Can you freeze spanakopita? – The best way
By Jaron
Last updated: September 2021
Word Count: 3,248
Disclaimer: The following article provides information on freezing spanakopita based on practical knowledge and experience. It is always recommended to follow proper food safety guidelines and to consult professional resources for specific advice.
Spanakopita is a delicious Greek pie made with fine phyllo pastry, spinach and feta cheese. It can be enjoyed as a light meal or served as an appetizer in the form of individually wrapped triangles. If you find yourself with leftover spanakopita or want to make it ahead of time, you may be wondering if it is possible to freeze it without compromising its flavor and texture. In this article, we will explore the best way to freeze spanakopita and provide practical tips for thawing and reheating it.
Can you freeze spanakopita?
Yes, you can freeze Spanakopita. Freezing spanakopita before baking gives the best results in terms of flavor and texture. However, if you have already baked the spanakopita, you can still freeze it, although the dough may be slightly less crisp and the filling may lose some moisture during the freezing and thawing process.
Freezing Spanakopita Before Baking
The best way to freeze spanakopita is before baking. This will allow you to cook the pie directly from frozen without having to thaw it first. Here’s how to freeze spanakopita before baking:
- Prepare the spanakopita with the dough and filling in a large pie dish or baking pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap, making sure to seal tightly to prevent moisture and air from getting in.
- Place a layer of aluminum foil over the plastic wrap for extra protection.
- Label the container with the freezing date.
Freezing the spanakopita before baking ensures that the phyllo dough remains uncooked, reducing the risk of it becoming soggy or soft. When you’re ready to enjoy the spanakopita, you can reheat it from frozen, allowing the dough to become golden brown and crisp while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
Alternatively, you can make mini spanakopita pies by spooning the filling onto the phyllo pastry, folding it over and placing it on a baking sheet. Freeze the mini-pies for about 2 hours, then transfer them to plastic freezer bags. This method prevents the pies from sticking together, so you can defrost and cook them individually as needed.
Freezing Spanakopita after Baking
If you have already baked the spanakopita and have leftovers, you can still freeze them. Keep in mind, however, that the dough may be less crisp and the filling may lose some moisture during the freezing and reheating process. Here’s how to freeze baked spanakopita:
- Place leftover spanakopita in freezer-safe, airtight containers.
- You can freeze it as one large portion or divide it into smaller containers for individual meals.
- Label the containers with the freezer date.
While freezing baked spanakopita is not ideal, it is still a viable option for preserving the dish. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly affected compared to freshly baked spanakopita.
Freezing Spanakopita Safely
To ensure the safety and quality of frozen spanakopita, it’s important to follow these guidelines:
- If you are freezing unbaked spanakopita, place it in the freezer immediately after making it. For baked spanakopita, let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the refrigerator to continue chilling.
- Never place hot spanakopita or any other hot food directly in the freezer as it may raise the internal temperature and affect other frozen foods.
- Consume frozen spanakopita within 3 months for the best quality. While it can be stored beyond 3 months, the taste and texture may deteriorate, especially considering the delicate nature of the phyllo pastry.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Spanakopita
The method for thawing and reheating spanakopita depends on whether or not it was cooked before freezing.
If the spanakopita was not cooked before freezing:
- Place frozen spanakopita directly into a preheated oven.
- Bake until the dough is light and crisp and the filling is hot.
- For smaller pies, place on a greased baking sheet and bake until golden brown and heated through.
If the spanakopita was baked before freezing:
- Thaw the spanakopita overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, reheat in a preheated oven.
- Bake until the dough is crisp and the filling is heated through.
Avoid using the microwave to reheat spanakopita as it may result in a soggy or unevenly heated dough.
Storage tips
To ensure the best quality when storing frozen spanakopita, follow these tips:
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn and keep the spanakopita fresh.
- Label containers with the date of freezing to keep track of shelf life.
- Store spanakopita in a dedicated freezer compartment at a consistent temperature for optimal preservation.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the spanakopita to prevent it from being crushed or damaged.
Conclusion
Freezing spanakopita is a convenient way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it at a later time. While freezing before baking is the preferred method for preserving flavor and texture, you can still freeze baked spanakopita if necessary. By following proper freezing, thawing, and reheating techniques, you can ensure that your spanakopita remains delicious and satisfying even after freezing. So go ahead and make a batch of spanakopita to enjoy whenever you crave the flavorful combination of spinach, feta cheese, and puff pastry.
FAQS
Can I freeze spanakopita before baking?
Yes, freezing spanakopita before baking is the best way to preserve its flavor and texture. By freezing it before baking, you can cook it straight from the freezer without thawing it first.
Can I freeze spanakopita after baking?
Although not ideal, you can freeze spanakopita after baking. However, keep in mind that the dough may be a little less crispy and the filling may lose some moisture during the freezing and reheating process.
How long does frozen spanakopita keep?
For best quality, it is recommended that frozen spanakopita be consumed within 3 months. While it can be kept beyond 3 months, the taste and texture may deteriorate over time.
Can I reheat frozen spanakopita in the microwave?
It is not recommended to reheat spanakopita in the microwave as it may result in a soggy or unevenly heated dough. It is best to reheat in a preheated oven for the crispiest results.
Can I freeze individual servings of spanakopita?
Yes, you can freeze individual servings of spanakopita. Simply prepare the mini spanakopita pies, freeze them on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, and then transfer them to plastic freezer bags. This method allows you to thaw and cook individual servings as needed.
Can I freeze leftover Spanakopita?
Absolutely! If you have leftover spanakopita, you can freeze it for later consumption. Place the leftovers in freezer-safe, airtight containers or divide them into smaller portions for individual meals. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly off compared to freshly baked spanakopita.