Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 0.6 lb Greek feta cheese (Vikos or Dodoni recommended)
- 12 oz gruyere cheese, grated
- 3.5 oz Philadelphia cheese (about half a classic package)
- 4 medium eggs (use 3 if large eggs)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 box organic phyllo sheets
- 1.5 sticks butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Melt Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and warm.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the feta, grated gruyere, Philadelphia cheese, fresh thyme leaves, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Layer Base Phyllo Sheets: Brush two sheets of phyllo with melted butter each and gently lay them in your baking pan, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Repeat with another two sheets to cover the remaining pan sides. Ensure each sheet’s edges and surface are well buttered to keep the phyllo from drying out.
- Build Crumpled Phyllo Base: Divide remaining phyllo sheets in half. Cover one half with a damp towel to prevent drying. Take sheets from the other half, brushing each with butter, crumpling gently, and layering them evenly in the pan over the base sheets.
- Add Cheese Filling: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the crumpled phyllo base layer, ensuring a flat, uniform surface.
- Layer Top Crumpled Phyllo: Use the reserved half of phyllo sheets to cover the filling, again brushing each sheet with butter, crumpling gently, and layering. This creates a rustic textured cover for the pie.
- Add Final Phyllo Layer and Seal: Place the last two buttered phyllo sheets flat on top. Fold all overhanging edges into the pan to form a neat phyllo border. Score the top gently with a sharp knife for future portioning.
- Add Milk and Sesame Seeds: Pour milk evenly over the top of the pie to help with moisture absorption. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the surface.
- Rest and Bake: Let the pie rest for 10 minutes to allow the milk to soak into the layers. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use medium eggs for best texture; large eggs may alter the filling consistency so use fewer if substituting.
- Butter every phyllo sheet thoroughly to achieve a crisp and flaky crust.
- Cover unused phyllo sheets with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out during preparation.
- Resting the pie before baking helps the milk absorb into the layers for a moist but crispy texture.
- Scoring the pie before baking allows for easier slicing after baking.
- Use organic phyllo sheets when possible for best flavor and quality.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Savory Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian