Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie Recipe

If you have ever longed for a dish that feels like a warm hug from your childhood, this Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie is exactly what you need. Imagine layers upon layers of perfectly crispy, golden filo pastry embracing a luscious, creamy blend of tangy feta, velvety ricotta, and nutty graviera cheeses, all brightened with fragrant fresh mint and tender sautéed leek. This Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie offers the kind of comfort and flavor that makes any meal feel special, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more with the biggest smile on your face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a fantastic Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie is simpler than you might think, and the ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each one plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance between texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden color.

• Salted butter: For sautéing the leek and adding richness to the filo layers.
• Leek (white part only): Offers a subtle sweetness and gentle texture that complements the cheese filling.
• Filo pastry: The paper-thin sheets create the signature crispy, flaky crust.
• Clarified butter (ghee): Brushed generously between filo layers for extra crispiness and golden color.
• Feta cheese (crumbled): The star of the filling with its salty and tangy profile.
• Ricotta (strained): Gives the filling a creamy, smooth texture without excess moisture.
• Graviera cheese (grated): Adds a mild nutty flavor that balances the feta.
• Eggs: Bind the cheese and herbs together perfectly.
• Fresh mint (finely chopped): Brings a refreshing, bright note to every bite.
• Cracked pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle spicy kick.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for texture and a toasty finish.
• Nigella seeds: Adds an exotic, slightly peppery note that elevates the pie’s character.

How to Make Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie

Step 1: Sauté the Leek

Begin by warming the salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white part of the leek and gently sauté until softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Be careful not to brown it. This softened leek adds a lovely sweetness and depth to your filling that balances the sharpness of the feta beautifully. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 170°C fan-forced (or 180°C for non-fan ovens). Take a 32cm round baking pan or an oven-safe frypan and brush it thoroughly with melted ghee. This step ensures the filo will bake up crisp and golden without sticking, giving your Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie its signature flaky crust.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooled leek, crumbled feta, strained ricotta, and grated graviera cheese. Crack in the eggs, add the finely chopped fresh mint, and sprinkle with cracked pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly incorporated. This cheesy, herby mixture is the heart of your tiropita’s rich flavor and creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiropita

Lay out a single sheet of filo pastry with the longest side towards you. If you like, use a piping bag to place a log of the cheese filling along the edge closest to you. Otherwise, carefully spoon a line of filling. Lightly brush the exposed pastry area with melted butter, then roll it up tightly into a log, sealing in the filling. Place this log at the outer edge of your prepared baking dish and continue rolling and forming logs with the remaining filo and filling. Arrange the logs in a snail-like spiral, filling the pan entirely.

Step 5: Final Touch and Baking

Brush the entire top surface generously with ghee to help achieve that perfect golden crust. Sprinkle sesame and nigella seeds over the top for extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Bake the Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie on the middle rack for about 75 minutes, or until the pie is beautifully browned and crisp. Let it cool for 10 minutes after baking, which allows the filling to set nicely before slicing into wedges.

How to Serve Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie

Garnishes

Simple garnishes go a long way with this pie. Freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds not only add a pop of color but also introduce fresh herbal notes that enhance the rich filling. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can also add a delightful shimmer and richness.

Side Dishes

Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads like a classic Greek salad loaded with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and a light vinaigrette. A side of roasted vegetables or a refreshing tzatziki dip can also complement the flaky, cheesy goodness perfectly, providing a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, serve individual mini tiropita spirals as elegant appetizers at your next gathering. Alternatively, cut the pie into small triangles and place them on a platter lined with fresh herbs for a rustic yet eye-catching presentation. You could even add a touch of honey or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a playful twist on this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.

Freezing

This pie is freezer-friendly! Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. This is a brilliant way to prepare ahead for busy days or special occasions, ensuring you have a delicious homemade meal ready whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring back that crisp, flaky magic from frozen or refrigerated leftovers, pop your Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. This reheating method revives the filo’s crunch while warming the cheese filling perfectly, unlike microwaving which can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen filo pastry for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it gently overnight in the fridge, never at room temperature, to prevent dryness and breakage. Handle the sheets carefully since filo is very delicate.

What cheeses can I substitute if I can’t find graviera?

If graviera is hard to find, try using a mild cheddar or a young gouda as alternatives. They will provide similar nuttiness and meltability, keeping the filling luscious and flavorful.

Is it okay to prepare the tiropita ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the pie and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just cover well with plastic wrap to prevent the filo from drying out.

Can I make this pie vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian since it contains no meat. However, if you want to add more vegetables, finely chopped spinach or herbs like dill work wonderfully in the filling.

What’s the best way to cut Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie?

Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes after baking, then use a sharp serrated knife to cut into wedges. This ensures clean slices that hold together well without crumbling.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing Tiropita Greek Cheese Feta Pie is like inviting a piece of Greek culinary heritage into your home. Its irresistible layers of buttery, crispy filo intertwined with a rich, cheesy filling make it a dish that’s comforting, delicious, and endlessly satisfying. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—once you do, it will surely become one of your all-time favorites like it is to me!