Tiropitakia – Greek Cheese Triangles with Pancetta & Graviera

Crispy phyllo triangles filled with Greek feta, Cretan graviera, cream cheese and crispy pancetta. The classic Greek party meze.

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Greek

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 20

Servings pieces

Calories 167kcal

12 oz graviera from Crete, (340g) grated (or gruyère)
4 oz pancetta (fresh pork belly) (115g) thinly sliced like bacon (or thick-cut bacon)
1 lb organic phyllo sheets
1 lb Greek feta cheese I like Vikos and Dodoni.
3.5 oz cream cheese (100g), about half a standard block
3 eggs 2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons butter melted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds optional

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Cook the diced pancetta in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
Crumble the feta and mix with the 2 eggs, egg yolk, graviera, cream cheese and cooled pancetta.
Combine the butter with the oil in a small bowl.
Lay the phyllo roll on a cutting board and cut off a piece, 2.5 inches wide (6 cm)
Keep the remaining phyllo under a damp towel to prevent it from drying.
Unroll the cut strips. Take two and lay one on top of the other, lightly brushing each one with the butter-oil mixture.
Put one full teaspoon of cheese filling in one corner and fold the other corner over it to form a triangle.
Then fold the triangle over and over to itself to the end of the strip.
Repeat the same process with the rest of the phyllo.
Keep the cheese pies under a damp towel to prevent them from drying.
Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Arrange the triangles on the baking sheet.
Whisk one egg and a teaspoon of water to make the egg wash.
Brush cheese triangles with the egg wash and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese pies are golden brown.

Substitutions: gruyère for graviera; thick-cut bacon (cooked and drained) for pancetta.
While you are working, keep the remaining phyllo and folded cheese pies under a damp towel to prevent them from drying.

Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided is only an estimate and can vary based on products used.