Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe

Introduction

Tiropita is a delicious Greek cheese pie made with creamy feta and ricotta wrapped in crispy filo pastry. This savory treat is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, offering a delightful combination of flaky texture and rich, cheesy filling.

Ingredients

• 200 g feta cheese
• 250 g ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• 16 sheets of filo pastry
• 2 tbsp butter (melted and combined with the olive oil in a bowl)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the feta, ricotta, and eggs. Mash until nearly smooth, leaving small lumps from the feta. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C fan (390°F) or follow the instructions on your filo pastry packet. Prepare a 2-3 inch deep baking tray by brushing the base and sides with the melted butter and olive oil mixture.
3. Step 3: Place a filo sheet on each side of the tray, with half of each sheet inside the tray and half hanging over the edges to create flaps. Brush each sheet with the butter and oil mixture.
4. Step 4: Line the base of the tray with 6 layers of filo sheets, brushing each sheet with the butter and olive oil mix before placing the next.
5. Step 5: Pour the cheese filling into the center of the filo base and gently tap the tray on the counter to level the filling. Fold the overhanging filo flaps over the filling, then brush with the butter and oil mixture.
6. Step 6: Top the pie with 6 more layers of filo sheets, brushing each layer with the butter and olive oil mixture.
7. Step 7: Brush the top layer with the remaining butter and oil mixture, then sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the pie is golden and crisp.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice into 6 pieces and drizzle with honey before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like kasseri or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Ensure the filo sheets stay covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.
• For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with tofu and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store leftover tiropita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the filo soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frozen filo pastry?

Yes, frozen filo pastry works well. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package instructions and keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out.

Is it possible to prepare tiropita ahead of time?

You can assemble the pie and keep it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake it fresh for the best texture. Alternatively, bake and reheat leftovers as needed.

Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe

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Tiropita is a traditional Greek cheese pie made with a luscious blend of feta and ricotta cheeses enveloped in crispy layers of buttery filo pastry. This savory pie is baked until golden and topped with sesame seeds, offering a delightful contrast of creamy filling and flaky texture. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, served with a drizzle of honey to add a touch of sweetness.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Filling

• 200 g feta cheese
• 250 g ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Filo Pastry Layers

• 16 sheets filo pastry
• 2 tbsp butter (melted, combined with olive oil)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

To Serve

• Honey, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese filling: In a large bowl, combine the feta, ricotta, and eggs. Mash the mixture until nearly smooth, leaving some small lumps from the feta for texture. Season with a pinch of salt and generous freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
2. Preheat and prepare the baking tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (390°F). Lightly brush the base and sides of a 2-3 inch deep baking tray with the melted butter and olive oil mixture to prevent sticking.
3. Layer the base filo sheets: Take one filo sheet and place it so half lies inside the tray and half hangs over the edges, creating flaps. Brush this sheet with the butter and oil mixture. Repeat to place another filo sheet on top, continuing the layering until you have 6 layers, brushing each with the butter/oil mix in between.
4. Add the cheese filling: Pour the prepared cheese mixture into the center of the filo-lined tray. Gently tap the tray on the kitchen surface to flatten and even out the cheese topping.
5. Fold over the filo flaps: Fold the filo sheets that were hanging over the edges inward, covering the cheese filling. Brush the folded flaps with the butter/oil mixture.
6. Top the pie with filo layers: Place 6 more layers of filo sheets on top, brushing each layer generously with the butter and oil mixture to ensure a crisp and golden finish.
7. Final touches and baking: Brush the top layer with the remaining butter/oil mixture and sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the pie is beautifully golden and crisp.
8. Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and drizzle with honey before serving to balance the savory cheese with a hint of sweetness.

Notes

• Use fresh filo pastry and keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
• Adjust the salt carefully since feta cheese is naturally salty.
• For a richer flavor, substitute some butter with olive oil as desired.
• Serve tiropita warm for the best texture and taste.
• Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Tiropita, Greek cheese pie, filo pastry, feta, ricotta, savory pie, sesame seeds, honey drizzle, baked cheese pie