Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe

Learn how to make authentic homemade Tiropita with this foolproof Greek cheese pie recipe. Featuring crispy layers of buttery phyllo and a creamy feta filling, this best traditional Greek pastry delivers restaurant-quality results with easy-to-follow techniques for perfect flaky layers every time.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Serves:

1 pie (8 servings)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g feta cheese, crumbled</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g ricotta cheese (or anthotyros)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g kefalotyri cheese, grated (or pecorino romano)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 large eggs, lightly beaten</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g phyllo pastry sheets (about 16-20 sheets)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">33×23cm (13×9-inch) baking dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Damp kitchen towel</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta, ricotta, and grated kefalotyri cheese. The combination of different cheeses creates a complex flavor profile - the sharp tanginess of feta balances beautifully with the creaminess of ricotta.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the beaten eggs to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined. The eggs act as a binding agent that helps the filling set during baking. Fold in the chopped dill, mint, and black pepper. The fresh herbs are essential for authentic Greek flavor, so try not to substitute dried herbs if possible.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Unroll your phyllo pastry and cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. This is crucial as dried phyllo becomes brittle and difficult to work with. Brush your baking dish with melted butter to prevent sticking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Lay one sheet of phyllo in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush generously with melted butter, which creates those wonderfully crisp, flaky layers. Repeat this process with half of your phyllo sheets (8-10 sheets), brushing each layer with butter. The multiple buttered layers create the characteristic flakiness of tiropita.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Spread the cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo, taking care to distribute it right to the edges for consistent flavor in every bite. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, repeating the process of laying each sheet and brushing with butter. The butter between each layer not only adds flavor but also helps the phyllo sheets separate during baking, creating that distinctive layered texture. For the top layer, brush generously with butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo into your desired serving portions (typically squares or diamonds) before baking. This makes serving easier and prevents the flaky top from shattering when cutting later. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the filling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp. You'll know it's done when the pastry makes a hollow sound when tapped gently. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the tiropita to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to set and makes cutting cleaner. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Your tiropita will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated, though the pastry will soften over time.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)?

Traditional Tiropita uses feta cheese as the star ingredient, combined with ricotta and kefalotyri (or pecorino romano), eggs, fresh herbs like dill and mint, all encased in buttery layers of phyllo pastry. The butter between layers creates the signature flaky texture.

How to cook Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) at home?

Learn how to cook Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) by layering buttered phyllo sheets in a baking dish, adding a rich cheese and herb filling, then topping with more buttered phyllo. Score the top before baking at 180°C for 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy. The key is keeping your phyllo covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make Greek cheese pie ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, Tiropita freezes beautifully! You can either freeze it unbaked or after baking. For unbaked, assemble completely then freeze covered tightly. For baked, cool completely, slice, then freeze. Either way, wrap well to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 3 months.

What's the secret to achieving perfectly crispy phyllo layers?

The secret to crispy phyllo is generous butter between each layer and ensuring your phyllo doesn't dry out during assembly. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth, work quickly, and brush each layer thoroughly with melted butter, especially around the edges.

What are traditional accompaniments for Greek cheese pie?

Traditional Greek cheese pie is typically served with a simple Greek salad, tzatziki, or plain Greek yoghurt. It's often enjoyed as part of a mezze spread alongside olives and dolmades, or as a light meal with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savoury contrast.

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