If you are on the hunt for a delicious, hearty, and wonderfully flavorful dish, this Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of tender spinach and creamy cheeses wrapped in flaky pastry, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired delight that brings comfort and elegance to your table. Each bite bursts with the perfect balance of savory notes, fresh herbs, and a satisfying texture that makes it a favorite for vegetarians and food lovers alike. Whether for a family dinner or casual entertaining, this pie never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the aromatic sautéed onions and garlic that build the base, to the rich cheeses that add creaminess, and the refreshing dill that brightens every bite. Together, they create a harmonious blend that transforms humble components into a truly special dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds a fruity, smooth flavor essential to the base of the filling.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped to soften and sweeten the filling as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse a fragrant kick that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Fresh or frozen spinach: The star green ingredient providing vibrant color and nutrients; fresh is ideal but frozen works great when properly drained.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip or skimp on this key seasoning.
- Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the mixture.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings warmth and a hint of earthiness that elevate the spinach’s flavor.
- Eggs: These bind the filling and lend richness to the pie.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled to introduce sharp, tangy notes essential for authentic taste.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and balances the feta’s saltiness beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty flavor and to help firm up the filling.
- Fresh dill: Chopped to add an herby brightness and freshness to every mouthful.
- Puff pastry or phyllo dough: Thawed and used to encase the filling with a golden, flaky crust.
- Melted butter or olive oil: Brushed on the pastry layers to ensure crispness and a lovely golden color.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Adding the minced garlic next, cook for an additional minute to release its aromas without browning. Then add your spinach and cook until completely wilted if fresh, or warmed through if using frozen, making sure to remove as much moisture as possible so the pie isn’t soggy. Season with salt, black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg to deepen the flavor profile. Once cooked, set this mixture aside to cool slightly for the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese and Eggs
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs to incorporate air and lighten the mixture. Following this, stir in the crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, and grated Parmesan cheese along with the fresh chopped dill. These cheeses combine to create a luxurious texture and a complex savory taste. Once all cheeses and herbs are incorporated, gently fold in the cooled spinach mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined without over-mixing.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly to prevent sticking and line it with the first sheet of your puff pastry or multiple phyllo dough layers, brushing each layer with melted butter or olive oil to achieve that desirable flakiness. Pour the luscious spinach and cheese filling into the lined dish, spreading it evenly for consistent baking. Cover the filling with the second sheet of puff pastry or additional layers of phyllo, again brushing each layer with butter or oil for golden browning. Trim any excess dough and carefully tuck the edges to seal the pie. Don’t forget to score the top lightly to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is set. Baking ensures that the cheeses meld together beautifully and the spinach flavors intensify within the crispy pastry shell. Once out of the oven, let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the filling firm up so each piece holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped dill or parsley over the top just before serving adds a lovely fresh aroma and pop of green that livens up the presentation. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the flavors without overpowering the delicate cheese.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of chilled tzatziki sauce also make excellent complementary sides, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, try cutting the pie into smaller squares or wedges and serving them as finger foods with toothpicks. You can also pour dollops of Greek yogurt or a tangy yogurt dip on the side for dipping. Another idea is to serve slices atop warm pita bread for a comforting handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pieces of this Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days making it a great option for weekday meals or lunchboxes.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie fully assembled either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes to restore the flaky crust and warm the filling through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen spinach works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent the pie from becoming watery.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan?
While this recipe relies heavily on cheeses and eggs for texture and flavor, you could experiment with plant-based cheeses and egg substitutes, but the taste and consistency will change. It’s worth trying if you want a vegan spin on this classic.
What type of pastry is best for the pie?
Puff pastry gives a light, flaky texture, while phyllo dough provides a crispier, layered feel. Either works well, so choose based on your preference or what’s available. Just remember to brush phyllo layers generously to prevent drying out.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or leeks could be sautéed with the onions to add more dimension. Just keep the filling balanced so it doesn’t become too wet.
How do I store leftovers without the crust getting soggy?
Cool the pie completely before refrigerating and keep it in an airtight container. When reheating, using the oven rather than the microwave helps crisp up the pastry again and reduces sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s comforting, full of flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into Mediterranean cuisine, this pie will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious forkful with friends and family!
Print
Spinach and Feta Vegetarian Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and savory Mediterranean spinach pie featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, creamy cheeses, and fresh herbs, perfect as a main course for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces fresh spinach (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
Crust
- 2 sheets puff pastry or phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, or heat frozen spinach through if using thawed frozen spinach. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Stir in the crumbled feta, ricotta, grated Parmesan, and chopped dill. Add the cooled spinach mixture and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Pie Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish. Line the dish with one sheet of puff pastry or several layers of phyllo dough, brushing each layer generously with melted butter or olive oil to ensure flakiness and prevent drying.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the spinach and cheese filling into the prepared crust. Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry or additional phyllo dough layers, again brushing each with butter or oil. Trim excess dough and tuck the edges neatly. Score the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set for easier serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a different texture and flavor.
- Use a pre-made pie crust instead of puff pastry for convenience.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or mint can be added to the filling for extra flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
