There a lot of variations on cheese and phyllo appetizers in Greek cuisine. I’ve already made the classic spanakopita and brie baked in phyllo on the show. Basically, you can’t go wrong when you combine the flavors of tangy cheese, crispy phyllo, and a sweet topping! Today I’m making Goat Cheese Triangles with Honey and Sesame. I know you’ll love them.
These triangles are fairly easy to make because the filling is only goat cheese. I always soften it in a bowl a little bit before I use it, but you don’t need to do anything other than that. I work with phyllo a lot and this is a good time to remind you all that you must keep it a little moist when you’re working. Sometimes I cover the unused sheets with a damp paper towel to make sure they don’t dry out before I get to them. Take your time buttering each side as you add the goat cheese and fold it up like a flag. The butter will ensure the phyllo gets nice and flaky when baked.
Once all your triangles are made, slip them in the oven to bake until they are crispy and hot all the way through. What really makes this appetizer incredible is when you drizzle them with the honey and add the sesame seeds for a light nutty crunch.
These are best served hot right out of the oven. They can be kept chilled once you’ve prepared them, and baked later right before you’d like to serve them. Have a napkin or small plate ready when serving because the phyllo shatters in your mouth sending flakes everywhere. You won’t really care that much because they taste so good, but you’ll still be glad to have a napkin in your hand! There are many ways to serve them. The cardinal rule is to remember not to plan on any leftovers. Enjoy!
Classic Goat Cheese Triangles with Honey and Phyllo
These appetizers are made with traditional Mediterranean flavors. I like to serve them at parties or add them to grazing tables. There are never any leftovers!
Ingredients:
8 oz creamy plain goat cheese
10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or butter the baking sheet.
Add the goat cheese to a bowl and stir it a few times to aerate.
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface. Brush generously with melted butter. Fold in half lengthwise, then brush again with butter.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the goat cheese near the bottom corner of the folded phyllo dough. Fold the corner diagonally to form a triangle, then continue folding up the dough in a flag-like fashion to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining sheets of phyllo and filling.
Arrange triangles on the prepared baking sheet, brush with remaining butter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Drizzle warm honey over the baked triangles and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.