Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown pastry that oozes with creamy, tangy cheese - welcome to the world of Tiropita, a beloved Greek delicacy that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece! These delectable cheese pastries are not just a snack, but a journey through traditional Greek flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece. Whether you're a cheese lover, a pastry enthusiast, or simply someone craving an extraordinary culinary experience, this Tiropita recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 400g feta cheese
- 200g ricotta cheese
- 3 eggs
- 8 sheets of phyllo pastry
- 100g butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tiropita will bake evenly and become golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the 400g of feta cheese and add the 200g of ricotta cheese. Use a fork to combine them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Crack the 3 eggs into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that feta cheese is already salty. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Prepare your workspace by laying out the 8 sheets of phyllo pastry. Keep the phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.
- Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it generously with the melted 100g of butter. Place another sheet on top and brush it again with butter. Repeat this process until you have layered 4 sheets of phyllo pastry.
- Once you have your layered phyllo, spoon a portion of the cheese filling along one edge of the pastry, creating a log shape. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make it difficult to roll.
- Gently roll the phyllo pastry over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat cylinder. Place the rolled pastry seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat the layering and rolling process with the remaining phyllo sheets and cheese filling until all the ingredients are used up. You should have 2 rolls of tiropita.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with any remaining melted butter to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 4 equal pieces, making sure not to cut all the way through the bottom. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the tiropita from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Greek cheese pastries!
Tips
- Phyllo Pastry Handling: Keep your phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out. Work quickly and gently to maintain their delicate texture.
- Cheese Mixture Consistency: Ensure your cheese blend is smooth and well-mixed. The combination of feta and ricotta creates a perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors.
- Butter is Key: Don't skimp on brushing each phyllo layer with melted butter. This creates those irresistibly crispy, flaky layers that make Tiropita so special.
- Rolling Technique: When rolling your pastry, be gentle but firm. Tuck in the sides to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Baking Perfection: Watch your Tiropita closely in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You want a golden-brown color, not a burnt pastry.
- Serving Suggestion: These pastries are best served warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature. Pair with a fresh Greek salad or as a stunning appetizer at your next gathering!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 145mg
