Ultimate Pizza Spanakopita Recipe: Flaky Fillo Appetizer with Pepperoni & Spinach
Imagine the golden, flaky layers of classic Greek spanakopita, but with an exciting, savory twist. This Pizza Spanakopita recipe takes everything you love about the traditional spinach pie and infuses it with irresistible pizza flavors. We’re talking about a rich, garlicky spinach and cheese filling, elevated with generous bits of savory pepperoni, all nestled within delicate, crispy phyllo pastry. Served warm with a side of zesty marinara for dipping, this innovative appetizer is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Prepare to impress your guests with this unique fusion creation!
The Inspiration Behind This Unique Spanakopita Twist
This isn’t your average spanakopita recipe, and that’s precisely what makes it so exciting! The journey to create this “Pizza Spanakopita” began with a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Hormel. My goal was to craft something truly distinctive and memorable. As I brainstormed ideas, my daughter, an avid fan of Greek cuisine, immediately gravitated towards the idea of spanakopita. Our family’s deep affection for spanakopita stems from unforgettable experiences, particularly at the Food and Wine Festival at Disney. The authentic Greek spanakopita served there quickly became an absolute favorite – so much so that my husband would brave immense crowds just to fetch multiple servings while I managed the kids, and he did it gladly! For us, the combination of a perfectly flaky crust with a savory, cheesy spinach filling is pure culinary bliss. It’s a dish that evokes joy and comfort, and I knew I wanted to capture that essence while adding an unexpected, delightful dimension.
And so, the concept of a pizza-inspired spanakopita was born, a delicious marriage of two beloved comfort foods into one incredible appetizer. The idea was simple yet brilliant: take the cherished flaky layers and creamy spinach filling of spanakopita and introduce the bold, familiar flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza. The result is an appetizer that is both familiar and exciting, offering a taste experience that truly stands out.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Spanakopita Masterpiece
Creating this delectable Pizza Spanakopita requires a few key ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry. You’ll need an ample amount of fresh garlic to infuse that signature aromatic flavor. Beyond that, a selection of quality cheeses, a touch of marinara, and of course, the star of our pizza twist: Hormel Pepperoni Minis. And then there’s the phyllo dough. While handling phyllo can sometimes feel a bit challenging, with a gentle touch and a little patience, it will transform into the most wonderfully flaky crust. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it!
Let’s break down the core components that make this recipe shine:
- **Fresh Garlic:** Crucial for building a robust flavor base in the spinach filling. Don’t skimp on it!
- **A Blend of Cheeses:** We’re using Parmigiano-Reggiano, Neufchâtel cream cheese, and shredded part-skim mozzarella. This combination ensures a creamy, tangy, and wonderfully melty filling that holds together beautifully.
- **Marinara Sauce:** While used subtly in the filling, it’s essential as a warm dipping sauce, enhancing the “pizza” experience.
- **Pepperoni Minis:** These tiny bursts of savory, slightly spicy flavor are the heart of the pizza twist. Using minis means no chopping is required, making preparation even easier.
- **Phyllo Dough:** The thin, delicate sheets that crisp up to create that irresistible flaky crust. It requires a bit of care, but the results are phenomenal.
When assembling your triangles, remember that perfection isn’t the goal. My triangles were delightfully rustic and obtuse, while my daughter, showcasing her inner geometrician, crafted impressively equilateral ones. What truly matters is the flavor and the joy of creating something delicious together.
The Verdict: A Crowd-Pleasing Success!
Once these beautiful, flaky triangles emerged from the oven, the crucial question arose: dip or no dip? I was firmly in the “dip in marinara” camp, fully embracing the pizza twist concept. My daughter, on the other hand, preferred them plain, savoring the pure flavor of the filling and crust. Regardless of dipping preference, these Pizza Spanakopita bites were an undeniable success. My 12-year-old daughter’s reaction was perhaps the highest praise: “Wow, these are a lot better than I thought they would be!” Coming from a pre-teen, that’s practically a rave review.
The true testament to their deliciousness came a couple of hours later. We kept finding ourselves bumping into each other in the kitchen, each sneaking in for “just one more” – then another, and another. They were truly addictive! The mini pepperonis distributed throughout the filling ensured that every bite delivered that perfect savory, slightly spicy punch without any need for chopping. I was also incredibly pleased with how non-greasy they turned out, a result of using cooking spray on the phyllo instead of butter. This not only lightens them up but still achieves that coveted golden crispness. The carefully balanced amount of cheese provided richness without being overly heavy. And here’s another bonus: they tasted fantastic even at room temperature! This means you can prepare this Pizza Spanakopita recipe ahead of time, transport it, and serve it at parties, picnics, or potlucks, confidently showcasing your impressive spanakopita-making skills.
This fun, innovative appetizer idea is truly a game-changer. This pizza-infused spanakopita recipe is incredibly tasty, surprisingly simple to make, and will undoubtedly make you feel like a culinary rockstar. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Be sure to check out my Sam Adams Pizza Dough made with beer and Homemade Pizza Sauce with wine and garlic.
Pizza Spanakopita
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Ingredients
- 1 bunch chopped scallions white and green parts
- 2 10 oz boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
- 1 5 oz bag Hormel Pepperoni Minis
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 4 oz Neufchatel cream cheese
- ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 40 sheets 1 box frozen fillo dough, thawed (see Note)
- cooking spray
- plain dry breadcrumbs
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and thoroughly squeezed-out spinach, chopped scallions, Hormel Pepperoni Minis, dried dill, large eggs, all the cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Neufchâtel cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Carefully prepare your phyllo dough: Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a *very lightly* damp paper towel. This prevents them from drying out, but be careful not to make the towel too wet, as excessively damp phyllo can become too soft and difficult to work with. Unfold one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat. Lightly spray the entire surface with cooking spray. Place a second sheet of phyllo dough directly over the first and spray it with cooking spray as well. This creates a stronger, flakier base for your triangles. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the doubled phyllo sheet lengthwise into three long strips of equal width. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the spinach and pepperoni mixture onto one end of a phyllo strip. Begin folding the strip into a triangle shape, similar to how you would fold a flag. Continue folding, maintaining the triangle shape, until you reach the end of the strip. Place the finished triangle, seam-side down, onto an oiled baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the pastry and filling have been used. Once all triangles are formed and placed on the baking sheet, lightly spray the tops of the triangles with cooking spray and sprinkle a small amount of plain dry breadcrumbs over them for added crispness and golden color.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the phyllo is crisp and flaky. Serve immediately with warm pizza or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Spanakopita!
Notes
Nutrition
Explore More Delicious Party Food Recipes
If you loved this innovative Pizza Spanakopita recipe and are on the hunt for more exciting appetizers and party foods that are sure to delight your guests, look no further! Here are some other fantastic creations that blend unique flavors and are perfect for any gathering:
Craving something warm, cheesy, and utterly irresistible? Try my **Banana Pepper and Bacon Hot Dip**. This creamy, tangy, and salty dip is incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect last-minute appetizer for holidays, game days, or any festive occasion. The combination of zesty banana peppers and smoky bacon creates a flavor explosion that everyone will adore. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
For a sophisticated twist on a classic, my **Beer Brats in Blankets with Smoked Gouda Fondue** will elevate any party. Tender bratwurst, simmered in a rich dark German lager, are wrapped in flaky puff pastry and served alongside a luxurious, silky smooth smoked gouda fondue. This appetizer is a phenomenal blend of savory flavors and textures, offering a refined take on the beloved “pigs in a blanket” concept. It’s an ideal choice for tailgates, holiday parties, or any event where you want to impress.
And finally, if you’re looking for a truly addictive dip that lives up to its name, you absolutely must try my **Cheddar Bacon Crack Dip**. This incredibly flavorful and ridiculously easy-to-make dip features sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, creating a combination that is utterly irresistible. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in, this dip is so good, you’ll understand why it earned its name after just one bite. Serve it warm with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks for a guaranteed hit.