Greek Spinach Pies on Sticks
Highlighted under: Spring Greens
I absolutely love making Greek Spinach Pies on Sticks for gatherings and casual snacks. The crispy, flaky pastry combined with the vibrant flavors of spinach and feta is hard to resist. Plus, they're easy to make in advance, allowing me to enjoy more time with my guests. Each bite is like a little piece of Mediterranean sunshine, and the added twist of serving them on sticks makes them super fun to eat. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe for any occasion!
When I first discovered the idea of making spinach pies on sticks, I was thrilled to combine a traditional Greek dish with a fun twist. It was a hit at my last party, and my friends couldn’t get enough of them! The blending of spinach, feta, and herbs really elevates the flavor profile.
I learned that using fresh spinach rather than frozen gives a more vibrant taste and texture. Brushing the pastry with olive oil adds extra crispiness that takes these pies to the next level. Whether for a snack or a starter, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy pastry that encases a savory spinach and feta filling
- Perfectly portioned on sticks for easy snacking
- A delicious way to incorporate greens into your diet
Understanding the Filling
The savory filling is the heart of these Greek Spinach Pies. Fresh spinach not only provides rich flavor but also packs essential nutrients, making these pies a healthier snack choice. When selecting spinach, look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting; it's best to use fresh, as frozen can lead to a soggy filling. Remember to squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a watery mixture.
Feta cheese plays a crucial role in balancing the filling's overall taste. Its tangy nature complements the earthiness of spinach beautifully. If you're looking to reduce sodium, consider using a lower-salt feta or crumbling some ricotta into the mix. Additionally, the optional dill can elevate the flavor profile, providing a burst of freshness that enhances the Mediterranean character of these pies.
Phyllo Pastry Tips
Working with phyllo pastry can be intimidating, but with a few tips, you can master it easily. Always keep your phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Layering two sheets of phyllo ensures that the pastry remains flaky and has structure. Don’t be afraid to brush each layer generously with melted butter; this will create that gorgeous, crispy texture once baked.
If you have leftovers or the pastry was difficult to handle, you can freeze the assembled pies before baking. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic to avoid freezer burn. To bake from frozen, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time until they are golden and flaky.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 400g fresh spinach, chopped
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dill (optional)
For the Dough
- 250g phyllo pastry
- 100g melted butter or olive oil
- Wooden skewers or sticks
Make sure all your ingredients are prepared before starting.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, mix in the feta cheese, salt, pepper, and dill if using. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Pies
Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush that too. Cut the pastry into strips about 5 inches wide. Place a spoonful of the spinach filling at one end of each strip and fold the edges over to secure the filling. Roll it up tightly, inserting a wooden skewer halfway through for support as you roll.
Bake the Pies
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with more melted butter. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Enjoy your delicious Greek Spinach Pies on Sticks!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling. Serve with a side of tzatziki for dipping!
Serving Suggestions
These Greek Spinach Pies make a fantastic appetizer or snack! You can pair them with a refreshing tzatziki sauce for dipping, which adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm pies. Another option is to serve them alongside a simple Greek salad to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
For larger gatherings, consider arranging these pies on a platter with fresh herbs for garnish. They’re visually delightful and can be served at room temperature, which makes them an ideal choice for potlucks or parties.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftover pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, but their crispness may diminish. To revitalize their texture when reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the pastry regains its crispness.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked pies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container once solid. They can be frozen for up to two months; bake from frozen without needing to defrost, just extend the baking time as mentioned above.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to drain and squeeze out excess moisture before using it.
→ Can these be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and freeze before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
→ What can I serve with these pies?
They pair wonderfully with a side salad or a bowl of tzatziki for extra flavor.
→ Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with ricotta or a combination of cheeses for a unique taste.
Greek Spinach Pies on Sticks
Created by: The Chefalexcooks Team
Recipe Type: Spring Greens
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
For the Filling
- 400g fresh spinach, chopped
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dill (optional)
For the Dough
- 250g phyllo pastry
- 100g melted butter or olive oil
- Wooden skewers or sticks
How-To Steps
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, mix in the feta cheese, salt, pepper, and dill if using. Let it cool slightly.
Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush that too. Cut the pastry into strips about 5 inches wide. Place a spoonful of the spinach filling at one end of each strip and fold the edges over to secure the filling. Roll it up tightly, inserting a wooden skewer halfway through for support as you roll.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with more melted butter. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Let the pies cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling. Serve with a side of tzatziki for dipping!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g