Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Jacquie as she unveils her cherished recipe for Greek Cheese Pie Bars, a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. Inspired by her travels in Greece and the warmth of family recipes passed down through generations, these savory delights promise to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.

A Taste of Greece:

Chef Jacquie’s journey to discovering this hidden gem of a recipe began during her travels with lifelong friend, Robyn, and while they sailed the Argolis gulf with Sailing Nafplio, a family-run business nestled in the heart of Greece. It was there, amidst the azure waters and the embrace of Greek hospitality, that she encountered the culinary prowess of Elena’s grandmother, Eleni. From the first bite of Eleni’s divine cheese pie, Chef Jacquie knew she had stumbled upon something truly special—a recipe steeped in history and brimming with flavor.

A Recipe Reimagined:

With Easter approaching, Chef Jacquie felt compelled to recreate the magic of Eleni’s Greek cheese pie and share it with the world. Armed with memories of her time in Greece and a passion for culinary innovation, she set out to adapt the traditional recipe into something truly extraordinary. The result? Greek Cheese  Pie Bars—a modern twist on a timeless classic.

CHEF JACQUIE’S RECIPE: Greek Cheese Pie Bars

Print PDF Recipe: Chef Jacquie’s Recipe Greek Cheese Pie Bars

Prep time: 15 min | Cooking time: 50-60 min | Yield: 9 3×2″ bars

A generational recipe to satisfy your tastebuds with this savory and flavorful Greek cheese pie served warm or room temperature. The exquisite combination of authentic Greek cheese and yogurt taken to the next level with onions, peppers and baked to a perfection will have you coming back for seconds and thirds! This traditional cheese pie is versatile and can be served as an appetizer or midday snack.

Ingredients: 

• 15.5 ounces Anthotyro cheese (can replace with soft feta) (440g)
• 15 Tablespoons or 7 ounces + 1 Tablespoon room temp Kerrygold butter (200g)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (240g)
• 4 eggs, (room temp)
• 1 onion (chopped small)
• 1 red pepper (chopped small)
• 1-1/2 cups Flour (can replace with gluten free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons fine salt

Directions: 

1. Sauté red pepper with 2 tablespoons of EVOO for 2-3 minutes add pinch of salt. Drain and set aside.
2. Sweat onions in 1 tablespoon of butter and a pinch of salt. Drain and set aside.
3. Beat together yogurt and room temperature eggs.
4. Cut small diced cubes of Anthotyro cheese on a cutting board. Keep in the fridge until ready to fold in gently.
5. Fold in flour and baking powder in thirds and combine until fully incorporated.
6. Fold in cooked onions and cooked red peppers.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Butter a 9×9 Square Pan.
8. Bake for 50-60 min at 350 degrees fahrenheit and bake until golden brown.

Notes: 

• GoGreek Online Store (https://gogreek.shop/) is a great place to purchase the greek yogurt. It is a 24 hour online shopping website and delivery is available.
• Anthotyro cheese is a traditional Greek cheese. This soft mild flavored cheese is similar to ricotta cheese but firmer in texture. If choosing to replace with feta ensure it is a soft feta and not hard.
• Finished product should resemble a brownie, best cut squares. Cut into thirds, and cut into thirds 1 more time to result 3 x 2″ bars. Serve warm or room temperature.

Photo by Scott Campbell

Curious about exploring more recipes with the same authentic Greek cheese? Discover Chef Jacquie’s Whipped Greek Cheese presented in two tantalizing variations: a sweet rendition infused with lemon and honey, and a savory twist featuring blood orange, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil, served with pita chips. Indulge your taste buds with these delightful creations! For more details and to view the recipes, check out sneak peak on her Facebook page.

The Secret Ingredient:

At the heart of Chef Jacquie’s Greek Cheese Pie Bars lies the soul of Greek cuisine—authentic Greek cheese and yogurt. Enhanced with the subtle sweetness of onions and the vibrant crunch of peppers, these bars are a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that define Mediterranean cooking. And thanks to Chef Jacquie’s recommendation, sourcing these authentic ingredients has never been easier, with https://gogreek.shop/ offering a convenient solution for all your Greek culinary needs.

Versatile and Delicious:

Whether served warm or at room temperature, as an appetizer or a midday snack, Chef Jacquie’s Greek Cheese Pie Bars are sure to delight. Cut them into bars for a convenient make-ahead option or serve warm to savor a truly authentic experience immediately. However you choose to enjoy them, one thing is certain—each bite is a journey to the heart of Greece itself.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the legacy of culinary artisans like Eleni, let us also pay homage to modern-day trailblazers like her granddaughter, Captain Elena, who continue to preserve and innovate upon the traditions of generations past. Savor not just a dish, but a story—a story of love, heritage, and the timeless joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.

So, why not embark on your own culinary adventure today? Whip up a batch of Chef Jacquie’s Greek Cheese Pie Bars, and let the flavors of Greece dance on your palate. Opa!