Traditional Tiropita Greek Cheese Pie Recipes

GREEK CHEESE PIE - TIROPITA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350* F.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Brush 2 sheets of phyllo with the melted butter and spread them gently in the pan, one at a time. The phyllo I use is purposely larger than my baking pan, so I can let the phyllo edges hang outside the pan as I will roll them over later. Take another 2 sheets and repeat the same process adding the phyllo so that the edges cover the rest of the pan. Make sure the phyllo edges are buttered as well. That way, they won't get dry by the time you roll them in.
• In a large bowl, mix well the crumbled feta, grated cheeses, Philadelphia, thyme, the eggs, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Divide the phyllo pack in half and set one half aside, covered with a damp towel, so it does not get dry. Brush one phyllo at a time with butter, crumple it and place in the pan. Repeat the process until all of the sheets of that half of the pack are done.
• Spread the cheeses mix evenly in the pan. Setting two phyllo sheets aside cover with the remaining half of the package in the same process as before. Brush with butter, crumple, and add to the pan.
• Cover pie with the two buttered phyllo sheets. Gently bring all the phyllo edges into the pan, fold them, almost creating a "phyllo border."
• Score gently with a sharp knife.
• Pour the milk evenly all over the pie. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
• Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Uncover and bake for 30 min or until cooked through, and the top is golden brown.

TRADITIONAL TIROPITA - GREEK CHEESE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven at 350 F (180 C)
• Grease (with olive oil) a 9X13 inch (25X35 cm)casserole dish or pan
• In a large bowl smash the feta and anthotiro with a fork.
• Add the mint, dill and pepper and mix.
• In a small bowl beat the eggs and add them to the cheese mixture along with one tablespoon olive oil. Mix well.
• Prepare your working area so that you have space to spread the phyllo.
• Remove your first phyllo sheet carefully and spread it on the bottom of the pan. If it is too big you can scrunch it to fit. Brush with olive oil. I often use an olive oil spray bottle instead. Place the second phyllo on top of the first phyllo and brush with olive oil and continue until you have spread 6 sheets of phyllo.
• Spread the cheese mixture over the phyllo making sure it is spread evenly.
• Cover with 5-6 more phyllo sheets repeating the same process (brushing with olive oil). Make sure that you do not scrunch the final 2-3 phyllo sheets.
• Brush the top layer with olive oil and score. Cut only through the phyllo (not all the way down).
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, splash a bit of water on top with your fingers and place in the oven.
• Bake for about 40 minutes. Lift side slightly to make sure the bottom is baked. Place on the bottom of the oven for another 5 minutes.
• Let it cool for 15 minutes and cut in pieces.
• Keep in refrigerator. You may reheat it at about 280 degrees or you can eat it at room temperature.

TRADITIONAL TIROPITA RECIPE (GREEK CHEESE PIE WITH FETA)

Steps:

• If you choose to prepare this Greek tiropita recipe with commercial phyllo dough, it is important to thaw completely the phyllo dough by putting it in the fridge from the previous day. For the beginners at working with phyllo, check the handling tips before starting.
• Prepare the filling for the tiropita. This traditional tiropita recipe, calls for three different kind of cheese for extra flavour! Use a fork to crumble the feta cheese into a large bowl and add the beaten eggs along with the rest of the grated cheese and heavy cream. Chop some fresh mint and add to the mixture. Season with freshly ground pepper and blend well with a spoon. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
• For this tiropita recipe you will need a large baking tray, approx. 20*30 cm. Using a pastry brush, butter the bottom and sides of the tray. Place one sheet of phyllo at the bottom of the pan and with a cooking brush sprinkle some olive oil or melted butter. Repeat the procedure, adding 4-5 more sheets of phyllo dough. You will use 5-6 phyllo sheets for the bottom of the tiropita.
• Pour in the feta cheese mixture and smooth with a spatula. With a knife trim some of the excessive phyllo, and fold the excess phyllo sheets flaps over the mixture. Top the tiropita with 4-5 more phyllo sheets, making sure to oil or butter each one, before adding the other; roll in the edges. Brush the top with oil or butter, sprinkle with water and sesame seeds. If using commercial phyllo dough to make this tiropita recipe make sure to scar the top with a sharp knife, to help release the steam.
• Bake the tiropita in a preheated oven at 180C for 45-50 minutes, until the phyllo is crisp and golden. Let it cool down for a while before serving. Enjoy!

TRADITIONAL TIROPITA RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Crumble the feta into a medium bowl. Add the cream cheese, eggs, dill, if using, salt, and pepper and mix with a rubber spatula until just combined. The filling will be slightly chunky from the feta.
• Use a pastry brush to lightly grease an 11½ x 9-inch (27 x 22 cm) baking dish with a thin layer of melted butter. Place a sheet of filo dough over the bottom of the pan (the edges will hang over the sides of the pan slightly) and brush with more melted butter. Repeat with 4 more sheets of filo.
• Spread the filling over the filo in an even layer. Fold the edges of the filo over the filling (this will ensure the filling will not spill out during baking.
• Cut the remaining 3 sheets of filo in half crosswise. Stack each half-sheet of filo over the filling, brushing each layer with melted butter. Tuck the sides of the filo around the filling. Brush the top layer of filo with any remaining melted butter.
• Bake the tiropita for 40 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
• Cut the tiropita into 9 pieces and serve.
• Enjoy!