Spinach pie is a timeless dish that brings together the fresh, vibrant flavors of spinach with a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, this vegetarian spinach pie recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party appetizer, spinach pie is both hearty and healthy. The combination of fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and delicately seasoned herbs wrapped in crisp pastry makes every bite a celebration of wholesome goodness.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this delicious spinach pie from scratch. You’ll learn why this recipe stands out, the exact ingredients and equipment needed, and step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect results every time.
We’ll also share some tips and variations to customize the dish to your liking, nutrition facts, and even serving suggestions. So, tie on your apron, and let’s dive into making this delightful vegetarian spinach pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian spinach pie is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy twist. Here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Fresh and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, this pie is both nourishing and delicious.
- Versatile and Easy: You can make it ahead of time, freeze it, or even enjoy leftovers cold or reheated.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to festive brunches, this spinach pie fits right in.
- Vegetarian and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re vegetarian or serving guests with different dietary preferences, this dish satisfies everyone.
- Flaky and Flavorful: The buttery, flaky crust pairs beautifully with the creamy, herb-infused spinach filling.
Plus, if you love exploring vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out our Recipes with Spinach Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas for more inspiration!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese or crumbled feta for tanginess
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 package (about 14 oz/400g) phyllo dough or 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing phyllo layers)
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie dish or baking dish
- Pastry brush (for brushing phyllo dough)
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Oven and baking sheet (if using puff pastry)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using puff pastry, lightly grease your pie dish.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. It will seem like a lot, but it wilts quickly. Stir frequently until all the spinach is wilted and any excess moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, and dill. Stir in the cooled spinach mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the phyllo dough: If using phyllo, carefully unroll it and cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Brush your pie dish with some melted butter.
- Layer the phyllo: Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the pie dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter. Repeat this step, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have 6-8 layers.
- Add the filling: Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
- Top with more phyllo: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each layer with butter as before. Fold the overhanging edges over the top to seal the pie, and brush the top generously with butter.
- Score and bake: Using a sharp knife, gently score the top layers of the pie into squares or triangles to make slicing easier after baking. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the spinach pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use flax eggs instead of real eggs.
To save time, use pre-washed baby spinach, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before cooking.
For a different twist on spinach pies, try incorporating some fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a refreshing note. You can also swap out phyllo dough for puff pastry if you want a thicker, flakier crust.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love exploring vegetarian dishes like the Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat after your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Fat | 20 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Calcium | 25% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian spinach pie is wonderfully versatile. Serve it warm as a main dish accompanied by a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pie.
It also pairs beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup or a simple cucumber yogurt dip.
For a more substantial meal, consider adding roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread. Leftovers make excellent picnic fare or packed lunches and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
If you’re interested in creamy pasta dishes to complement your spinach pie, try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a delicious plant-based option.
Conclusion
Making a vegetarian spinach pie at home is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender spinach, creamy cheeses, and a flaky, buttery crust creates a dish that is both comforting and nutritious.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can impress family and friends with this classic recipe.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to vegetarian dishes, this spinach pie recipe is adaptable and forgiving, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs, cheeses, or even add in other vegetables to make it uniquely yours.
And when you’re ready to explore more mouthwatering vegetarian meals, be sure to visit our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for convenient and flavorful options.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Spinach Pie
Description: A delicious and healthy spinach pie filled with feta cheese and herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 12 sheets)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, feta, ricotta, eggs, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Brush a baking dish with melted butter and layer 6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo.
- Layer remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each one with butter.
- Trim excess phyllo and tuck in edges.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 15 g
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