Easy Spanakopita Bites in Phyllo Shells

Delicious spanakopita bites are served in phyllo shells for an easy twist on a classic party hors d’oeuvre. These pack a lot of flavor and texture in a bite-sized appetizer, and are perfect for a Greek themed dinner party or cocktail party buffet.

phyllo shells appetizers with spanakopita filling, on white platter surrounded by hummus, nuts, and lemons.

I love those little spanakopita triangles that are often served at cocktail parties, but the thought of working with layers and layers of phyllo sheets is daunting. I have a twist on the recipe that makes them quick and simple to make!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Convenient ingredients. This appetizer recipe starts with packaged ingredients and gets dressed up with pantry staples.
  • Make ahead. Prepare just the filling, or completely make and bake the spanakopita cups in advance. Then getting them ready for your party is a snap!
  • Great for a crowd. This recipe easily doubles or triples as needed. 
  • Easier to eat, too! Since these are prepared in phyllo shells, the filling doesn’t squirt out the side when you bite into it like the triangles usually do.

These help to complete a casual Greek themed dinner party. They are the perfect starter dish, along with classic hummus, pita bread, and ouzo or a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

phyllo shells appetizers with spanakopita filling, on white platter with wine and lemons in background.

Ingredients

You might not keep these ingredients stocked in your kitchen. But they are all likely available at your local grocery store. Everything holds up well in the freezer, fridge, and pantry – so you can purchase ingredients well ahead of time and be ready to go.

key ingredients for making spanakopita bites in phyllo shells.
  • Frozen phyllo shells. Find these in the freezer section. There is no need to thaw the cups before filling and baking.
  • Frozen creamed spinach. Using frozen cooked creamed spinach makes this Greek recipe fast, easy, and basically foolproof.
  • Goat cheese. The taste is earthy and tangy. The soft cheese melts well and helps bind everything together..
  • Feta cheese. Crumbled feta is salty and mild. It doesn’t melt the same as goat cheese, so it gives a nice balance of taste and texture to the filling.
  • Walnuts. Chopped and toasted walnuts add a great crunch. 
  • Fresh lemon zest. A punch of bright citrus helps to give a freshness to the creamed spinach.
  • Seasonings. Pantry staples you’ll need include dried dill, onion powder, salt and pepper.
  • Nutmeg. The secret ingredient! A sprinkle of grated nutmeg brings all of the filling ingredients together.

How To Make It

This nearly effortless recipe comes together in just 3 easy steps!

photo collage with easy steps to make spanakopita bites.
  1. Cook frozen spinach according to package directions and let cool.
  2. Combine spinach with remaining ingredients until well combined. Use a small scoop or tablespoon and place mixture inside each filo shells.
  3. Bake spanakopita cups for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.

Quick Tip

For best flavor, make the filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate so flavors can fully develop. Then scoop into shells and bake as directed.

Make Ahead Tips

Prep ahead or fully make these easy spanakopita phyllo cups ahead and freeze them for easy last minute parties. Here’s what to do.

  • Pre-make the filling. Make the spanakopita filling per the recipe instructions, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve them, fill the filo cups and bake as directed.
  • Assemble, bake, and freeze. Make the filling mixture, fill the cups, and bake as directed. When cool, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve them, remove them from the freezer and heat them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. No need to thaw ahead.

Serving Suggestions

With just a few of my expert tips you can make this simple spanakopita appetizer the star of your cocktail hour or casual hangout!

  • These spanakopita bites are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make a lovely hors d’oeuvre passed on a tray at a cocktail party, too.
  • Serve them in batches for optimal temperature. Have a sheet pan in the fridge ready to put in the oven once the first batch has been eaten.
  • The Mediterranean flavors make these ideal to include with mezze plates or alongside charcuterie skewers
  • Make these part of any appetizer party. They’re a fantastic vegetarian idea!

These tasty bites are casual enough for a football party, but elegant enough for a holiday cocktail party. Make them part of your appetizers for girls night in, too.

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phyllo shells appetizers with spanakopita filling, on white platter.

Spanakopita Bites Appetizers

Yield: 30 appetizers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Add big flavor to small bites with these spanakopita cups. Turn the classic Greek phyllo packets into an appetizer that's easy to eat and quick to make. A combination of fresh and frozen food items combines for a totally delectable party food.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages frozen phyllo cups (30 phyllo shells)
  • 1 (9-ounce) package frozen creamed spinach
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, broken up into pieces
  • â…“ cup crumbled Feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • â…› teaspoon dried dill
  • â…› teaspoon onion powder
  • â…› teaspoon salt
  • â…› teaspoon pepper
  • Pinch of ground Nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350º F
  2. Cook frozen spinach according to package directions and let cool for about 10 minutes. Place in a mixing bowl.
  3. Combine spinach with remaining ingredients until well combined. Use a small scoop or table spoon and place mixture inside each filo cup.
  4. Bake spanakopita cups for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through.

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2 Comments

    1. I haven’t tried that Joyce, but I imagine they could. I’m thinking that since you can buy frozen spanakopita appetizers, surely you can make your own and freeze! 🙂