These Mediterranean cheese rolls—also known in some regions as “Börek” or “Tiropita Rolls”—are flaky phyllo pastries stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses and herbs, then baked until golden brown. They’re light, crisp, and bursting with creamy, herby flavors that pair beautifully with yogurt dips or a fresh salad.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese (for meltiness)
  • ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (for creaminess)
  • 1 egg (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for freshness)

For the Phyllo Layers:

  • 8–10 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
  • ½ cup melted butter or olive oil (for brushing between layers)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for extra crunch)

Optional Egg Wash (for shine):

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine feta, mozzarella, and ricotta.
  2. Add the beaten egg, chopped parsley, dill, black pepper, chili flakes, and lemon zest.
  3. Mix until well combined and creamy. Adjust salt if needed (be careful—feta is already salty).

2. Prepare the Phyllo Sheets

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush it with melted butter or olive oil.
  4. Place another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat until you have a stack of 2–3 sheets per roll (this ensures crispness and strength).

3. Add the Filling and Roll

  1. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture along one edge of the phyllo, forming a line.
  2. Fold the sides inward slightly and roll up tightly (like a cigar or spring roll).
  3. Place seam-side down on the baking tray.
  4. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.

4. Brush and Sprinkle

  1. Brush the tops of the rolls with egg wash (or olive oil if you prefer a lighter version).
  2. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, nigella seeds, and a little poppy seed for color and texture.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving (the cheese inside will be hot and gooey).

🧄 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature with:

  • Tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon)
  • Roasted red pepper dip or hummus
  • A simple Mediterranean salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives

🍷 Optional Variations

  • Spinach & Cheese Version: Add 1 cup of cooked spinach (well-drained) to the filling.
  • Spiced Meat Version: Add cooked minced lamb or beef seasoned with cumin and cinnamon.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based feta and olive oil instead of butter and egg.

đź•’ Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • You can also freeze the unbaked rolls for up to 2 months — bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.

🧡 Chef’s Tip

For extra Mediterranean flavor, brush the rolls with a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, and oregano before baking. This adds a rustic, aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the cheese.