Christmas Tree Tiropita: A Festive Filo Pastry Delight

Bring a little magic to your holiday table with this Christmas Tree Tiropita! Crispy layers of golden filo pastry wrapped around a rich, creamy cheese filling make this dish not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect as a centerpiece for festive brunches or as a fun appetizer, this recipe is surprisingly easy to assemble with a bit of patience.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Tiropita

For the Pastry:

• Approx. 12 sheets of filo pastry
  
• Olive oil, melted butter, or ghee (for brushing)
  
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  

For the Filling:

• 400g feta cheese
  
• 300g ricotta cheese
  
• 100g grated mozzarella
  
• 1 tsp dried mint
  
• 2 eggs
  

How to Make the Filling for Christmas Tree Tiropita

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a large baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Filling

Combine feta, ricotta, mozzarella, dried mint, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Using your hands is ideal, as it allows you to crumble the feta finely and evenly incorporate the cheeses.

3. Prepare the Filo Sheets

• Brush your work surface lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
  
• Take one sheet of filo, brush it with oil, and layer another sheet on top. Repeat this process for the number of sheets needed for your roll.
  
• Keep the remaining filo covered with a damp tea towel to prevent it from drying out.
  

4. Assemble the Rolls

1. Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the filo sheet, leaving a 1cm border on all sides.
   
2. Roll the sheet vertically, forming a cylinder. This will be the largest roll at the bottom of your tree.
   
3. For the next layer, trim the filo slightly (about 3cm narrower) and repeat the rolling process.
   
4. As you move up the tree, you may start using single sheets cut in half for smaller rolls. Continue layering until you reach the top.
   
5. Add a small roll for the base to balance your “tree.”
   

5. Bake

• Brush the assembled tree lightly with oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  
• Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and continue baking for 35–45 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  

6. Tips for Success

• Keep your filo covered while assembling to avoid drying and cracking.
  
• Snip rolls that are too big with scissors to maintain balance.
  
• Avoid overfilling the rolls to prevent bursting or leaking.
  
• Leftover filling can be stored in the fridge or freezer and later combined with ricotta or tomato passata for a tasty pasta sauce.
  

Serving Suggestion

Let the tiropita cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete festive appetizer.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love our Cheesy Puff Pastry Twists — another flaky, cheesy, and irresistible treat!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Tiropita is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a showstopper on your holiday table. Crispy, cheesy, and beautifully festive, it’s a recipe your guests will remember long after the holidays are over.