Almiri Vasilopita: A Greek New Year's Tradition in Savory Pie Form

  Did you know that in many cities across Greece, they have a unique twist on the traditional vasilopita? Instead of the sweet version, they create savory pies known as almiri vasilopita! If you're intrigued and want to learn how to make one, read on!

If you find making a traditional vasilopita a bit complex, here's some good news: in several Greek cities, especially in the northern part known as Great Macedonia, a delightful tradition has emerged—almiri vasilopita (αλμυρή βασιλόπιτα in Greek). The special twist is that you can use either meat or cheese to craft this savory delight. As a cheese enthusiast, I decided to whip up a cheesy version.

To create your own Almiri Vasilopita, gather the following ingredients: phyllo dough sheets, butter, Greek feta cheese, anthotyro, eggs, fine semolina, salt, and pepper. Anthotyro, a luscious Greek creamy cheese, is a must-have for this recipe and can usually be found in Greek grocery stores. Its name, "anthos," meaning flowery cheese, attests to its exceptional quality. If you can't locate anthotyro, aim for a high-quality creamy cheese as a substitute.

When preparing Almiri Vasilopita, it's customary to use 12 sheets of phyllo dough, symbolizing each month of the year. Greeks believe that using top-notch ingredients for your vasilopita, whether sweet or savory, ensures a delightful start to the new year and invites good luck.

Similar in taste to tiropita, this Almiri Vasilopita takes approximately 60 minutes to cook and yields around ten servings, depending on how generously you slice it.


Almiri Vasilopita

 Almiri Vasilopita – Ingredients

  • 12 phyllo dough sheets 
  • 375 g of butter, melted 
  • 300 g feta cheese
  • 300 g of anthotyro (or any other cream cheese)
  • 6 big eggs
  • 80 g of fine semolina
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 egg yolk mixed with some water
  • 1 coin (washed well and wrapped in aluminum foil)

Almiri Vasilopita – How to Make

  1. Start this almiri vasilopita recipe by preheating the oven to 170˚C.
  2. Take a cooking brush and generously grease the baking pan (around 28 cm centimeters) with the butter.
  3. Take a bowl, break the eggs and whisk them well. Cut the cheese into small pieces and add them to the eggs. Mix well. 
  4. Continue mixing by adding the semolina, salt, and pepper.
  5. Take the first six phyllo dough sheets and place them in the baking pan after having brushed each phyllo with butter.
  6. Pour the filling into the pan and spread with a spoon to make it even. 
  7. Place the coin. 
  8. Cover the filling with the remaining six phyllo doughs (after having brushed each phyllo with butter) 
  9. Don’t forget to brush the top with the remaining butter and the egg yolk.
  10. Take a knife and a scar on the top.
  11. Bake at 180⁰C for 55-60 minutes, until the almiri vasilopita gets a nice golden brown color. 
Incorporating this savory Almiri Vasilopita into your New Year's tradition not only adds a unique and delicious twist but also connects you to a piece of Greek culinary heritage. As you savor each bite and share this delightful dish with loved ones, you'll not only celebrate the beginning of a new year but also the rich culture and flavors of Greece. So, why not embrace this savory tradition and make your upcoming New Year's celebration truly unforgettable? Happy New Year!