Greek Honey and Cheese Pie

Recipe

Greek Honey and Cheese Pie

Divine Melopita: A Sweet and Savory Greek Delight

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Greek cuisine with this delightful recipe for Greek Honey and Cheese Pie, also known as Melopita. This traditional dish combines the richness of cheese with the sweetness of honey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Jan Dec
Pie› Sweet Pie› Melopita
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

40-45 minutes

Total time

1 hour 15 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Gluten-free (with appropriate flour substitution), Nut-free, Soy-free

Allergens

Dairy (ricotta cheese, feta cheese, butter), Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo, Keto

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 12g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. 2.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and water. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
  3. 3.
    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. 4.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round baking dish.
  5. 5.
    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined and smooth.
  6. 6.
    Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom and sides of the baking dish. Press the dough into the dish, trimming any excess.
  7. 7.
    Pour the cheese and honey mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
  8. 8.
    Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
  9. 9.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Ricotta cheese — Make sure to use a good quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and smooth filling.
  • Feta cheese — Opt for a brined feta cheese for its tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
  • Honey — Choose a high-quality honey that complements the flavors of the cheese. Greek thyme honey is a great option.
  • Lemon zest — Use organic lemons for the zest to avoid any bitterness from pesticides.
  • Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before dusting to ensure a smooth and even coating.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese and honey mixture.
  • Serve the Melopita warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
  • If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Experiment with different types of honey to vary the flavor profile of the pie.
  • Leftover Melopita can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Melopita with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pair it with a cup of Greek coffee or tea for a truly authentic experience.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the Melopita with a generous amount of powdered sugar to create an enticing visual contrast against the golden crust. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few lemon zest curls for an elegant touch.

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