These traditional Thracian cheese squares, known as Tyropita Trifti, offer a delightful contrast between a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, rich interior. Made with a blend of butter and olive oil, the dough is intentionally kept soft to achieve the signature “trifti” texture&# 226;ÂÂcrumbly and tender rather than hard. The filling relies on grated Greek cheese, providing a savory, salty punch that pairs perfectly with the buttery pastry. Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated snack with coffee, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and store well for weeks. They capture the essence of home-style Greek cooking with simple ingredients and comforting flavors.
Tyropita Trifti Thrakis (Thracian Style Cheese Squares
Description
These traditional Thracian cheese squares, known as Tyropita Trifti, offer a delightful contrast between a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, rich interior. Made with a blend of butter and olive oil, the dough is intentionally kept soft to achieve the signature "trifti" texture&# 226;ÂÂcrumbly and tender rather than hard. The filling relies on grated Greek cheese, providing a savory, salty punch that pairs perfectly with the buttery pastry. Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated snack with coffee, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and store well for weeks. They capture the essence of home-style Greek cooking with simple ingredients and comforting flavors.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177ðC).
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In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
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Lower the mixer speed and add the olive oil, beating until combined and fluffy.
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Beat in the milk, baking powder, salt, and grated cheese.
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Add 1 cup of flour and mix briefly.
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Switch to mixing by hand, adding the remaining flour gradually.
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Knead the dough just until it comes together and is soft enough to roll, but not stiff.
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Roll the dough on a buttered sheet or cookie sheet to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
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Cut the dough into small 1-inch squares.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, moving to the top shelf of the oven for the last few minutes to achieve a golden chestnut color.
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Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 100
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 492.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 54.6g84%
- Saturated Fat 19.7g99%
- Cholesterol 65.1mg22%
- Sodium 2903.9mg121%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.9g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 1.4g
- Protein 1.2g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The word "trifti" refers to the texture: crisp and crumbly in the mouth. The secret to this texture is adding only enough flour to make a soft dough; do not overwork it.
You can shape the dough individually into "bastounakia" (little canes) about half a finger wide and a finger long instead of cutting squares.
If the cheese you are using is very salty, reduce or omit the added salt.
Store in covered tins; these squares will keep for several weeks.
