Spinach Pie Bites are the answer whenever I need a no-fuss snack for friends—especially when everyone’s already dived into my fridge before I’m actually ready (does this happen to anyone else?). Sweet, they’re crunchy and cheesy and yes, packed with spinach so you can at least pretend you’re eating healthy. What I love is that they’re perfect for last-minute parties. You can literally whip these up during the half-time of a game and have everyone buzzing about them—trust me, nobody guesses they come from the freezer section plus a few pantry items. If you want to see more crowd-pleasing appetizers, check out my easy finger foods page for inspiration. 
What is spanakopita, and why is this appetizer recipe different?
Alright, let’s clear something up. Spanakopita is that classic Greek spinach pie—layers of flaky phyllo dough cradling earthy spinach and tangy feta. I had it first at a neighborhood potluck, and you know what? Foolishly thought I could never make it at home. The real deal is impressive but takes ages and, let’s be honest, nerves of steel to handle those tissue-thin pastry sheets.
Here’s the twist: Spinach Pie Bites take the spirit of spanakopita and shortcut everything complicated. Forget the big pan and endless layering. These bites are like spanakopita’s casual, user-friendly cousin—just grab a muffin tin, chop your spinach, crumble in some cheese, and you’re halfway there. My five-year-old made a batch with me last weekend, so if she can do it, you absolutely got this. They’re portable, party-perfect, and nobody needs a knife or fork. How good is that?
Phyllo Dough Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Spanakopita Bites
If phyllo dough has ever made you want to cry—oh, do I get you. It’s fussy. It dries out if you just blink at it too long. But… there are ways to make phyllo work. First up, thaw it in the fridge overnight, not on the counter, or you’ll end up with a sticky mess. Don’t fight it! Open just what you need and keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel while working.
Listen, even if you accidentally rip a sheet, patch it up, keep layering—nobody will notice. Brush melted butter or a bit of olive oil between layers. It keeps things crisp but honestly, don’t overthink it. If you’re worried phyllo is too much trouble, puff pastry works in a pinch (not authentic, but hey, sometimes shortcuts are sanity savers). Still, nothing beats that shattering crunch from phyllo when you bite in.
Pro Tip: Make Spanakopita Bites Ahead of Time and Freeze Them for Later Use
Here’s a perk: You can make dozens of Spinach Pie Bites waaay ahead. I love stuffing a zip bag with unbaked assembled bites and freezing the whole lot. Cravings at midnight? Need a quick lunchbox treat for tomorrow? Boom, you’ll thank yourself later.
Best part: No thawing needed. Bake them straight from the freezer—just tack on a few extra minutes to the oven time. Emergencies, surprise visitors, hungry kids after school—sorted. Once, I seriously impressed last-minute guests with freshly baked bites that emerged from the freezer looking like a five-star restaurant treat. No exaggeration there. If only my laundry got the same love.
Recipe Variations for Spinach Pie Bites
You can totally make Spinach Pie Bites your own—heck, I do it every single time because I can’t help myself. Think about tossing in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. Sometimes I swap feta for goat cheese (oh, so creamy).
Fancy a bit more richness? Add finely chopped bacon or smoked turkey. Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese and plant-based butter. Even tossing in chopped artichokes or roasted bell peppers is delicious and adds a little sweetness. Basically, these bites are like a blank canvas for whatever you have in your fridge—get creative and don’t be shy.
Health Benefits of Spinach in your Diet
Okay, yes, there’s cheese and buttery phyllo in Spinach Pie Bites, but let’s not overlook that mountain of spinach packed inside each morsel. Spinach isn’t just for Popeye—although I totally get why he’s obsessed. It’s full of all that good stuff: iron for your energy, vitamin K for your bones, and those leafy greens are a powerhouse for keeping your immune system buzzing.
One of the best things? Spinach is easy to sneak into recipes, so picky eaters barely notice it’s there, especially once you add a little lemon juice or herbs. Plus, it’s low in calories, which means you can enjoy a few bites without feeling too heavy. Healthy-ish and tasty? That’s what I call the jackpot.
Serving Suggestions
Want to know what to serve with these little beauties? Here’s my go-to list:
- Dollop a little tzatziki on top if you wanna feel fancy.
- Pair with a crisp Greek salad for brunch or lunch.
- Serve alongside grilled skewers at a BBQ for an unexpected twist.
- Take them picnic-style with some fresh fruit and iced tea.
Easy to pack, easy to love, and honestly, no one is ever mad when these show up at a potluck.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen spinach for Spinach Pie Bites?
For sure—just squeeze out every last drop of water. Unless you want soggy bites (which you don’t).
How do I keep phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep it covered with a damp towel, and work as fast as you comfortably can. Oh, and don’t leave it sitting out.
Any shortcuts if I’m really short on time?
Puff pastry can stand in, or pre-made pie dough in a pinch. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Why not. Feta is classic, but ricotta, goat cheese, or a blend is totally fine. Pick your favorite.
Spinach Pie Bites
Crunchy and cheesy spinach bites that are easy to make and perfect for last-minute parties.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, bacon, or roasted bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush with olive oil or melted butter.
- Layer additional sheets of phyllo, brushing between layers, then cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the spinach mixture in the center of each square, fold over to create bites, and press to seal.
- Arrange the bites in a muffin tin and brush the tops with more olive oil or butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
You can make these ahead of time and freeze them, then bake straight from the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg