If you’re looking to impress family and friends with a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, look no further than this Best Ever Spinach Pie! With layers of flaky pastry and a savory filling, this recipe has won over my dinner guests time and again. Having made it countless times, I can assure you that it’s a delightful addition to any meal.
Why Make This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh spinach, herbs, and creamy feta cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Spinach is packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, making this pie a health-conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Convenient Meal Prep: It’s a great make-ahead dish; you can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this pie fits any occasion, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.
- Personal Appeal: I love this recipe because it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables. Plus, it reminds me of cozy family gatherings where we’d share our favorite dishes.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Cooking method: Baking
This spinach pie features a simple baking technique, where we combine fresh ingredients in a flaky pastry shell for a comforting, homestyle dish.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted this spinach pie, I underestimated the importance of properly draining the spinach. This mistake led to a soggy bottom crust, which wasn’t ideal! After that, I learned the value of squeezing out excess moisture and now, my crust comes out perfectly crispy every time.
How to Make Best Ever Spinach Pie
Making this spinach pie is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by sautéing onions until they’re golden, then mix in your spinach and herbs. The filling gets a touch of creaminess from the feta cheese. After preparing your flaky pie crust, you’ll layer the filling inside, cover it, and bake until golden brown. Expect a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Expert Tips for Success
- Squeeze Moisture from Spinach: Always drain your spinach thoroughly after cooking to prevent a soggy base.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can elevate the flavor and add brightness, so don’t skip on these!
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: If you’re making your own pastry, handle it gently to ensure it remains tender and flaky.
- Monitor Oven Temperature: Bake at 375°F (190°C) to achieve the perfect golden crust without burning it.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Best Ever Spinach Pie
- Pair your spinach pie with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a light, refreshing meal.
- Serve it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki on the side for added creaminess.
- For a special touch, garnish with extra herbs like dill or parsley just before serving.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To store, wrap your spinach pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through. This will help maintain its crispy crust.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crusts available at most grocery stores to cater to gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives such as almond or cashew cream and vegan cheese.
- Savory Additions: Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for an extra depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes for a zing.
Nutritional Highlights
This spinach pie is rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. It’s also a good source of protein, especially when combined with eggs. Each serving provides essential nutrients while being relatively low in calories, making it an ideal choice for balanced meals.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Bottom: Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained and consider pre-baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding filling to avoid sogginess.
- Crust Not Flaky: Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust. Mix gently and chill the dough before rolling out for best results.
- Filling Not Set: If the filling seems too soft after baking, next time add an egg to the mixture to help bind it together better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach before adding it to your filling to avoid excess moisture.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
You can shield the edges with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly before the rest of the pie finishes baking.
What can I serve alongside the pie?
A light salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a side of hummus can complement the flavors of the spinach pie beautifully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and crust a day ahead, assemble the pie, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Best Ever Spinach Pie
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy and delicious spinach pie with layers of flaky pastry and savory filling, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package of flaky pie crust
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
- Add the chopped spinach and fresh herbs, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
- In a bowl, mix the sautéed mixture with feta cheese and eggs, season with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
- Pour the filling into the crust and cover with another layer of pie crust.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, squeeze moisture from spinach before adding to the filling. Serve with yogurt or tzatziki for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean