Greek Chile-Cheese Pastries
Greek Chile-Cheese Pastries are flaky, savory bites filled with cheeses, herbs, and green chiles, perfect for appetizers, parties, or a flavorful snack with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brush baking sheets with melted butter.
- Beat eggs, cottage cheese, Feta cheese, parsley, and salt together until well blended.
- Stack 2 filo pastry sheets; cut stacked sheets into 3-inch wide strips.
- Brush each 2-layer strip with melted butter on both sides.
- Place a spoonful of cheese filling at one end of each strip.
- Top with a few pieces of green chiles.
- Fold one corner of the strip over the filling to create a triangular shape, then fold the triangle over on itself.
- Continue folding the triangle from side to side until reaching the end of the pastry strip.
- Pierce the top of each pastry with a wooden pick and place on the buttered baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining filo sheets, cheese filling, and chiles.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Makes about 48 pastries. For a milder flavor, substitute Muenster cheese for feta.
Tips & Substitutions
To simplify the folding process, work with one strip of filo pastry at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent drying out. If you're looking for a milder flavor, you can substitute Muenster cheese for feta. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or mint for added flavor, which are common in Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These Greek Chile-Cheese Pastries make a delightful appetizer or snack. Serve them warm with a side of tzatziki or a fresh cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a light tomato soup or a refreshing Mediterranean salad. They also complement each other well with dishes like Weight Watcher'S Cheese 'N' Eggplant Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Chile-Cheese Pastries contains roughly 64 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the pastries before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. This will give the filling a richer taste. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese, though the texture will differ slightly.
How can I make these pastries spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more fresh hot green chiles to the filling or incorporate some chopped jalapeños. Another option is to sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).