Make crispy, tender kourou cheese pies filled with salty feta, using a dough made without butter or margarine. The dough comes together in minutes, no mixer needed, with pantry staplesโperfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or party trays.
Why This No-Butter Kourou Dough Works
This dough combines olive oil + sunflower oil for just-right richness and a crisp bite, while yogurt keeps the interior tender even after coolingโso your pies wonโt taste dry the next day. A splash of vinegar promotes a delicate crumb and reliable structure. For picture-perfect results, weigh each dough ball to ~40 g. Uniform sizing means even baking, consistent color, and a tray that looks neat on camera or buffet.
Clean Seals, No Leaks
Keep the feta finely crumbled so it spreads in a thin, even layer. Avoid overfilling; a modest scoop in the center is enough for a cheesy bite without bursting. Fold into half-moons and crimp with a fork to lock in the filling. A light egg wash ensures even browning; sesame (optional) adds aroma and crunch.
Baking, Storage & Make-Ahead
Bake at 390ยฐF / 200ยฐC, conventional heat, middle rack for about 25 minutes, until deep golden. Let them rest 5 minutes on the tray, then move to a rack to keep them crispy. Store covered at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerate up to 3 days and re-crisp in a hot oven for 3โ5 minutes. For longer storage, freeze shaped (unbaked) or baked pies for up to 2 months; bake from frozenโno thaw needed.
Variations (Keep It Simple)
Blend feta with a little melting yellow cheese for a creamier bite, or season with black pepper or a pinch of oregano. Keep fillings relatively dry to protect that signature crisp shell.
Nutrition Facts
27 servings per container
Calories204
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Fat
13.9g
20%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Sodium 205mg 9%
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
14.8g
5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g 0%
- Sugars 0.7g
- Protein 4.6g 8%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.