Luscious Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pie
This Luscious Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pie, inspired by Ina Garten's classic spanakopita, elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Crafted with buttery, flaky puff pastry, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The filling combines tender sautéed onions, vibrant spinach, and a delightful mix of creamy feta and nutty parmesan, all bound together with rich eggs and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, this pie can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any dining table. Say goodbye to fussy phyllo dough—this simpler version ensures you can whip up an impressive dish with minimal effort while still impressing your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Onions
2 medium (Chopped)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Chopped)
Frozen Chopped Spinach
20 ounces (Thawed & squeezed dry (2 boxes))
Feta Cheese
1 cup (Crumbled)
Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup (Grated or shredded)
Extra Large Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Dry Breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon (Plain or seasoned)
Salt
1 teaspoon
White Pepper
3/4 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Frozen Puff Pastry
2 sheets (Thawed)
Large Egg
1 (Beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or aluminum foil lightly sprayed with cooking oil for easier cleanup.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onions, cooking until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the sautéed onion mixture, the thawed and thoroughly squeezed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and dry breadcrumbs. Season the mixture with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg, mixing well until evenly combined.
4
Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the spinach filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5
Lightly brush the exposed edges of the pastry with the egg wash made from the beaten egg mixed with water. Carefully place the second sheet of puff pastry, slightly rolled out to about one inch larger than the first sheet, over the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal, using fingertips or a fork.
6
Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg wash, ensuring no egg drips down the sides. Use a sharp knife to cut a few decorative slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pie is puffed and golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Luscious Spinach and Feta Puff Pastry Pie?
It is a savory pie made with flaky puff pastry and a rich filling of spinach, feta, and parmesan, inspired by traditional spanakopita.
Is this recipe similar to spanakopita?
Yes, it is a simplified version of spanakopita that uses puff pastry instead of traditional phyllo dough.
What kind of pastry is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two sheets of thawed frozen puff pastry.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How many onions are required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 2 medium onions, chopped.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions in butter for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have softened and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 20 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, which is typically two standard boxes.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach must be thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry to remove all excess moisture.
Why must the spinach be squeezed dry?
Squeezing the spinach prevents the filling from being too watery, which ensures the puff pastry stays crisp rather than soggy.
What types of cheese are in the filling?
The filling uses 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 3/4 cup of grated or shredded parmesan cheese.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
Four extra-large eggs are beaten and stirred into the filling mixture.
What is the role of breadcrumbs in the pie?
One tablespoon of dry breadcrumbs is added to help bind the filling and absorb any remaining moisture.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The pie is seasoned with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
How do I assemble the bottom layer?
Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry on a baking sheet and spread the spinach filling over it, leaving a 1-inch border.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash is used to seal the edges of the pastry and to give the top a beautiful golden brown finish.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Beat one large egg with one tablespoon of water.
How do I seal the two layers of pastry?
Press the edges of the top and bottom pastry sheets together firmly using your fingertips or a fork.
Why should I cut slits in the top of the pastry?
Cutting decorative slits allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the pastry from bursting.
How long does the pie take to bake?
The pie should bake for 30 to 40 minutes until it is puffed and golden brown.
Should the pie be served hot?
It can be served warm, but it is also delicious when served at room temperature.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this spinach and feta pie is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt in the filling.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe specifies 3 garlic cloves, chopped.
What size should the second sheet of pastry be?
The second sheet should be rolled out to be about one inch larger than the first sheet to cover the filling easily.
How do I prevent the egg wash from dripping?
When brushing the top, ensure the egg wash stays on the surface and does not drip down the sides, which can prevent the pastry from rising.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
Yes, black pepper can be used, though white pepper is preferred for its specific flavor profile and appearance in the filling.
What should I line my baking sheet with?
Use parchment paper or aluminum foil lightly sprayed with cooking oil for easier cleanup.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as a feast for the taste buds and a visual delight, making it perfect for guests.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, a standard two-sheet puff pastry pie typically serves 6 to 8 people as a side or 4 to 6 as a main.