Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe
Tiropita, a traditional Greek cheese pie, features a creamy filling of feta and ricotta cheeses encased in layers of crispy, flaky filo pastry. Baked to golden perfection and topped with sesame seeds, this savory pie is perfect served warm with a drizzle of honey for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Cheese Filling
- 200 g feta cheese
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 3 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pastry & Topping
- 16 sheets of filo pastry
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Honey, for drizzling
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, and eggs. Mash the mixture until it is nearly smooth, leaving a few small lumps from the feta for texture. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare the Tray: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (390°F) or follow the filo pastry packet instructions. Take a 2-3 inch deep baking tray and brush the base and sides thoroughly with the mixture of melted butter and olive oil.
- Layer the Base Filo: Place a filo sheet on each side of the tray, positioning half the sheet on the tray and the other half hanging over the edge to create flaps. Brush this sheet with the butter and oil mixture. Then, line the base of the tray with a filo sheet and brush it with the butter and oil. Repeat this layering process six times, brushing each sheet with the butter/oil mix to ensure crispiness.
- Add the Cheese Filling: Pour the prepared cheese filling into the center of the filo-lined tray. Gently tap the baking tray against the kitchen counter to even out the filling.
- Fold the Filo Flaps and Layer the Top: Fold the filo sheets hanging over the sides (the flaps) back over the filling to enclose it. Brush with more butter and oil, then cover the top with six more sheets of filo, brushing each layer generously with the butter and oil mixture.
- Final Touches and Baking: Brush the final top layer with the remaining butter and olive oil mixture. Sprinkle the surface evenly with sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the filo pastry is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the tiropita from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Slice into six pieces and serve with a drizzle of honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Notes
- Be gentle when working with filo pastry as it is delicate and can dry out quickly. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
- The amount of salt used in the filling should be minimal due to the salty nature of feta cheese.
- Ensure to brush each filo layer generously with butter and olive oil to achieve a golden, crisp texture.
- For added flavor, consider mixing fresh herbs such as dill or parsley into the cheese filling.
- Serve warm, as the pastry crisps up nicely but can soften when cold.
Keywords: Tiropita, Greek cheese pie, feta cheese, ricotta, filo pastry, savory pie, Greek cuisine, easy cheese pie