This savory spinach tart is one of my favorite make-ahead meals or appetizers. It features a buttery, flaky crust (which can be made gluten free!) and a sweet and savory spanakopita-inspired filling. Even my kids go nuts for this spinach pie (which says a lot, since they usually avoid anything green). Best of all, the tart is way easier to make than you might think. (Don’t miss the step-by-step VIDEO below.)
Spinach tart (a.k.a. spinach pie!)
As you may know, pie is one of my very favorite foods (you read all about that in this pie crust post), and this savory pie is no exception. Fresh ricotta lends creaminess, feta gives the tart a salty kick, dried currants (or raisins) lend a touch of sweetness and a dash of cinnamon provides warmth. It’s the ultimate combination of flavors.
Easy spinach galette
Instead of fussing with a tart pan, this is a free-form spinach galette. It’s easier to make than a classic tart (and more beautiful in my opinion!). It’s made with frozen spinach and only needs 30 minutes in the oven.
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Gluten free spinach pie
The foolproof pie crust is made with either Gluten Free Cup4Cup Flour or regular all-purpose flour (meaning you can make a gluten free spinach pie, and nobody will have a clue). You’ll need to make the pie dough before beginning the tart (you can make it several weeks ahead).
How to make a spinach ricotta pie:
- First, make a batch of pie dough. You'll only need half of the recipe (one 9-inch crust), but it's best to make the full recipe and freeze the other half for down the line (or you can use it to make a strawberry galette or apple galette!). You can make the dough days or even months in advance.
- Next, sauté garlic and onion in a skillet, then add dried currants (or chopped raisins), cinnamon and defrosted frozen spinach. The currants and cinnamon are the secret ingredients, providing sweet warmth to complement the savory flavors. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in sherry vinegar (or you can use red wine vinegar).
- Scrape the spinach mixture into a bowl, let it cool slightly, then add an egg, ricotta cheese and crumbled feta.
- Roll out the pie dough, then spread the filling in the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling.
- Refrigerate the tart for 10 minutes. Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle the spinach filling with more feta.
- Bake the tart in a 425˚F (220˚C) oven until golden brown and crisp, about 30 minutes.
FAQ
Yes! The spinach tart can be made up to 6 hours ahead. You can serve it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven.
Serve the spinach pie with a big green salad for a lovely main course or brunch. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, cut it into thin wedges and serve it on its own.
Store the leftover tart in the refrigerator (wrap it in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container). The tart is delicious cold, or you can reheat it in the oven or in a toaster oven.
Tips for making this spinach tart:
- You’ll need to make a batch of this foolproof pie dough before beginning the tart. The dough can easily be made gluten free by using Cup4Cup Flour.
- The dough recipe makes enough for 2 galettes, but you can freeze half for down the line or use the second crust to make a strawberry galette or apple galette!
- I love using a tapered rolling pin when working with pastry, as it gives me maximum control.
- Rolling the pie dough on a piece of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to transport onto a rimless baking sheet.
- Be sure to squeeze the spinach dry before using, otherwise it could make the tart soggy.
- You can swap out the frozen spinach for frozen chopped kale.
- I love sherry vinegar, which has a rich flavor and subtle sweetness, but you can swap it out for red wine vinegar.
- If you like the galette, try this Savory Butternut Squash Galette and this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche!
Other galettes to try:
Other recipes you might like:
- Best Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
- Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Perfect Slow Cooker Salmon
- Curried Red Lentil & Kale Soup
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Watch the video!
Get the recipe!
Savory Spinach Tart with Feta & Ricotta (Gluten Free Option!)
Ingredients
Spinach & ricotta filling
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, lightly smashed and peeled
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons dried currants or coarsely chopped raisins
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, divided
Crust
- All-purpose flour (gluten free or regular), for dusting
- ½ batch Easy Pie Crust Dough (a single crust), see recipe link above
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C).
Make the filling
- Wrap the spinach in several layers of paper towels (or in a clean kitchen towel) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Pour the olive oil into a medium skillet and add the garlic cloves. Put the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes. Discard the garlic. Add the onion, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the currants and cinnamon and cook 30-60 seconds longer. Add the drained spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat, breaking up the spinach. Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle in the sherry vinegar. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Do Ahead: The spinach mixture can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Stir in the ricotta and egg. Fold in ¼ cup of the feta (reserve the rest for the topping).
Roll out the crust
- Sprinkle a large sheet of parchment paper lightly with flour. Roll out the dough on the parchment—lifting the dough and lightly flouring the parchment as needed to prevent sticking—into an eighth-inch thick round (it should be 11-to 12-inch inches in diameter). If the dough cracks, just patch it up as needed. Brush off any excess flour, then slide the sheet of parchment (with the dough) onto a baking sheet.
Assemble and bake
- Pile the spinach filling onto the center of the dough and spread it in an even layer, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold up the edges of the dough, pressing them gently to seal. Refrigerate the galette for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Brush the sides of the galette lightly with the egg wash (you won’t need it all). Sprinkle the spinach filling with the remaining ¼ cup of feta. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the galette again for 5 minutes longer.
- Bake the galette until the crust is deep golden brown, rotating the pan halfway through, about 30 minutes. Place the baking sheet on a cooling rack, and let cool. Serve the galette warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You’ll need to make a batch of this foolproof pie dough before beginning the tart. The dough can easily be made gluten free by using Cup4Cup Flour.
- The dough recipe makes enough for 2 galettes, but you can freeze half for down the line or use the second crust to make a butternut squash galette, strawberry galette or apple galette!
- I love using a tapered rolling pin when working with pastry, as it gives me maximum control.
- Rolling the pie dough on a piece of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes it easy to transport onto a rimless baking sheet.
- Be sure to squeeze the spinach dry before using, otherwise it could make the tart soggy.
- If you like the galette, try this Broccoli Cheddar Quiche. It uses the same crust and has an incredible flavor and texture (and it can be made gluten-free, as always)!
- You can swap out the frozen spinach for frozen chopped kale.
- I love sherry vinegar, which has a rich flavor and subtle sweetness, but you can swap it out for red wine vinegar.
I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to give this recipe a star rating and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @nickisizemore so that I can share your creations!
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Cheryl Morris says
Loved the recipe, great pastry. I freeze my butter which seems to make the pastry really flaky.
The currants gave a little bit of sweetness but not too much. This will be one of my favourites.
Nicki Sizemore says
I’m so happy to hear!!
Susan Guilbert says
Is it possible to make several of these using mini tart pans so they are bite size?
Love your recipes
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Susan, I haven't tested this recipe in mini tart pans but I do think it should work. I would spray the pans well with cooking spray to ensure that the crusts don't stick. Please let me know if you give it a try!
Becca says
Could I swap in Fresh Spinach leaves for the frozen? (cover with boiling water, drain & squeeze?)
Nicki Sizemore says
Yes! You can swap out fresh spinach for the frozen, exactly as you described. I hope you enjoy!
Jill says
Can left-overs be frozen? ((I'm cooking just for myself)
Nicki Sizemore says
Yes! Leftovers freeze great. Reheat the tart straight from the freezer on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 350 degree oven (or toaster oven) until warmed through.
Tina says
Husband can't do dairy. Anything you can use as an alternative to ricotta?
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Tina, while I haven't tested it, you could try a dairy-free ricotta, such as Kite Hill brand.
James Dyer says
Could replacing currents with dates work ?
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi James, dates would be a delicious swap for the currants in this recipe!
Elizabeth says
Easy and delicious. I added dried cherries and artichokes to the filling because that’s what I had on hand. Followed the gluten free crust and thought it was exceptional. We had it for breakfast. Thanks for a wonderful recipe!
Nicki Sizemore says
Hi Elizabeth, I'm so happy you enjoyed the tart, and I love how you added dried cherries and artichokes!