There's something irresistibly comforting about a flaky, savory pie packed with vibrant greens and tangy cheese—and that's exactly what this Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe delivers. It’s a wholesome twist on a Greek classic, perfect for sharing or meal prepping your week's highlights.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve always adored traditional spanakopita, but finding a good gluten-free version felt like a challenge until I nailed this recipe. The flavors are just as vibrant, and the texture perfect without all the usual wheat flour fuss.
- Gluten-free delight: Uses gluten-free filo dough to satisfy that crisp, flaky crust craving without gluten woes.
- Flavor-packed filling: Fresh dill, feta, and spinach combine for a bright, savory punch every single bite.
- Versatile meal option: Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—warm or cold, it’s always a winner.
- Simple, fresh ingredients: Nothing complicated, just good, fresh basics that come together beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a special part in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Picking quality items—especially the spinach and feta—makes a world of difference and really elevates your gluten-free spinach and feta pie.
- Frozen spinach: Using frozen and well-drained spinach saves prep time and ensures consistent moisture levels, so the pie isn't soggy.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds that signature tangy and salty flavor that pairs effortlessly with spinach and dill.
- Fresh dill: It brightens the filling with subtle herbal notes—feel free to add more or less based on your taste.
- Onion and garlic: Sautéed until soft, they add depth and warmth without overpowering the delicate greens.
- Gluten-free filo dough sheets: The star of the crust—crispy, flaky, and perfect for layering with butter or olive oil.
- Eggs: They bind the filling together beautifully, giving the filling structure and a nice custardy touch.
- Olive oil: Brushing the dough with olive oil ensures gorgeous golden browning and that crave-worthy crispiness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning enhances all the fresh flavors without overwhelming them.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this gluten-free spinach and feta pie depending on what herbs I have on hand or whether I’m aiming for a lighter brunch or more filling dinner. You can make this recipe truly yours with simple swaps.
- Variation: Adding chopped scallions instead of regular onions gives a milder, fresher bite—I do this often when I’m short on time.
- Herb swaps: Try parsley or mint for a different herbal twist, but dill really keeps the classic vibe alive.
- Cheese alternative: If you want a milder flavor, swap some of the feta with ricotta or goat cheese for creaminess.
- Egg-free binders: For vegan adjustments, mashed potatoes or silken tofu can help bind the mixture (but texture will differ).
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Spinach Like a Pro
Start by thawing your frozen spinach fully—don’t rush this step! After thawing, press and squeeze the spinach in a strainer or clean kitchen towel to get out every bit of excess water. Trust me, this step is key to prevent a watery pie and maintain that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they're soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This builds a rich base flavor that blends seamlessly with spinach and cheese.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the well-drained spinach, cooked onions and garlic, chopped dill, and crumbled feta. Crack in the eggs and stir everything until the mixture is well combined and the eggs are evenly distributed—this ensures your filling will hold together beautifully when baked.
Step 4: Layer the Filo Dough with Care
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay a sheet of gluten-free filo dough at the bottom and brush it generously with olive oil. Repeat layering with a total of 4 to 5 sheets, brushing each sheet with oil to get that signature crisp flakiness. If you make your own gluten-free filo, fewer layers usually suffice.
Step 5: Fill and Top
Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the layered filo base, gently pressing down to compact it. Then continue layering the top filo sheets, brushing each one with olive oil as before. Use about 4 to 5 layers again, finishing with a well-oiled sheet to get that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake your pie at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing—it makes serving easier and helps the filling set just right.
Top Tip
Through trial and error, I’ve learned some helpful pointers that really change the game when making this gluten-free spinach and feta pie. Trust me, these helped me move from “almost there” to “wow, this is amazing!”
- Spinach drainage: Squeeze the spinach like it's your job to remove every drop of moisture—that prevents sogginess and lets the filling stay firm.
- Brush each filo sheet: Don’t skimp on the olive oil between layers—this step is what gives the pie that flaky, golden crust.
- Even filling distribution: Mix the eggs thoroughly into the spinach and feta so everything binds well without dry patches.
- Cooling time: Let the pie rest for about 10 minutes before cutting—it helps keep slices intact and flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my slices with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of richness. These bright garnishes elevate the pie and add an inviting freshness every time.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad loaded with olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes or alongside some roasted potatoes for a comforting meal. I also love serving it with tzatziki or a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy balance to the tanginess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party spread, I’ve made mini versions of this pie in muffin tins—perfect finger food that's easy to serve at gatherings. Another favorite is cutting the pie into triangles and stacking the slices with dollops of herbed yogurt for an eye-catching brunch platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the filling stays moist, and the crust retains most of its crispness if you warm it gently.
Freezing
This gluten-free spinach and feta pie freezes surprisingly well. I wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep textures nice.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15–20 minutes—this helps restore the filo’s crispness better than a microwave. If you’re short on time, a quick microwave zap is fine, but the crust will be softer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 2 pounds. Wash it thoroughly, then sauté or steam it until wilted. Be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the filling to avoid sogginess.
There are a few good options depending on your location, like Schär or Kim & Scott’s. Alternatively, you can make your own gluten-free filo dough if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that homemade might have fewer layers and slightly different texture.
This gluten-free spinach and feta pie recipe isn’t vegan because of the eggs and feta cheese. You could experiment by substituting the eggs with a vegan binder (like flax eggs) and using a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the texture and flavor will differ from the traditional version.
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow a few extra minutes in the oven if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it’s cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—not just because it’s delicious, but because it feels like sharing a little piece of tradition with a modern twist. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends with friends and family.
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Gluten-Free Spinach and Feta Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This gluten-free spanakopita is a delicious Greek savory pie made with tender spinach, crumbled feta cheese, fresh dill, and sautéed onions and garlic, all layered between crispy gluten-free filo dough sheets and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, it offers a flavorful and healthy option for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Filling
- 20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 16 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup fresh dill, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dough and Assembly
- 1 package gluten-free filo dough sheets
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare Spinach: Thaw the spinach completely and press it firmly in a strainer to remove all excess water, which is essential for achieving the right texture for the filling.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped dill, eggs, salt, and pepper. Crumble the feta cheese into the bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure the eggs bind the filling evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking dish with at least 1-inch high sides to prevent sticking.
- Layer Filo Dough Base: Lay one sheet of gluten-free filo dough in the baking dish and brush it generously with olive oil. Repeat layering filo sheets and brushing with oil until you have 4-5 layers covering the bottom and sides of the dish for added crispness and structure.
- Add Filling: Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the prepared filo base, pressing it down gently to compact the filling.
- Top Layers: Continue layering filo dough sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet with olive oil as you go, aiming for at least 4-5 layers for a crispy golden top. For homemade gluten-free filo, one layer on top is sufficient.
- Final Touch: Brush the final filo sheet generously with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the spanakopita to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or cold, both ways equally delicious.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free by using gluten-free filo dough sheets or homemade gluten-free filo.
- Ensure to press the spinach well to remove moisture to avoid soggy spanakopita.
- You can adjust the amount of dill according to your preference for a stronger or milder herb flavor.
- Olive oil can be replaced with melted butter if not avoiding dairy for richer flavor, but keep in mind this will alter the vegan status.
- Spanakopita is versatile and can be enjoyed as a breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 505 calories
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 862 milligrams
- Fat: 31 grams
- Saturated Fat: 14 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 grams
- Trans Fat: 1 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 12 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 125 milligrams
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