Sophisticated and savory, the traditional Greek pies have little in common with their sweet counterparts from other cultures. Unlike apple or cherry pies, the majority of Greek pies are more akin to pot pies or shepherd’s pies, with a few exceptions like galatopita, karidopita, and bougatsa that lean towards sweetness. This contrast is evident in the division between sweet and savory options within this list.
So if you’re someone who appreciates a warm, hearty, and savory pie, you’ve come to the right place, as each one of the 10 Greek pies listed here is not only delicious but also offers a unique flavor experience that will leave you wanting more. Whether it’s your first or tenth time trying these pies, rest assured that you’ll be hooked, so go ahead and give them a try! Let me know which one becomes your favorite!
Galatopita: Greek Milk Pie
Pleasingly simple to prepare and incredibly delicious to eat, this recipe has gained a lot of attention from home bakers and food enthusiasts alike. Part of its appeal lies in the fact that it requires minimal ingredients and effort to make. The basic pie itself is made with semolina, cornflour, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, milk, sugar, and butter, all of which are easily available at most local grocery stores.
To create the sweet topping, you’ll need an egg, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and icing sugar, which can be mixed together in just a few minutes. This delightful pie is perfect for any mealtime – whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner – and its taste will surely impress your family and friends.
Greek Bougatsa (Custard Pie with Phyllo and Ground Cinnamon)
Wrapped in layers of delicate phyllo dough, this Greek pie boasts a sweet and creamy vanilla custard filling that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The combination of ground cinnamon and icing sugar on top adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it almost like a holiday treat in itself. With its crispy exterior giving way to a wonderfully creamy interior, this dessert is sure to become a regular favorite once you’ve tried it for the first time.
Kreatopita: Greek Minced Meat & Phyllo Pie
Often, Greek cuisine is associated with sweet pastries and desserts, but this pie showcases a different side of traditional Greek baking. Outfitted with a thin and flaky phyllo crust, it boasts a savory filling packed with meat sauce, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a medley of other ingredients. The result is a dish that’s both cheesy and peppery, without being too spicy, and features a delightful crunch from the various textures.
One notable aspect of this pie is its impressive filling capacity, making it satisfying for hours, potentially even lasting into the next day.
Sfakianopita: Cretan Cheese Pie With Nuts And Honey
Beyond the typical characteristics of pies, this particular dessert stands out for its unique flavor profile and presentation. It effortlessly balances sweet elements such as honey, nuts, and cinnamon with tangy components like feta cheese, brandy, and lemon juice. Unlike traditional pies where fillings are enclosed within a crust, all the extra ingredients in this case are placed on top of a flat base, giving it an appearance reminiscent of cookies or pizzas.
Despite its unconventional approach, the end result is just as delightful, with the added advantage of requiring only 30 minutes to prepare a serving that can feed three to five individuals.
Spanakopita Recipe (Greek Spinach Pie)
Keeping in mind the simplicity of its preparation, this pie boasts a delightful contrast between its crunchy phyllo crust and the scrumptious filling that’s bursting with cheesy goodness, herby flavors, and tender, well-seasoned spinach. The recipe is surprisingly straightforward, calling for only nine ingredients to bring it all together.
Nevertheless, be sure to plan ahead, as it will take around an hour from start to finish, making it a worthwhile endeavor that demands some patience and forward thinking.
Greek Leek Pie with Homemade Phyllo-Prasopita
Spruced up with plenty of garden-fresh and herb flavors, the Greek leek pie is definitely worth giving a try. To make this delicious treat, you’ll need to combine homemade phyllo dough with an assortment of tasty ingredients, including leeks, spring onions, olive oil, crumbled feta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
Although the recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, the end result is anything but simple – a thick, rich pie overflowing with an abundance of veggies that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. And as a bonus, it just so happens that this dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly!
Vegan Greek Pie with Eggplants – Melitzanopita
Zestfully blending Greek and Italian flavors, this vegan-friendly pie boasts an impressive array of ingredients including eggplant, onions, red peppers, oregano, mint, and more. While it requires about 80 minutes to complete, the actual prep time is a remarkably short 10 minutes, making it a relatively effortless dish to prepare. Not only that, but this pie is truly spectacular, with its crispy crust and hearty, chunky filling sure to delight your taste buds.
The addition of sesame seeds adds a delightful touch, elevating the overall experience.
Hortopita – Wild Greens Pie
Keeping in mind the preference of many greens enthusiasts, the wild greens pie is an exceptional Greek recipe that truly stands out. While the scrumptious pastry crust provides a delightful base, it’s the filling that steals the show with its rich flavor profile. This delectable combination features spinach, kale, dill, parsley, onions, feta, and Kefalograviera cheeses, eggs, salt, and pepper – an impressive array of ingredients that might initially seem overwhelming to some.
Nevertheless, this blend is what sets this mouthwatering pie apart as a nutrient-dense superfood-packed healthy dinner option for any evening of the week.
Tyropitakia or Cheese Pies
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil to create a perfectly crispy crust on these phenomenal cheese pies. When made correctly, the result is a delicate yet satisfying crunch that’s simply irresistible. These delicious pastries require only five basic ingredients: phyllo dough, feta cheese, ricotta cheese, an egg, and flour, which will all come together in a heavenly combination.
With a total preparation time of 90 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be indulging in the perfect snack in no time. Each bite is like experiencing a little slice of cheesy paradise, where every flavor and texture melds together in perfect harmony.
Karidopita
Picking up from where we left off with the savory options, I thought it would be nice to conclude our culinary journey on a sweeter note with the karidopita. This stunning golden-brown pie is infused with the warmth of vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts, creating a delightful flavor profile. The key to its tender texture lies in the spiced syrup that’s added on top – the longer it soaks, the softer it becomes.
As per the recipe’s suggestion, take the time to prepare this dish in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Trust me when I say you’ll be glad you did, as the end result is well worth the extra effort.
10 Types of Greek Pies
Instructions
Mastering the art of cooking Greek dishes can be achieved with simplicity and speed. By choosing a favorite recipe, individuals can streamline the process of meal preparation. Ensuring that all necessary ingredients are accounted for is also crucial to avoiding last-minute trips to the store. Furthermore, preparing a traditional Greek pie in under 30 minutes is entirely feasible with some planning and efficiency.
