Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

This Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any vegetarian meal. It features crispy golden pastry layers filled with salty cheese and fresh vibrant greens.

Learning how to make Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie is surprisingly fast and very rewarding. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a professional-looking dish at home.

This Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe is famous for its incredible crunch and zesty lemon flavor. Once you serve this hot pie your family will surely ask for seconds and thirds.

My Story With This Comforting Feta Spinach Filo Pie

I remember the first time I tried to bake a traditional Greek spinach pie. I spent hours trying to make my own pastry and it turned into a soggy mess. Then, I saw Jamie Oliver make his version using ready-made filo pastry and a hot frying pan.

He made the whole process look like a fun kitchen game rather than a difficult chore.The sound of the crispy pastry breaking under my knife for the first time was pure magic.

My kitchen smelled like toasted nuts, melted butter, and fresh lemon zest all at once. Even my friends who usually dislike eating greens fell in love with this salty cheesy filling.

Now, this pie is my “secret weapon” for busy weeknights when I want something impressive. It is a humble recipe that brings a rustic Mediterranean sunshine vibe to our dinner table every time.

Equipment List

  • A large non-stick ovenproof frying pan (about 26cm)
  • A large mixing bowl for the filling
  • A clean kitchen towel (to keep the filo moist)
  • A pastry brush for the oil or butter
  • A sharp knife for chopping greens
  • A grater for the lemon and nutmeg
  • A set of measuring spoons

Recipe Overview

  • Recipe Name: Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie
  • Servings: 4 to 6 people
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Course: Main Course / Lunch
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek
  • Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe
Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

  • 1 pack (270g) of filo pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 400g fresh baby spinach (washed and dried)
  • 200g Greek feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 4 large free-range eggs
  • 1 lemon (zest only)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 50g pine nuts (lightly toasted)
  • 25g cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instruction for Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

1. Toast the Pine Nuts

Place the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for two minutes. Shake the pan often until they turn golden and smell very nutty and fragrant.

2. Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to a hot pot with a tiny splash of water. Steam it for a minute until it wilts, then squeeze out every drop of extra liquid.

3. Mix the Eggs

In your large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them gently together. This will act as the binder that holds your delicious cheesy filling in place.

4. Combine the Filling

Stir the crumbled feta, cheddar, lemon zest, nutmeg, and oregano into the egg mixture. Add the squeezed spinach and toasted pine nuts, then mix everything thoroughly with a spoon.

5. Prep the Filo

Lay out a large sheet of greaseproof paper and brush it with a little olive oil. Lay four sheets of filo pastry on top, overlapping them slightly to make a large rectangle.

6. Season and Layer

Brush the pastry with more oil and sprinkle on a little extra dried oregano. Repeat this layering process with another four sheets of filo to create a strong base.

7. Fill the Pan

Carefully lift the pastry and paper into your frying pan, letting the edges hang over. Pour your spinach and feta mixture into the center of the pastry layers.

8. Fold the Edges

Gather the overhanging pastry and fold it back over the top of the spinach filling. It should look rustic, crumpled, and slightly messy to get that classic Jamie Oliver style.

9. Start on Stove

Place the frying pan on a medium heat for about three to five minutes. This helps the bottom of the pastry become very crispy before it goes into the oven.

10. Bake to Gold

Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 200°C for about 15 to 20 minutes. The top should be deeply golden and the filling should feel firm and set.

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

  • Always keep your unused filo pastry covered with a damp towel so it does not crack.
  • Use frozen spinach if you are in a rush, but squeeze it very dry first.
  • Add some chopped fresh mint or dill to the filling for an extra herb hit.
  • Swap pine nuts for walnuts or sunflower seeds if you have them in your pantry.
  • Sprinkle some sesame seeds on the top pastry layer for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Make sure your frying pan is truly ovenproof so the handle does not melt.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

This dish is a modern take on the classic Greek “Spanakopita” that has been eaten for centuries. Traditional Greek pies often use many layers of handmade dough and a lot of olive oil.

Jamie Oliver simplified this recipe to make it accessible for busy families around the world. He used the “pan-to-oven” method to ensure the bottom of the pie is never soggy.

This style of cooking represents the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on fresh greens and healthy fats. It is a brilliant example of how ancient flavors can be reimagined for a modern kitchen.

Today, this filo pie is a staple for anyone looking for a fast and healthy vegetarian meal.

What to Serve With This Dish

This Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe is hearty enough to be the main star. It goes beautifully with a simple tomato and cucumber salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.

You can also serve it with a side of roasted red peppers or olives. For a bigger meal a small scoop of lemon herb couscous is a great addition. A cold dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side adds a lovely creamy touch.

It is a very versatile dish that tastes great at room temperature too.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Make this Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe for a sunny weekend brunch with friends. It is a fantastic option for a vegetarian-friendly dinner party or a potluck gathering.

This pie is perfect for a summer picnic because it is easy to transport and slice. Use it as a healthy meal prep option for your office lunches throughout the week.

It also makes a wonderful and festive centerpiece for an Easter or spring-themed dinner. Any time you want a “wow” factor with very little effort, this pie is perfect.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for two days.
  • To keep the pastry crispy, reheat the slices in an air fryer for three minutes.
  • You can also use a hot oven at 180°C for ten minutes to warm it through.
  • Avoid using the microwave as it will make the delicate filo pastry very soft.
  • This pie does not freeze well once cooked because the spinach releases too much moisture.
  • Always let the pie rest for five minutes before slicing to keep the filling together.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount
Calories310 kcal
Total Fat19g
Saturated Fat8g
Carbohydrates22g
Fiber2g
Protein14g

Is This Dish Good for You?

This Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie is a very nutritious choice for a balanced meal. Spinach is a superfood that is packed with iron, vitamins, and fiber for good digestion.

The eggs and feta cheese provide high-quality protein to keep you feeling full for longer. Filo pastry is much lower in fat than traditional puff pastry or shortcrust dough.

Using olive oil instead of butter provides heart-healthy fats that your body needs every day. It is a great way to eat a large amount of greens in a very delicious way.

This homemade pie is far better than store-bought frozen meals that contain high sodium. It is a clean, fresh, and honest dish that supports a healthy and happy lifestyle.

Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

This Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any vegetarian meal. It features crispy golden pastry layers filled with salty cheese and fresh vibrant greens.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course / Lunch
Cuisine Mediterranean / Greek
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pack 270g of filo pastry (thawed if frozen)
  • 400 g fresh baby spinach washed and dried
  • 200 g Greek feta cheese crumbled
  • 4 large free-range eggs
  • 1 lemon zest only
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 50 g pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 25 g cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
  • A pinch of black pepper

Instructions
 

Toast the Pine Nuts

  • Place the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for two minutes. Shake the pan often until they turn golden and smell very nutty and fragrant.

Wilt the Spinach

  • Add the fresh spinach to a hot pot with a tiny splash of water. Steam it for a minute until it wilts, then squeeze out every drop of extra liquid.

Mix the Eggs

  • In your large mixing bowl, crack the four eggs and whisk them gently together. This will act as the binder that holds your delicious cheesy filling in place.

Combine the Filling

  • Stir the crumbled feta, cheddar, lemon zest, nutmeg, and oregano into the egg mixture. Add the squeezed spinach and toasted pine nuts, then mix everything thoroughly with a spoon.

Prep the Filo

  • Lay out a large sheet of greaseproof paper and brush it with a little olive oil. Lay four sheets of filo pastry on top, overlapping them slightly to make a large rectangle.

Season and Layer

  • Brush the pastry with more oil and sprinkle on a little extra dried oregano. Repeat this layering process with another four sheets of filo to create a strong base.

Fill the Pan

  • Carefully lift the pastry and paper into your frying pan, letting the edges hang over. Pour your spinach and feta mixture into the center of the pastry layers.

Fold the Edges

  • Gather the overhanging pastry and fold it back over the top of the spinach filling. It should look rustic, crumpled, and slightly messy to get that classic Jamie Oliver style.

Start on Stove

  • Place the frying pan on a medium heat for about three to five minutes. This helps the bottom of the pastry become very crispy before it goes into the oven.

Bake to Gold

  • Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 200°C for about 15 to 20 minutes. The top should be deeply golden and the filling should feel firm and set.

Notes

  • Always keep your unused filo pastry covered with a damp towel so it does not crack.
  • Use frozen spinach if you are in a rush, but squeeze it very dry first.
  • Add some chopped fresh mint or dill to the filling for an extra herb hit.
  • Swap pine nuts for walnuts or sunflower seeds if you have them in your pantry.
  • Sprinkle some sesame seeds on the top pastry layer for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Make sure your frying pan is truly ovenproof so the handle does not melt.
Keyword Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

FAQs about Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe

Why is my filo pastry breaking into pieces?

Filo is very thin and dries out quickly when exposed to the air. Keep it covered with a slightly damp cloth while you work to keep it flexible.

Can I make this pie without eggs?

The eggs are important for setting the filling so it does not run out when sliced. If you skip them, the filling will be very loose and difficult to serve.

How do I prevent a “soggy bottom” on my pie?

Cooking the pie on the stove for a few minutes before putting it in the oven is key. This fries the bottom layer of pastry so it stays crispy under the wet filling.

What kind of feta cheese should I use?

Use a firm Greek feta made from sheep or goat milk for the best salty flavor. Avoid “feta-style” salad cubes as they often do not melt or taste as good.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have a wonderful time baking this Jamie Oliver Feta Spinach Filo Pie Recipe today. It is a dish that truly celebrates how simple greens and cheese can become something magical.

There is nothing more satisfying than hearing that loud “crunch” as you take your first bite. This recipe is fast reliable and will definitely become a favorite for your meat-free Monday dinners.

Remember to squeeze your spinach really well to keep that pastry perfectly crisp and golden. Thank you for joining me to explore this rustic and very savory Mediterranean journey today.

Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every single crispy and cheesy layer of your filo pie!

Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!