Go Back
Freshly baked Baklava Cheese Pie made with crispy golden phyllo dough and a rich cheese filling, served with a sprinkle of pistachios.

Baklava Cheese Pie

Learn how to make crispy Baklava Cheese Pie with flaky phyllo dough and a rich blend of cheeses. An easy, savory recipe perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 3 pies

Ingredients
  

  • 390 g Phyllo dough
  • 120 g Ghee
Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup grated Akkawi cheese
  • cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1⅓ cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • tablespoons beaten egg
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • A small pinch of white pepper

Equipment

  • Baking tray
  • Parchment (butter) paper
  • 2 Metal pastry rings (to hold the shape)
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Method
 

Prepare the Tray
  1. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Place two metal pastry rings on the paper to act as a mold for the pie.
Layer the Dough
  1. Brush the bottom of the parchment paper inside the rings with melted ghee.
  2. Lay down the first sheet of phyllo dough.
  3. Brush it generously with ghee.
  4. Lay the next sheet in the opposite direction (crosswise) to ensure even coverage and strength.
  5. Repeat this process until you have used 5 layers of dough, brushing each layer with ghee.
Add the Filling
  1. Spread the cheese and herb mixture evenly over the center of the dough layers within the rings.
Shape the Pie
  1. Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo dough inward over the cheese.
  2. Don't worry about making it perfect; a ruffled, "rose-like" appearance on top adds to the texture.
Final Buttering
  1. Brush the top of the folded dough thoroughly with ghee to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
Baking - Phase 1
  1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the pie for 25 minutes.
Baking - Phase 2
  1. Lower the oven temperature to approximately 160°C (320°F) and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and the cheese is melted.
Garnish
  1. Once out of the oven, sprinkle the edges or the center with finely ground pistachios.
Serve
  1. Cut into wedges and enjoy. This pie can be served hot for a gooey cheese pull or at room temperature for maximum crunch.

Video

Notes

After the first 5 minutes of baking, carefully remove the metal rings to allow the sides of the pastry to brown evenly.