I made a Spanakopita Spiral—a savory Greek pastry shaped in a coiled spiral. Layers of flaky phyllo are filled with a flavorful mix of spinach, herbs, feta cheese, and seasonings, resulting in crisp, golden pinwheels that can be served warm or room temperature.

Spanakopita Spiral

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the spiral format delivers maximum crunch and visual appeal with minimal fuss. The crisp phyllo crisps up beautifully while the spinach‑feta-herb filling stays moist and fragrant. It’s elegant yet shareable—perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy meal.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh spinach (or well‑drained frozen spinach)
crumbled feta cheese (often blended with anari or ricotta)
fresh herbs (dill, parsley, mint; optionally oregano)
spring onions or leeks (or both), finely chopped
egg (to bind the filling)
lemon zest (and optionally a splash of juice)
melted butter or olive oil (for brushing phyllo and binding)
phyllo (filo) pastry sheets
sesame seeds for topping (optional)

directions

I start by chopping and salting the spinach to wilt it, or thoroughly draining thawed frozen spinach to avoid sogginess. Then I mix it with crumbled feta (often combined with ricotta/anari), chopped herbs, sliced green onions or leeks, lemon zest, beaten egg, seasoning, and oil. The mixture becomes the flavorful filling.

Next, I lay out phyllo sheets one or more at a time, brush them generously with melted butter or olive oil, and place a line of filling along the edge. I roll the phyllo into a log and coil it gently into a spiral in a lined or greased round baking dish. I repeat with remaining dough and filling, forming a continuous spiral. Optionally, I sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking or brush one final layer of butter/oil.

I bake it in a preheated oven around 180–200 °C (350–400 °F) for about 45–60 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Once baked, I let it cool slightly to set before slicing into wedges or slices. It can be served warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This version typically yields about 8–12 rustic slices from a single spiral, depending on size of pan and roll thickness.

Prep time: ~20–30 minutes to ready filling and assemble spiral
Bake time: ~45–60 minutes until golden and crispy
Rest time: at least 10–15 minutes before slicing for best texture

Variations

I like experimenting by:

using a mix of feta with anari or cottage cheese for a creamier texture
adding more or varied herbs like oregano, parsley, mint, dill for flavor depth
substituting spinach with chard or other leafy greens if desired
brushing with clarified butter or olive oil to adjust crispness and richness
topping with sesame or nigella seeds for contrast and visual appeal

storage/reheating

I store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive crispness, I reheat in a conventional or air‑fryer for about 10 minutes at 180–190 °C (350 °F). I avoid microwaving because it makes the phyllo soggy.

FAQs

What if my phyllo tears while rolling?

That’s okay—small tears won’t affect the final spiral. I just press gently when coiling, and brush layers, so the pastry holds together during bake.

Should I squeeze the spinach very dry?

Absolutely—excess moisture causes soggy phyllo. I salt and wilt fresh spinach or squeeze frozen spinach thoroughly before mixing.

Can I make individual spiral rolls rather than one big pie?

Yes—I sometimes make multiple smaller spirals or mini rolls for appetizers. They bake slightly faster and are fun finger food.

Is lemon zest important?

I think so—the lemon zest brightens the filling beautifully and balances the richness of cheese and pastry.

Can I serve this cold?

Definitely—it’s great warm or room temperature, which makes it ideal for picnics and make-ahead meals.

Conclusion

I love making the Spanakopita Spiral for its combination of crunchy phyllo texture, savory spinach‑herb‑feta filling, and beautiful spiral presentation. It feels both rustic and festive, perfect for gatherings or a comforting meal at home. I look forward to experimenting with different greens, herb blends, or cheese combinations next time—and I’m always delighted with each crispy, flavorful slice.