Spanakopita Spiral is a beautiful twist on the classic Greek spinach pie. Made with flaky filo pastry wrapped around a flavorful filling of spinach, feta, goat cheese, herbs, and toasted pine nuts, this recipe is crisp, savory, and perfect for family dinners, brunch, or entertaining guests. If you’re looking for an impressive yet simple Mediterranean appetizer or main course, this spiral version is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy layers of golden filo pastry
- Rich, creamy filling with spinach and three cheeses
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weeknight dinners
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Family-friendly and packed with Mediterranean flavors
- Beautiful spiral presentation that looks bakery-quality
Ingredients
Sautéed Spinach
- 1–1½ pounds fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling
- ½ cup goat cheese or cream goat cheese
- 1½ cups feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Assembly
- 16 sheets filo pastry
- ½ cup olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic.
- Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook until wilted, then stir in the lemon juice. Increase the heat and cook until all excess moisture has evaporated.
- Allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with goat cheese, feta, cheddar, egg, parsley, pine nuts, and nutmeg. Mix until evenly combined.
- Lay two sheets of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Spread about 4 tablespoons of the filling along one long edge, leaving a small border. Roll tightly into a log.
- Coil the first log into the center of the prepared pan.
- Continue making additional logs and wrap each around the previous coil until the pan is full. This Spanakopita Spiral creates an eye-catching presentation.
- Brush the entire top generously with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Thoroughly cook off excess spinach moisture for a crisp pastry.
- Keep unused filo pastry covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Toast pine nuts for deeper flavor.
- Substitute ricotta for goat cheese if desired.
- Fresh dill can be added for extra authentic Greek flavor.
- Brush every layer generously for beautifully flaky pastry.
Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve warm with Greek yogurt or tzatziki.
- Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- Add chopped dill or mint for additional freshness.
- Leftovers are excellent for breakfast or lunch.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before cooking.
Can I prepare Spanakopita Spiral ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to one day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze either before or after baking for up to three months.
Why is my filo pastry soggy?
Excess moisture from the spinach is usually the cause. Cook until completely dry before mixing the filling.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Yes. Ricotta, mozzarella, or additional feta all work well while maintaining a delicious flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness, or reheat individual slices in an air fryer.
Similar Recipes
EASY Spanakopita Spiral
Ingredients
Sautéed Spinach
- 1 –1½ pounds fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling
- ½ cup goat cheese or cream goat cheese
- 1½ cups feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup toasted pine nuts
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Assembly
- 16 sheets filo pastry
- ½ cup olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic.
- Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook until wilted, then stir in the lemon juice. Increase the heat and cook until all excess moisture has evaporated.
- Allow the spinach mixture to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with goat cheese, feta, cheddar, egg, parsley, pine nuts, and nutmeg. Mix until evenly combined.
- Lay two sheets of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
- Spread about 4 tablespoons of the filling along one long edge, leaving a small border. Roll tightly into a log.
- Coil the first log into the center of the prepared pan.
- Continue making additional logs and wrap each around the previous coil until the pan is full. This Spanakopita Spiral creates an eye-catching presentation.
- Brush the entire top generously with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with Greek yogurt or tzatziki.
- Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- Add chopped dill or mint for additional freshness.
- Leftovers are excellent for breakfast or lunch.
Conclusion
This Spanakopita Spiral combines crisp, buttery filo pastry with a rich spinach and feta filling for a stunning Greek-inspired dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether served as a hearty lunch, elegant appetizer, or family dinner centerpiece, this spiral spanakopita delivers irresistible flavor, beautiful presentation, and classic Mediterranean comfort in every bite.