Delicious Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe
Introduction
Tiropita is a delicious Greek cheese pie made with crisp phyllo dough and a rich, creamy cheese filling. This savory treat is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Its flaky texture and tangy flavor are sure to delight anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 pound feta cheese (crumbled)
- 4 ounces small curd cottage cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 pound phyllo dough (thawed)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing dough)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and salt and black pepper to taste. Gradually add the eggs to the cheese mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Step 2: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough horizontally on a clean work surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again with butter. Repeat for two layers total.
- Step 3: Cut the layered phyllo dough vertically into 6 strips of equal width.
- Step 4: Place a spoonful of the cheese filling at one end of a strip. Fold the corner over to form a triangle, then continue folding the triangle along the length of the strip until you reach the end. Brush the outside of the triangle with melted butter. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the folded tiropita triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Bake for about 13 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling for an herby twist.
- For a quicker option, use pre-made filo triangles from the store.
Storage
Store any leftover tiropita in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze tiropita?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tiropita triangles by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don’t have phyllo dough?
Phyllo dough has a unique flaky texture, but puff pastry can be used as an alternative in a pinch. The flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it still makes a tasty pastry.
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Delicious Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 triangular pastries 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tiropita is a traditional Greek cheese pie made by layering phyllo dough with a creamy cheese filling and baked until golden and crisp. This recipe combines feta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese for a rich and tangy flavor, wrapped in delicate, buttery phyllo triangles perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces small curd cottage cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pastry
- 1/2 pound phyllo dough, thawed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing dough)
Instructions
- Mix filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. In a separate bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the whisked eggs to the cheese mixture and stir until well blended, forming a creamy filling.
- Layer phyllo: On a clean work surface, lay one sheet of phyllo horizontally. Brush it evenly with melted butter, then place another sheet on top and brush again with butter. This will help create a crisp, flaky crust.
- Cut strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the layered phyllo sheets vertically into six equal strips to prepare for folding.
- Fold triangles: Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of a phyllo strip. Fold the corner over to form a triangle, then continue folding the dough over itself in a triangular pattern until you reach the end of the strip. Brush the outside of the folded triangle with melted butter. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the folded tiropita triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for approximately 13 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the phyllo dough is completely thawed and covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta cheese for a lighter filling.
- Brush the triangles with extra butter before baking to enhance flakiness and flavor.
- Serve tiropita warm for the best texture and taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Tiropita, Greek cheese pie, phyllo dough, feta cheese, savory pastry, appetizer, snack
