Tiropita (cheese pie)

tiropita_(cheese_pie)

There are few things more quintessentially Greek than a classic Tiropita or cheese pie. This beloved dish has been a part of Greek culinary culture for centuries and remains wildly popular today. Made with a combination of creamy cheeses, buttery phyllo dough, and a few simple ingredients, Tiropita is the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of day.

While there are many variations of Tiropita, the basic components remain the same. The filling is typically made with feta cheese, which is crumbled and mixed with ricotta, cottage cheese or other soft, tangy cheeses like myzithra, anthotyro, or kasseri. These ingredients are blended together with eggs, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and sometimes a bit of milk or cream to create a rich, custardy filling that’s bursting with flavor.

The phyllo dough is the perfect foil for the rich and flavorful cheese filling. Light, flaky layers of pastry are brushed with melted butter to create a savory, buttery crust that compliments the creamy filling perfectly. When baked to golden perfection, the result is a delicious and irresistible cheese pie that can be served as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or dinner, or even a satisfying snack.

To make a traditional Tiropita, you’ll need to start by assembling the filling. Begin by crumbling your feta cheese into a bowl, then adding your soft, tangy cheese of choice. Use a fork and mash the cheese together until it forms a creamy, homogenous mixture.

Next, whisk in your eggs, one at a time, until they are fully incorporated. Add a bit of milk or cream if desired, as this will help to keep the mixture moist and tender. Lastly, add in any fresh herbs you like, such as chopped dill, parsley or oregano, and season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.

Now it’s time to assemble the Tiropita. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brushing a large baking dish or pie pan with melted butter. Take your phyllo dough, which can be purchased pre-made at most grocery stores, and lay out a single sheet on a clean, flat surface. Brush the sheet with melted butter, then stack another sheet on top and brush that one as well. Continue this process until you have around 8-10 sheets stacked together.

Carefully transfer the phyllo dough to the prepared baking dish, making sure it covers the entire bottom and sides of the pan. Spoon your cheese mixture on top of the phyllo dough, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Repeat the layering process with the remaining phyllo dough and butter, layering it on top of the cheese filling to create a flaky crust.

Bake the Tiropita in the oven for around 30-35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crisp. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Tiropita is often served as a main course alongside a fresh Greek salad, or as a savory snack with a cup of strong Greek coffee.

In conclusion, Greek Tiropita is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. Its rich and creamy filling, paired with the light and flaky pastry crust, is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or as a special treat for yourself, this classic Greek cheese pie is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb feta cheese, crumbled
  • 8 oz Greek yogurt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 16 sheets phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, olive oil, parsley, dill, green onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.

  3. Lightly brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with some melted butter.

  4. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish, brushing it lightly with butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.

  5. Pour the cheese mixture over the phyllo layers, spreading it out evenly.

  6. Top the cheese mixture with another sheet of phyllo dough, brushing it with butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.

  7. Score the top layer of phyllo dough to form squares or diamonds, taking care not to cut all the way through to the cheese mixture.

  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

  9. Remove from the oven, and let the tiropita cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Greek tiropita!