There's something utterly comforting about a flaky, savory pie packed with lush spinach and salty feta that just sings on your taste buds. This Gluten-Free Spinach Feta Pie Recipe nails that perfect balance while being kind to your diet, making it a joy to bake anytime you want something both hearty and healthy.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m honestly smitten with this version of spanakopita because it doesn’t compromise on that crisp, golden texture we all adore, but it’s completely gluten-free. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any meal of the day—brunch, lunch, or dinner—and always gets raves from guests.
- Gluten-Free Magic: Uses gluten-free filo sheets so you can enjoy a flaky crust without the gluten—trust me, the texture still rocks.
- Vibrant Flavors: Fresh dill, garlic, and tangy feta blend beautifully with spinach for that authentic Greek flair.
- Simple Ingredients: Easily found in any grocery store, nothing fancy but everything delicious.
- Customizable: You can adjust dill, cheese, or even add a touch of spice to make it truly your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free Spinach Feta Pie Recipe plays a special role to make sure every bite tastes fresh and balanced. Shopping tip: pick high-quality feta for a creamier, saltier punch. And don't skip squeezing every bit of water from the spinach—that's key for the right filling texture.
- Frozen spinach: Convenient and super affordable, plus no need to prep fresh—you just thaw and drain.
- Feta cheese: The star salty, tangy flavor that makes this pie irresistible.
- Fresh dill: Adds that unmistakable bright herby note—feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Onion: Sautéed until soft, giving gentle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Just the right punch for flavor richness without overpowering.
- Gluten-free filo dough: Look for a sturdy brand to hold up well and crisp nicely in the oven.
- Eggs: The binder that holds everything together perfectly.
- Olive oil: For brushing layers—helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—a simple step that brings all those ingredients to life.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I adore about this pie is how easy it is to make your own little tweaks. Whether you prefer less dill or want to sneak in some chopped herbs like parsley, you can tailor it exactly to what you love.
- Variation: I sometimes swap half the feta for ricotta for a creamier texture — it adds a lovely softness without muting that signature tang.
- Dietary spin: You can use dairy-free feta if you’re avoiding dairy, it still works beautifully.
- Seasonal changes: Adding a bit of chopped fresh parsley or mint in spring refreshes the flavors delightfully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Spinach Feta Pie Recipe
Step 1: Drain the Spinach Carefully
Thaw your frozen spinach overnight or quickly in the microwave. Then, here’s my golden rule—squeeze it dry in a fine strainer or with a clean kitchen towel. Excess water is the enemy here; it’ll make your pie soggy and the filling runny. I usually press firmly with the back of a spoon until no more liquid comes out.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, warm a splash of olive oil before adding diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally and cook until the onion is translucent and soft – about 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the flavors and mellows the garlic for the perfect savory base.
Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the squeezed spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese. Crack in the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Mix gently with a fork or spatula, making sure the eggs are evenly distributed to bind everything together. You don’t want to overmix and break the feta down; you want those lovely cheese pockets.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Filo Layers
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush your baking dish with olive oil so nothing sticks. Lay one sheet of your gluten-free filo dough onto the bottom, brushing it generously with olive oil. Repeat this layering process at least 4 to 5 times, making sure the layers cover the bottom and sides. It takes some patience, but the result is worth every brushstroke!
Step 5: Add the Filling and Top Layers
Spread the spinach mixture evenly into the prepared filo base and press down lightly. Then continue layering more filo sheets on top, brushing each with oil to get that golden, crispy finish. Aim for another 4 to 5 sheets on top. The more layers, the crispier the crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes, and once the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, you’re good to go. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting—this helps prevent the filling from spilling out.
Top Tip
From my own kitchen adventures with this recipe, a few tweaks really make a difference if you want perfect results every time.
- Drain Thoroughly: Never underestimate wringing the spinach dry. I learned this the hard way — soggy pies are sad pies.
- Brush Every Layer: Don’t skimp on olive oil between filo sheets; it creates that signature crisp crunch and golden color I love.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill makes a world of difference over dried, giving that authentic Greek taste.
- Bake Fully: The golden top is your visual cue—don’t open the oven too early to avoid collapse.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Spinach Feta Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh dill or parsley on top for color and brightness just before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil also adds that finishing touch and enhances the aroma.
Side Dishes
For a simple meal, I’ll pair this pie with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and oregano. It keeps things light and refreshing alongside the rich pie. Roasted veggies or a Greek-style bean salad are wonderful too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I have served this pie in mini portions baked in muffin tins — perfect finger foods for parties! You can also cut the pie into neat small squares and serve alongside a dollop of tzatziki for a Mediterranean-themed spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie keeps beautifully wrapped in the fridge for up to three days. I store mine in an airtight container and always reheat in the oven for the best texture—microwaving makes it soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen individual slices before by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then crisp them up in the oven to restore that flakiness.
Reheating
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid using the microwave, unless you’re in a real hurry—then just know it might get a bit soft.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you go with fresh spinach, make sure to sauté it down and squeeze out all the water as thoroughly as you would with frozen spinach. This keeps the filling from becoming watery.
Many well-stocked grocery stores now carry gluten-free filo sheets, often in the freezer or specialty aisle. You can also find them online or in health food stores. Brands vary, so pick one with good reviews for texture and durability.
Yes, by swapping the feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative that crumbles well, you can enjoy this pie without dairy. Make sure the filo dough you choose is also dairy-free (some brands brush with butter).
Draining the spinach thoroughly and brushing each filo layer with olive oil are the two most important steps to keep the pie crispy. Make sure not to overload the filling with eggs or moisture. Also, bake it till the top is golden brown.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Spinach Feta Pie Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special and reminds me of cozy Mediterranean tables. It’s approachable, adaptable, and downright delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it really is a winner whether you’re new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned home chef.
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Gluten-Free Spinach 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-inspired savory pie made with tender spinach, feta cheese, fresh dill, and gluten-free filo dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that accommodates gluten-free diets without sacrificing traditional taste.
Ingredients
Filling
- 20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 16 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 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 the spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach completely. Press it firmly in a strainer to remove all excess water to ensure the filling has the right texture.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped dill, crumbled feta cheese, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients and bind the filling.
- Preheat the oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking dish with sides at least 1 inch high.
- Layer the filo dough base: Lay one sheet of gluten-free filo dough at the bottom of the baking dish and brush with olive oil. Continue layering with filo sheets, brushing each layer with oil until you have 4 to 5 layers covering the bottom and sides.
- Add the spinach filling: Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the prepared filo base, pressing it down gently to compact.
- Layer the top filo sheets: Cover the filling with another 4 to 5 layers of filo dough, brushing each sheet generously with olive oil. Ensure the topmost layer is well oiled for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the spanakopita in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let the spanakopita cool slightly to set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- The pressing of spinach to remove water is essential to avoid a soggy pie.
- Fresh dill can be adjusted based on taste preference.
- Make sure to brush each filo layer with olive oil to achieve a flaky, golden crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal.
- Use gluten-free filo dough to keep the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 505 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 862 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
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