Cheese triangles are like an easier version of Spanakopita. I love both, but I make cheese triangles when I don’t have the time to make the filling for the Spanakopita, which is more involved. As you’ll see, these yummy bites of cheese-filled phyllo are ideal for parties and even for family events. They don’t take very long to pull together and are a guaranteed hit with a crowd.
Similar to Spanakopita, these are triangles of buttered phyllo stuffed with cheese, topped with sesame seeds, and baked in the oven. The cheese filling is soft and mild, it’s not overwhelming to eat and isn’t too filling. The key part of preparing the triangles is brushing every layer of phyllo with butter. This ensures the phyllo will have many, many crispy layers that shatter perfectly when you bite into it.
This recipe can be fun to make with children if they are experienced in the kitchen. I often have my older children help me fold the phyllo like a flag. With many hands helping we’re able to make a few trays of these in under an hour. It’s great when you’re expecting a crowd!
I often prepare these up to a day in advance of entertaining and bake them right before I’m ready to serve them. They keep well covered in the fridge. It is so nice to have a few make-ahead appetizers in any entertaining repertoire After they’ve been baked, I pile them on a platter or cake stand warm and serve them right away.
If you have a big party coming over these would be a great addition to a grazing table or buffet of appetizers. They are so versatile when it comes to serving and I know your friends will enjoy them as much as mine do. If you have any questions about them feel free to leave a comment and let me know! Enjoy!
MINI CHEESE PIES | TYROPITAKIA
Makes about 20-24 pcs
These delicious cheese pies are perfect for parties or light bites on a winter evening. I love how the cheeses blend together to make a sweet, salty flavor. If you want to prepare these in advance, prepare them as they are and then freeze them. When you are entertaining bring them to room temperature and bake them according to directions.
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups crumbled feta
1 large egg
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg
1.5 sticks (12 tablespoons) of unsalted butter for brushing
Sesame seeds for garnish
Phyllo #7
Place phyllo in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften it. Meanwhile, place the butter in a small saucepan on the stovetop and bring the heat to medium-low until it is melted. Remove from the heat.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Brush some of the melted butter on the bottom of a large, rimmed baking sheet.
Unfold the phyllo. Lay it in front of you horizontally. Fold the phyllo in half like a book to give the line to indicate how exactly where to cut it in half.
Stack the two halves of phyllo on top of one another so it is 20 – 24 sheets thick. Place the stack in front of you lengthwise.
Brush the top sheet with phyllo, fold it into thirds, put a tablespoon of filling at the top of the phyllo and fold it like a flag*. Repeat until you’ve made 20-24 triangles. Place them all on the buttered baking sheet.
Brush the top of each triangle with butter and spring the sesame seeds on top.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.
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