cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup 67.5 g pine nuts, toasted
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
For Assembly
- 16 sheets filo pastry
- ½ cup 120 ml olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C/Gas Mark 5).
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cook over higher heat until all excess liquid evaporates.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a large bowl and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add goat cheese, feta, cheddar cheese, egg, parsley, toasted pine nuts, and nutmeg.
- Mix thoroughly until the filling is evenly combined.
- Brush a 9-inch pie pan or baking dish with olive oil.
- Lay two sheets of filo pastry on a work surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Spread approximately 4 tablespoons of filling along one edge, leaving a small border.
- Roll into a long log and place it in the center of the pan, coiling it into a spiral.
- Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling, wrapping each new roll around the previous coil.
- Tuck any excess pastry around the edges.
- Brush the entire Spanakopita Spiral generously with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add fresh dill or mint for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve with Greek salad, olives, or tzatziki.
- A mixture of feta and ricotta can be used if preferred.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking.
Conclusion
This Spanakopita Spiral combines flaky filo pastry, savory spinach, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs into one stunning dish. Its beautiful presentation and incredible flavor make it ideal for family meals, holiday gatherings, or casual entertaining. Once you try this crispy and satisfying Spanakopita Spiral, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.