tiropitakia savory cheese puffs + phyllo dough tutorial

Greece, NY
Updated on Jan 6, 2026

This is a very old, passed down many generations, Greek recipe. This is one of the originals! Whether you make larger pieces as a main dish or smaller pieces as appetizers, guests and family will devour their plates. The buttery flavor, combined with savory cheese, is always a winner. I thought I would provide a tutorial for the phyllo dough. It's one of the baker's best friends. Don't be scared. If you love your phyllo dough, it will love you back and make you look like you fussed for hours. A very easy pastry dough to work with once you realize you can't work with it frozen.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

We love most everything with phyllo dough, and this Tiropitakia did not disappoint. Outside, the phyllo dough is buttery and crunchy. It holds a cheesy filling. The flavor of the filling is mild, but if you want to spice things up, you can add garlic or spinach. This appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a holiday gathering. They do take a little time to prepare, but once you understand how to fold a flag, they're easy peasy.

prep time 1 Hr
cook time 25 Min
method Bake
yield 24 piece(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 package phyllo dough defrosted overnight in fridge
  • 1 1/2 cups Feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh parsley, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 sticks butter (has to be butter for this dish)

How To Make tiropitakia savory cheese puffs + phyllo dough tutorial

  • In a small bowl, add cheeses, herbs, spices, and beaten eggs.
    Step 1
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, add cheeses, herbs, spices, and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly, set aside.
  • Cut phyllo into strips.
    Step 2
    On a clean flat surface, bring out your phyllo dough. Cut into strips.
  • Cover with a damp cloth.
    Step 3
    Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it damp.
  • Melt the butter.
    Step 4
    Melt the butter. I use the microwave and usually do 1/2 cup at a time.
  • Take 2 - 3 strips of phyllo dough and baste with melted butter.
    Step 5
    Take 2 - 3 strips of phyllo dough and baste with melted butter.
  • Add 1 Tbsp of filling to the corner of the phyllo.
    Step 6
    Add 1 Tbsp or so of filling at one end.
  • Starting at the top right corner, bring the phyllo dough over the filling, making a triangle.
    Step 7
    Starting at the top right corner, bring the phyllo dough over the filling, making a triangle. Flatten slightly to ensure all the pastry has filling in it.
  • Now take the top left pointy corner of your filled pastry, and bring it down on the left-hand side.
    Step 8
    Now take the top left pointy corner of your filled pastry, and bring it down on the left-hand side.
  • Working again with the left pointy part, bring your triangle over to the right. Continue folding like a flag.
    Step 9
    Working again with the left pointy part, bring your triangle over to the right. Continue folding like a flag.
  • Continue doing this until you reach the end of the dough. At this point, just cut off the excess piece.
    Step 10
    Continue doing this until you reach the end of the dough. At this point, just cut off the excess piece.
  • Place on a lined baking sheet and brush with butter.
    Step 11
    Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then brush with butter. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bake 18 - 22 minutes.
    Step 12
    Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 18 - 22 minutes.
  • Bake until golden brown.
    Step 13
    They should be golden brown. These can be eaten as is, totally addicting, and so elegant on a plate. The various uses of this wonderful pastry dough are second to none. You can make them savory or sweet. Fill them with whatever you would like.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 160 kcal, carbohydrates: 11 g, cholesterol: 44 mg, fat: 11 g, fiber: 0 g, protein: 4 g, saturated fat: 7 g, sodium: 342 mg, sugar: 0 g, unsaturated fat: 4 g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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