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Today, I am excited to share with you my Tiropita recipe. This is a traditional Greek dish that is made from layers of filo (or phyllo) dough filled with feta cheese and eggs. It is then baked until golden brown and crispy. If you are a fan of cheese, you will love this dish!
Tiropita: The Meaning And Origin
The word tiropita comes from the Greek “τηροπίτα”, meaning “cheese pie”. It is a traditional Greek dish made with phyllo dough, cheese, and egg.
Tiropita can be made with any type of cheese, but the most common are feta, kasseri, kefalotyri, and manouri. Tiropita can be either baked or fried.
The origin of tiropita is not clear, but it is believed to have its roots in the Byzantine Empire. It is mentioned in a 14th-century cookbook, and by the 16th century, it had become a common dish in Greece.
Tiropita is a popular snack food in Greece and is often served as an appetizer or meze. It can also be the main course and is commonly served with a salad.
Tiropita: A Great Make Ahead Appetizer
Tiropita is a great appetizer to make ahead of time. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated, or it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tiropita Recipe (By iStockphoto)
What To Serve With Tiropita?
There are many different ways to enjoy tiropita. It can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, or as a main course with a salad. Some of our favorite dipping sauces for tiropita include:
- Tzatziki Sauce: A traditional Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce.
- Hummus: A Middle Eastern chickpea spread.
- Tahini Sauce: A sauce made from ground sesame seeds.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A vinegar made from grapes that has a sweet and tangy flavor.
If you are serving tiropita as the main course, we recommend pairing it with a simple green salad. Greek Salad, Caesar Salad, and Arugula Salad are all great choices.
>> Read more:
How To Make Tiropita?
Making tiropita is easy, but it does require some time and patience. The most important thing to remember is to not let the phyllo dough get too dry, or it will crack and break.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make tiropita:
- The first thing to do is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), then grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper altogether in a small bowl. Set them aside for later.
- Next, unroll the phyllo dough onto a work surface. Brush it with some of the butter mixtures and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top it with another sheet of phyllo dough and then repeat the process until all sheets of phyllo dough are used.
- You can trim off any excess dough and cut the phyllo stack into 24 equal pieces.
- After that, place your phyllo squares into the prepared baking dish that we have set up first and brush it with the remaining butter mixture.
- Now return to the small bowl and whisk together egg and feta cheese. Pour it over the phyllo squares. Remember to sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Finally, bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tiropita is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Ingredients
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Unroll phyllo dough onto a work surface. Brush with some of the butter mixtures. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with another sheet of phyllo dough. Repeat the process until all sheets of phyllo dough are used.
- Trim off any excess dough. Cut the phyllo stack into 24 equal pieces.
- Place phyllo squares into the prepared baking dish. Brush with the remaining butter mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and feta cheese. Pour over the phyllo squares.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tiropita is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- In case you can't find frozen phyllo dough, you can use fresh phyllo dough. However, it is much more difficult to work with and can dry out quickly.
- If you don't have time to make your own dipping sauces, you can use store-bought versions.
- This recipe can also be made ahead of time and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 piece
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated fat: 4 g
- Trans fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg
- Sodium: 354 mg
>> You can take a look at this video here as a reference to the making of tiropita:
FAQs about Tiropita Recipe
What is the difference between spanakopita and tiropita?
Spanakopita is a Greek pastry made with phyllo dough that is filled with spinach and feta cheese. Tiropita is also made with phyllo dough, but it is filled with feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
What does tiropita taste like?
Tiropita has a rich and creamy filling that is offset by the flaky phyllo dough. The flavors of the cheese, butter, and garlic come together to create a delicious and addictive snack.
What does tiropita mean in Greek?
Tiropita means “cheese pie” in Greek.
Is tiropita gluten free?
No, tiropita is not gluten free because it is made with phyllo dough, which contains wheat flour.
How long does tiropita last?
Tiropita will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Does tiropita need to be refrigerated?
Yes, tiropita needs to be refrigerated because it contains cheese.
Conclusion
Tiropita is a delicious Greek pastry that is perfect for snacking or serving as a main course. It is easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Be sure to not let the phyllo dough dry out, or it will break. Serve with a simple green salad and have a wonderful time with the dish!
In the meantime, you can also visit our website at Lilianakitchen.com for various tips and blogs about food as well as recipes that we are going to update from time to time. Have a good time cooking!
