The Best Greek Spanakopita (Updated Video)

[@ElevatedThreat]

In 1976, I was stationed in Glyfada Greece with the US Navy. One night, walking back from a bar, I stopped in a small deli to get something to eat. Just by chance I ordered the spanikopita. Not even knowing what it was, it just looked good, I had my first piece of spanikopita. It was so amazing, that I stopped by that deli ever night after, just to get some of that wonderful dish. Over the years since then, whenever I am telling people about my Navy days travels, I always include that story about spanikopita. It was that impressive upon my life. Now...today at 70 years old...I will attempt to make it for the first time myself. And I will be using your recipe. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@DimitrasDishes]

That’s such a nice story! I hope you love it!

[@BeaSab-kv1up]

Hello, Sir. It’s called spanakopita, not spanikopita. Spanac= spinach. Have a great day.

[@sammyjo8109]

My first time was in Canada at a tourist town that has an attraction. Walking about the town we went into a herb shop finding they had food in the back. Like you I had no idea what Spanakopita was but chose a Spanakopita made in an individual tart pan. I fell in love.

[@kiriap1]

Lovely story I hope you managed to make your Spanakopita, and are able to enjoy it once again. 😀

[@isaacraizis]

Greek food is taking the world by storm.God bless you in your endeavours.

[@mamalep2494]

I just made it. I really hope my neighbors like it. I love to feed my neighbors because it’s just my husband and I and I could eat the whole thing over the next few days but I’d love to share. Thank you for your recipes again. I pretty much know how to make it but I still watch while I’m doing it. You’re the greatest Greek cook I know.

[@ET-cy2iv]

We love this recipe its our second one this week. 😂 well when you have all the ingredients its a no brainer. We make a Tzatziki sauce with it. One cup of plain Greek yogurt half teaspoon of dry dill 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar and 2 garlic cloves. We also love your new recipe with the Panko breadcrumbs no more soggy bottom. Great recipe. We like making 6 dinner portions and 12 snack size. Thank you Dimitra❤

[@tarynsaunders9042]

I have been making your spanakopita recipe dozens of times since watching the original version! It's the best thing I've ever learnt how to cook! Love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@margaretxuereb3862]

Love your videos. I haven’t tried your recipes before..Just happened to come across your recipes while searching for others. You are straight to the point. Not a lot of talking,unlike other recipe videos I’ve seen…You are such a good teacher. You make it all sound so easy. I’m definitely going to try this recipe of spanakopita and other recipes of yours I’ve seen. Can’t wait. I’m salivating just thinking about it. Thank you for sharing…..Australia 8.45am.

[@yahairag6898]

Mine come out a tad on the salty side but I got many compliments.

[@ladyhawk5633]

I made it exactly how written. I worked for a Greek cook for 12 years and loved it, but this didn't have any flavor. I know you said don't use garlic but I feel garlic would have given it a nice flavor. Sorry, I threw mine out and will find another recipe

[@electra1920]

Spanakopita and frappè. The best snack, full of energy... I remember my Thessaloniki and my afternoons.... Φιλάκια πολλά από Ιταλία!!!!

[@chrisza7938]

Φιλιά πολλά και σε σένα από Θεσσαλονίκη! Φιλιά στους Έλληνες όπου γής!🌞🌞🌞

[@thikasta]

I did your recipe last Sunday to my Yaya, once was Mothers Day. That was one of the best Spanakopita I've had in my life. Thanks for sharing your family recipe. I remembered my Papu on every slice I ate.

[@boop7313]

🙂💐 how sweet!!

[@Evangelinekco]

Dude this is a simply and easy way to doing pie NOT family recipe.Mercy.

[@jolenecarney7514]

@@Evangelinekco you obviously have no idea about how Greek people covet their family secrets for spanakopita!!!!!!! It really is this invisible code of honor amongst Greek family cooks!!!!!!!!!

[@shalomleftismisalie3470]

Do you call your grandmother 'yaya'?

[@talonalexander7161]

@@shalomleftismisalie3470 Yep

[@katherinebishop5158]

Great new tips for me - the breadcrumbs on the bottom, the scrunching of the phyllo on top, not cooking the filling, using a sheet pan…I think I’ll adopt your recipe as my own. Thanks, Dimitra!

[@yovannadiaz-riley333]

I love spanakopita! My Dad made it with your old recipe for some time before he passed away last year, which is why I plan on making it with my mom for his birthday this year

[@Maureen-cu8du]

I made this and it turned out so well! I always thought it was too complicated, but your recipe is easy, quick and delicious. I made it in a 13x9x2 pan so it was thicker. Thank you so much!!!

[@urskaschnitlich7994]

I saw this video before work one morning and even though i was late i needed to watch till the end! We just visited greece and that eas on the menu many times there. I am so grateful for this video. Today is my birthday and im preparing it for my family for the first time. Yaaay so excited. Kalispera from Slovenia!

[@Mygraciously]

Happy belated birthday! How did the family like?

[@up4blues]

Love your excitement for cooking, hope it all came out beautifully & hope you had the most wonderful Birthday, be well! Smiles!

[@chrystalc]

I made it for New Year’s Day and everyone loved it…and we are all Greek Greek!!! Thank you and Happy New Year!!

[@sisi1514]

I just followed your recipe and my spanakopita came out amazing, juicy, and not soggy at all!!

[@Teresavenancia]

I made it today. I’ve made this dish many times. Your touch is AMAZING. This one will be repeated again and again. Crispy, crunchy and delicious. Thank you from all of us.

[@DimitrasDishes]

My pleasure 😊

[@ColinCropley]

that's the most authentic recipe for Spanakopita i've ever seen!

[@mistycruz1402]

As proud as I am of my Puerto Rican heritage…I think I was Greek in another life, lol! I can tell this is my new favorite KZbin channel! Making a quick easy version of this with crescent rolls tonight. Can’t wait to make the real thing soon! ❤️

[@BrianCarmichael-ve6nd]

You are one beauty of a lady I had spanakopita at our nephew’s kids birthday it his mother-in-law who made the spanakopita couldn’t ask for the recipe God is so good He has people like you thanking for sharing the you spanakopita recipe and how to make and cook God bless 🛐

[@deborahtcdelightful7315]

This is SO SO delicious! Took it to work for a potluck and every last crumb was devoured! Had to give out the recipes to several people. I find it tricky to work with phyllo but even though I had numerous tears -it didn't matter...it is forgiving. Have made this numerous times...just absolutely love it!!!!!

[@DimitrasDishes]

I've heard that convection ovens do the same. Please let me know how they turn out in the oven of you try it :)

[@mayyousif1365]

@@DimitrasDishes Good job it looks amazing, what brand is the Phyllo dough, it looks so soft & where did you get it from plz

[@betsychavez2914]

Made it tonite, replaced ricotta w/cottage cheese; because brother in-law digestion doesn’t do well with ricotta. Baked it in convection oven, no burn. Great crispy top!

[@lulasmeader380]

@@betsychavez2914how long in convection. My stove is both but never used convection. Also what temp. Thanks in advance

[@oreally8605]

The crispiness was loud! We love it when you eat your own food! Makes us want to cook it!!

[@wovenlion]

I tried to make spanakopita for the first time today and it came out delicious. I also burn my tongue a little bit, because I couldn't wait to taste it 😉

[@ashleys4190]

I made your recipe this morning and not only does it taste amazing, but my house smells SOOOOOO GOOD!!! Thank you for this recipe! It’s so easy to follow and this is hands down the best spanakopita I’ve ever had!

[@stef1lee]

I'm so in love with this dish. I know what's for dinner tomorrow. Thank you again for a lovely video and for sharing your mother's recipe with us. Lots of love from Southeast Texas ❤🇺🇸

[@SusanStJohn-on4un]

You are an angel for sharing this!

[@sheilahtaylor3005]

Ive been making spanikopita for 40 years + ALWAYS used ricotta,feta & parmesan Reggio. SO GOOD!!! Dimitria recipe is spot on!

[@frankyb1207]

Thank you so much for sharing the recipe and the tips for a crunchy base. Made it for the first time watching from Australia 🇦🇺

[@tomlevine2134]

Oh man, level up! I have made your spanikopita before and a bunch of your recipes...Legit!!! I'm excited. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and this awesome upgrade to an already amazing recipe!

[@annjones1080]

I’m Macedonian and Greek (plus a few other things). I love this recipe. It’s the same as my zelnick sans the scallions. I have also used cream cheese in place of the ricotta in a pinch. It’s a little different, but still works well.

[@tinagillim5145]

My Greek momma used to make the traditional version of spanakopita when my kids were younger and my daughter was not the biggest fan of the feta… but my mom (May she rest in peace) was the biggest fan of your recipes to perfect her cooking. I am determined to cook this with my youngest daughter that isn’t a feta fan on Good Friday because I think the ricotta might break the tartness of the feta for her! Then we will make it again on Greek Easter (on May 5th this year) in honor of my late mother! Thank you so much ♥️💕

[@valerietakacs8160]

I love better your spanakopita 7yrs.ago you posted, since than I only make that way. It is thicker more filling, but I know some people complained probably they do not wait 20-30 minutes .Thank you for your for sharing these great recipes with us!❤🥰

[@DimitrasDishes]

You are so welcome!

[@valentinanik8573]

I love Greece. I love Greek food. I will definitely make it. With love from Baku❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Ellada-hu5tx]

😂😂😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@dr6156]

I made it last night and it was so good. Took it to work the next day. Shared with a Greek co- worker and she loved it

[@ninawest8]

I love love this recipe ❤ Last time I added some lemon zest and a little garlic to the filling, and I added 3/4 butter to 1/2 olive oil for the drizzle on the layers. My friend made your same version but added olive tepenade to the filling, and that was good too.😊

[@Pancito49]

My favorite food. Being from Las Vegas we had a restaurant named “Cafe Michael” they served a Spanish Pie” that just killed my taste buds, also a Greek Salad that just sent me to heaven. Thanks for sharing.

[@AttommicDog]

Only when we get older do we appreciate how much work mom put into making good meals for us. I wish her mom made a guest appearance to judge the final product.

[@boop7313]

So true & that would be cool😂

[@asmabegum1912]

Ppp

[@asmabegum1912]

Please; please;;; open popped; opportunities;;;;;; po;;;;; of

[@asmabegum1912]

@@boop7313;; ;;; po;;;;;; please; on;;;

[@asmabegum1912]

Posts Page

[@lauraz6]

I just made this recipe over the weekend. I substituted the ricotta cheese with 4 spoons of Greek yogurt and it was amazing!

[@rutisharoni9249]

Kalimeirasas and thank you for the tip with the breadcrumbs on the bottom of the pan !! It really prevents sogginess. And I have 1 suggestion: together with the filling add 2 handfuls of olives, (the small ones, pitted) absolutely wonderful !! Keep us busy with more recipes and greetings from the Middle East ! Naste kala.

[@rula9589]

Thank you Dimitra you make Greek cuisine easy !

[@emmashook1555]

This is the best recipe! I’ve made it a hand full of times. My husbands family is Greek and they make this but I found theirs is dry and bland. He hates to admit it but this recipe is bomb 😝 love learning your recipes because it brings me closer to my kids heritage so Even though I’m not Greek I can pass these authentic recipes down to them!

[@LeslieWho]

I tried this recipe this morning! I did have to substitute the ricotta and I may or may not have forgotten to add the eggs... but it still turned out really well. I love the panko trick! Thank you for sharing your recipe :)

[@LK-vf9uc]

I made your spanakopita following your old video, and it was a winner! I will try this one now, with butter. I don't like washing my food processor, so I will stick with my hands. Plus it's so satisfying to touch this yummy mess.

[@cupcakefun01]

Hi Dimitra Thank you for your tips. I’m Greek but I’ve learnt so much from you, especially love it when you talk about your restaurant days! As a Greek Yiayia we always feel like we are cooking for a crowd when the family comes over! 😂 thanks again from Australia ❤

[@mayagalan4280]

😮it👹😽👹🫢👍🏽

[@peteryyz43]

Dimitra; many thanks for this, I didn't think it was possible to improve on your original classic recipe, but you've just made the best even better. I love the technique of not pre- cooking the spinach - why would anyone need to cook a delicate ingredient like spinach twice for a recipe, anyway?.

[@carlamendoza8]

Can’t wait to make this for the first time! My fiancé ordered a bag of spinach from Sam’s Club and it turned out to be way bigger than he thought so we don’t want it to go to waste 😅

[@sophiahowell921]

The best recipe I’ve eaten and done. I’m Greek! Thank you for sharing it!

[@Purplecakelady]

I'm definitely making this for Christmas for my Papou and Yaya!! Ty so much. I have a family Baklava passed down for centuries from my ancestors that is the best I've ever had, excited to have this to make an additional family recipe ty so m8ch❤

[@elizafaulhammer2203]

I make this for my annual gallery - summer - festivity in Innsbruck, Austria , and all the guests love it and I give them your link! Thank you!

[@rachelmariatsiganos3524]

Can’t wait to try this! So much easier than straining frozen spinach. And, I love the bread crumb trick!

[@truepeacenik]

In winter, just wring out frozen spinach by hand

[@mamalep2494]

I’m making it again today. Love it. I almost don’t need your recipe anymore. I’ve made it so many times. Thanks again for sharing I just had to look up for a few ingredients and I do like it better with butter instead of olive oil.

[@DimitrasDishes]

You are so welcome!

[@susanchigaros1375]

Tried this updated version for a family party on Sunday. We did mix by hand like the first version, though. Was a huge success-everyone loved it! Thank you.

[@beth5943]

My family loved it!!! Best recipe!

[@speaktruth9631]

I'm making Spanikopita for the first time tomorrow. I came here to watch, and now I'm ditching the recipe I printed for this one, LOL. WISH me luck! Happy Thanksgiving to all! 😊

[@onestubbornredhead5798]

Not gonna lie, I'm ashamed to say I dated a Greek guy (who ended up being a jerk) for 3 years. I technically only dated him for one year...and then stayed for 2 more years because his mom was such an amazing cook I'd stick around for Sunday dinners with her traditional Greek recipes, this being one of them lolol...looks amazing, I cannot wait to try it for myself without the horrible boyfriend lolol🤣🤣🤣👍 Thank you for the great recipe🙂 and Merry Christmas😁🎄

[@jmysray]

Love this, we went to Athens a few years back and had this and I was thrilled to find your recipe, it is my go to recipe. Thank you for sharing.

[@sofiastellaabitbol3658]

This is my favorite Greek specialty. It looks so delicious. I can eat kilos of spanakopita it is crazy. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@normajean2855]

Riccotta and feta, those are the right cheeses for this dish although i couldnt remember the quantities, I havent seen this recipe in ages, a shop that was owned by a greek family had this amazing dish and she gave me the recipe, just like how youve done it...thank god, I used to cook it all the time when I was younger...now Im gonna do it again...

[@sorinc5594]

I just finished eating some of it. Great taste. I reduced the amounts of salt and butter a little and it came out great. I love the idea of putting bread crumbs at the bottom. Also I had it warm, right after I made it and cold from the refrigerator. They're both delicious (although the warm one is a little better, especially right after you make it). Thank you from NY.

[@Rockyson065]

I learned to make spanakopita from my Greek mother in law. We love it! My mom in law's mother used to make filo from scratch.

[@cherylsabens4641]

I was making Spanakopita for the first time using a different recipe. I found yours and stopped in the preparation and made yours! I am so glad I did it was absolutely amazing. Actually it was your older version. Next time I will try this. I accidently forgot the eggs and I could not tell they were missing. Love every bite. Spinach and dill was fresh right out of my garden. Thank you!!

[@sicilianalala4974]

I just made this for the first time ...... this recipe is the real deal. I love it and so did everyone else. The breadcrumb tip was on point and worked perfectly. This will be my go to recipe. Thank you ❤️

[@suzieq6493]

I can make this now in my sleep thanks to your easy instructions. I’m looking for a kitchen aide mixer. Hands have been doing all the mixing. I really love your recipes. Thanks again.

[@theblondesiouxsiesioux]

Yumm! This was the best recipe I have tried. The ricotta makes it special and perfect.

[@The_Timinator]

This is a great recipe, I've made it 3 times now, I HIGHLY recommend anybody that has a Kitchen Aid stand mixer to get an add on Mixing Paddle with the silicone edges that scrape the sides of the Bowl as it mixes, this filling is so silky smooth and your bowl has nothing on the sides, it's a game changer I assure you.

[@hanazaki5162]

Love your food channel. I followed your recipe to the teeth. Thank you for your wonderful recipes

[@BrigitteJohnson-ih9wz]

I will definitely make it for my Christmas party I lived in Greece five years and I sing that is so good❤️

[@MichaelMcKlusky]

I hesitated to watch this video because I have been making the first video version of this dish for years with only a few minor changes to suit my palate. I LOVE this recipe. I have taught others how to do it. I have referred many to your original post. I want to thank you and your mama for it! Using a half sheet pan I have never had a soggy bottom but I am always liberal with olive oil in the pan before laying out the phyllo. I was so pleased to see that you haven't changed much. Rough chop before mixing is clutch. Sharp knife so the spinach is cut and not bruised. Stand mixer...ummm sure? Never would have thought of that but I hate to do dishes and I own a freakishly large bowl. I bet the butter tastes great and browns nicely! I mean, hello! Baklava anyone? Think I might try that. pleased you mentioned a preference for salted butter because It's totally a thing. Personally I can't hang with with dry dill it is too pungent and distracting (to me) so if I can't find fresh dill I just dont make the dish. I dont understand how there could be a controversy over ricotta. it is Italian for "twice cooked" and any culture that makes cheese has something similar to make sure to get all the goodness from the whey after the initial cheese production. But is your ricotta made with buffalo milk? because technically it should be made with the whey left over from making mozzarella di bufala so... yea. Grandma is gonna make this awesome Greek soul food with whatever she can get her hands on and although she may prefer the sheeps milk version of ricotta she is not likely to throw down with a cheese monger, she won't shed a tear that her dish is ruined with cows milk ricotta. Grandma aint got no time for that, she's gonna feed her family, they will love it and ask for seconds. I do have ONE recommendation to improve your technique. Watching you cut with a knife on a metal tray is like nails on a chalkboard. I know every time you make this dish because I feel a disturbance in the force. Please keep preaching the gospel of spanakopita. But, Ayapi use a pizza cutter, as God intended.

[@sesa2984]

Thank you for writing out tge whole recipe. That makes it so much easier. My Cantonese mother in law to be requested Mousaka for Thanksgiving instead of turkey. I am in charge of sides So I figured I'd make this, and some string beans in onion tomato sauce that an old old Greek girlfriend's Mom used to make that I loved. So an Irish guy in a Chinese household for Thanksgiving and were having Greek. Aint that America. Happy Thanksgiving. Yasu.

[@maryhalsted-pc6rt]

Just made a tray and followed your recipe and it turn out amazing.

[@riagries]

Είναι τέλια η Σπανακόπιτα 😋σου, μπράβο Δήμητρα μου. 👏🏻 Χερετισματα και Φιλάκια από Γερμανία🥰

[@elainebrown4392]

Such a beautiful dish. Have made this twice--it's terrific. Thank you Dimitra.

[@robinbutler7863]

BEAUTIFUL! as usual, I Love Love watching your videos, because I Love your recipes. Thank you Damitra for sharing your beautiful gift of cooking grecian food.

[@evahantzi]

Γειά στα χέρια σου Δήμητρα μου, η φρυγανιά στο ταψί πριν στρώσεις το φύλο, υπέροχη ιδέα. Σε παρακολουθώ αλλά 1 φορά σχολιάζω! Φιλιά από Αθηνα

[@nicolebiaggini5907]

This is the most simple way of doing Spanakopita. I love your recipe not too many stuff going in there. Thank you Im going to make it today❤

[@barbrathompson9798]

Am looking forward to trying this,,, why can't all chefs make things so simple,,, thank you

[@barbedstar6480]

We had a wonderful 'hole in the wall' Greek restaurant in our town. I just craved his spanalopita that he served with a saucer of tzatziki on the side. Pure heaven made with love by a wonderful Greek aged gentleman. Am thrilled with your spanakopita recipe and have a great tzatziki recipe too....backtracking to heaven!

[@rosanneducharme5486]

Made this recipe twice now and I am in love with it. Love all your recipes!

[@joe3312s]

This is the second time I'm making it but for a different group this time, hope it comes out as good as the 1st, thank you so much for your wonderful family recipes.

[@arthurathanassiou3948]

This is one of the easiest ways to cook this delicious pie. I made it two weeks ago for my Mum and it was perfect. Thank you.

[@rushka1354]

Hello from Canada! Why do you not have a million followers? Well you should as you are amazing!! Every recipe is superb. Your instruction is on point - always. Thank you from someone who got married in Greece!❤❤❤

[@vanessaprovost1112]

Omg I can’t never get enough spanakopita, I can eat it even cold 😋😋

[@reneestipa3406]

I love eating it cold I just sent my husband out to get me a spinach pie

[@zigzagfly1635]

As a newbie I had great success with this recipe. Yummy 😋 my Greek dad who is a food snob ( oops I meant critic) gave two thumbs up ! lol

[@i6tir]

Dimitra, I made this for my parents a few hours ago and they absolutely *loooved* it (they even ate the top phyllo, as opposed to removing it like they usually do, lol). I had zero experience making spanakopita but it still turned out perfectly! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!

[@jennajg567]

Ty! We love Spanakopita so yummy!! Ty for sharing your Mum's recipe

[@fletcher6227]

This is one of the easiest and amazingly tasty dishes I've made in a long time. Thank you for sharing and thank your Mum. 💗

[@yolandalinan6349]

Hello dear Dimitra this is my absolutely favorite dish.

[@jenidorin7505]

Love your Spanakopita ! warms me up in the winter and makes us happy Thank you !!! Jeni from Montreal Canada

[@tootssuite23]

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous! Made this today and am about to enjoy. Thank you for a great recipe, video, and instructions with great tips included. Your video presence exudes practical confidence and provides enthusiasm for this great dish. 💜

[@russelzwirz8552]

I love everything you make. It all looks so good I can’t imagine how good it tastes. Thank you for your Recipes

[@tinabaranowski5237]

I made Spanakopita for the first time a couple of months ago. I just got a request to make it again this weekend. Dimitra, what an amazing recipe! Your momma taught you well girl!

[@chev39rsh]

Thanks for the updated improvements. Making it this morning by request as I always copy your recipe for spinach pie. I always get the duty of making it as it is so good.

[@laurelmahar5391]

So very crispy and delicious.

[@marinaebert5593]

I made this for my vegetarian grand-daughters and it was absolutely fantastic. I am making it again tomorrow. Thank you

[@ninadavi6224]

Recipe is very good, it came out delicious . Thank you for updated version

[@megmanolio7848]

I will drizzle butter on phyllo dough forever more! I like your style, thank you! I thought phyllo dough was terrifying until I saw how easy it is with your technique! So awesome and I am going to try your recipe very soon! Thank you! God bless, have a wonderful evening!

[@lindac5273]

I love Greek food …….Spanikopita is HEAVEN food to me , thank you Opa!!!!

[@foodturntup]

I made this last night and it came out fantastic!! Thank you! Adding the ricotta was a huge deal!

[@dr6156]

Trying it tonight, very simple recipe. Thank you! I love spanikopita but now i can do it homemade. ❤❤❤

[@l.c.3150]

I made this twice. First time it came out beautifully. Second time I was at a friend’s house and didn’t have an oven thermometer. The heat on oven was much higher and top burned at 40 mins. Thank goodness for the top folds because I was still able to salvage it. I took the top folds off and from a 2 -3 inch distance above the spanakopita and sucked all the burnt bits off with a vacuum. But if this ever happens again, I would have somebody vacuum while I pick off burnt parts b/c some burnt parts stick to the top especially oily parts. All that work and money would have gone to waste if I don’t have the extra folds on top. Thanks for this recipe and extra tips!! Also great way to use expired bread crumbs.

[@barbararoyal6139]

These look great!!!! Helpful recipes!🕊️

[@saramakariou4761]

My Spanakopita was a hit for Thanksgiving! Thank you for this recipe.

[@amae54]

I’ve used your recipe many times and it’s the best I have ever had ! You are making a good cook out of me .

[@mariareina8257]

Absolute genius with the breadcrumbs! This recipe is so delicious!