Description
Tiropita, or Greek Cheese Pie, is a savory pastry made with flaky phyllo dough and a creamy cheese filling. With feta, ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Ingredients
1 package of phyllo pastry (16 oz)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta, ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare the Phyllo Pastry: Carefully unroll the phyllo pastry. Keep it covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.
- Layer the Phyllo: Take one sheet of phyllo and place it on a clean work surface. Brush the sheet lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Repeat with 3-4 more sheets, layering them on top of each other.
- Add the Filling: Place a generous amount of the cheese filling at one end of the layered phyllo, forming a line along the length of the pastry.
- Fold into a Roll: Gently roll the phyllo over the filling, starting from the filled end, and roll tightly to form a cylinder. Seal the ends well and repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.
- Grease a Baking Dish: Arrange the rolled Tiropita in a greased baking dish. Shape them into spirals or keep them as straight rolls.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the top of the Tiropita with more melted butter or olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Tiropita cool slightly before slicing into individual portions. Serve warm.
Notes
For a traditional twist, add chopped spinach to the cheese mixture to create a spanakopita.
For a heartier version, add cooked ground lamb or beef to the filling.
Experiment with herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil for different flavor profiles.
For mini portions, use mini phyllo cups or roll the pastry into bite-sized spirals for appetizers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg