Farmer Cheese Phyllo Pie

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Nothing says home to me quite like a slice of Farmer Cheese Phyllo Pie, golden and crackling on the outside with a creamy center of farmer cheese, dill and eggs. My mom used to make it every week growing up, turning it into our family’s most requested meal!

Side view of farmer cheese phyllo pie with a ruffle of crispy phyllo on top.

Why We Love This Farmer Cheese Phyllo Pie Recipe

This farmer cheese phyllo pie is amazingly easy to make yet so impressive to serve! The combination of tangy farmer cheese with fresh dill makes it creamy yet so flavorful, and the layering technique looks complex but is forgiving, even novice bakers.

The protein-packed filling makes this pie satisfying enough for a meal yet light enough to leave room for seconds. It’s one of those versatile recipes that works equally well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!

What is Farmer Cheese?

Farmer cheese is a soft, unripened cheese made by pressing the moisture out of cottage cheese. It has a crumbly texture similar to ricotta but firmer, with a mild, tangy flavor. It’s higher in protein and lower in fat than many other cheeses and is often used in Eastern European dishes.

Farmer cheese phyllo pie in a white pie dish on a wooden board.

Ingredients You Need

Lifeway Farmer Cheese: Rich in protein and lower in lactose than many cheeses, farmer cheese has a mild flavor and crumbly texture that creates the perfect base for our filling.
Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir: Adds tanginess and moisture to the filling while contributing beneficial probiotics and a silky texture.
Phyllo Sheets: You will need about one package of frozen phyllo sheets. These paper-thin pastry sheets create the signature flaky, crispy layers that make this pie so irresistible.
Eggs: Provide structure to the filling, helping it set properly during baking.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
Fresh Dill: For a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior on the phyllo while adding subtle flavor.

How to Make Phyllo Pie with Farmer Cheese Filling

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the farmer cheese, eggs, kefir, salt, pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, and dill. Set aside.

Combining farmer cheese, eggs, and kefir into a glass mixing bowl.

Adding freshly chopped dill into the filling in a glass mixing bowl.

Prep the Phyllo: Open the phyllo sheets and cover them with a towel to prevent drying. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the first couple of phyllo sheets and place them in a 9” pie dish to form the base.
Drizzle & Scrunch: Continue drizzling olive oil over each phyllo sheet, scrunching them slightly as you layer about 6 sheets at the bottom.

Hands scrunching together the phyllo sheets with olive oil drizzled on them.

Assembling the scrunched up phyllo sheets in a pie pan.

Add Filling: Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the phyllo layers.
Add More Phyllo Then Filling: Repeat the layering process with more scrunched phyllo sheets, then spread the remaining filling over the top.
Bake: Finish with a final layer of scrunched phyllo sheets, drizzle with more olive oil, and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cool & Enjoy: Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy still warm with a glass of kefir.

Assembled phyllo pie with the farmer cheese filling before baking.

Drizzling some olive oil on top of the phyllo pie before baking.

Tips for Success

Keep phyllo covered. Phyllo dries out incredibly quickly, so keep the sheets you’re not using covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent cracking.
Don’t stress about perfect layering. The beauty of this farmer cheese phyllo pie is in its rustic appearance, so embrace the casual scrunching technique rather than trying to lay each sheet perfectly flat.
Use room temperature ingredients. Let your farmer cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Let it rest before serving. Allow the pie to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to let the filling set properly, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Serving Suggestions

This farmer cheese pie can be served as a centerpiece for a weekend brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, million dollar bacon, and homemade popovers. To serve as a light lunch, pair it with sugar snap pea salad or spring salmon panzanella salad. I also love serving it with a glass of kefir on the side! Whatever the occasion, serve slices while still slightly warm for the perfect contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy filling!

Farmer cheese phyllo pie in a white pie dish next to a glass of kefir and a tub of farmer cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phyllo?

Phyllo (also spelled “filo”) is an ultra-thin pastry dough which are layered with butter or oil to create flaky, crispy textures in both sweet and savory dishes, like baklava, spanakopita, and börek. When baked, phyllo becomes golden and delicately crunchy! While you can technically make homemade phyllo, it is extremely difficult to roll, since it is so thin. So I always recommend getting store-bought phyllo sheets!

How should I store leftovers?

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crispy texture. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Can I substitute the farmer cheese?

While the traditional recipe relies on dairy products, you could experiment with plant-based cheese alternatives and non-dairy yogurt, though the texture and flavor will differ.