Name: Golden Greek Honey Pie (Melopita) Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free); 1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil; Pinch of salt; 3-4 tbsp cold water; 1 1/2 cups Kasseri or mild feta cheese, softened; 1/2 cup honey (preferably floral, unadulterated); 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Description

Golden Greek Honey Pie, or Melopita, is a traditional Greek dessert featuring a tender, buttery crust filled with a creamy blend of kasseri or mild feta cheese, honey, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon. This comforting pie bakes to a delicate golden top and offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond/oat flour for gluten-free)
1/2 cup unsalted butter or olive oil
Pinch of salt
3-4 tbsp cold water

Filling

1 1/2 cups Kasseri or mild feta cheese, softened
1/2 cup honey (preferably floral, unadulterated)
3 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Prepare the dough: Mix the flour with the butter or olive oil until a crumbly texture forms. Add a pinch of salt and just enough cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and ensure a tender crust.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, cream together the softened cheese and honey until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then gradually add milk and flour to create a thick but pourable mixture. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and gently mix to combine all flavors evenly.
Roll out the dough: Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it fits your pie dish, approximately 1 inch thick with a small edge around the sides. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish.
Fill and bake: Pour the cheese and honey filling into the prepared crust and smooth the surface evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors meld and the texture set into a creamy consistency. Serve with optional garnishes and enjoy warm, cold, or at room temperature.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour throughout the recipe.
Kasseri cheese can be replaced with mild feta for a slightly different taste and creaminess.
Use floral, unadulterated honey to maximize the pie’s authentic sweet flavor.
Be careful not to overbake; the filling should be set but still creamy inside.
The pie can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to preference.