Mom’s Greek Macaroni Pie with Feta – A Nostalgic Comfort Food Classic

There are recipes that do more than feed us. They take us back in time. This traditional Greek macaroni pie (Makaronopita) is one of those dishes. Rich with feta cheese, creamy eggs, and crispy phyllo pastry, it fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings back memories of family lunches, childhood Sundays, and mom’s cooking. Simple, hearty, and deeply comforting, this is a recipe that never goes out of style.

Mom’s Greek Macaroni Pie with Feta – A Nostalgic Comfort Food Classic

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Main dishCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

A classic Greek macaroni pie made with pasta, feta cheese, eggs, and crispy phyllo pastry. Comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for family meals.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 500 g 1 lb Bucatini

• 1 1/2 tbsp 1 1/2 tbsp Salt

• 200 g 3/4 cup Evaporated Milk

• 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water

• 50 g 1/4 cup Olive oil

• 4 4 Large Eggs

• 400 g 14 oz Feta Cheese, broken into chunks

• 500 g 1 lb Phyllo Pastry Sheets

• 200 g 1 cup Butter, margarine or vegetable oil

• Salt & Pepper

• 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika

• 200 g 7 oz Shredded Melting Cheese

How to make Greek Pasta Pie

• Cook the Pasta
• Bring 3 liters / 3 quarts of water to a boil.
• Add salt and pasta, cooking according to package instructions.
• Reserve 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
• Prepare the Filling
• In a large bowl, combine evaporated milk and reserved pasta water.
• Add olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and eggs. Whisk well.
• Add the cooked pasta and gently mix. Set aside.
• Assemble the Macaroni Pie
• Grease a 25×37 cm / 9×14 inch baking dish with melted butter or oil.
• Line the dish with 10 phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter and shaping a “nest.”
• Pour in the pasta mixture and spread evenly.
• Add shredded cheese and feta, distributing evenly. Gently shake the pan to help the cheese settle.
• Fold the phyllo edges inward and brush with butter.
• Cover with 4–5 phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
• Scrunch remaining phyllo sheets into strips, place on top, butter generously, and lightly spray with water.
• Bake
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F (static heat) for 45–55 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.

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Greek Makaronopita – A Dish Full of Memories

Why This Greek Macaroni Pie Is So Special

Makaronopita is one of the most beloved Greek baked dishes, and for good reason. It combines simple pantry ingredients with the unmistakable flavors of feta, eggs, and buttery phyllo. Unlike lasagna or pasta casseroles, this pie has a uniquely Greek identity – crispy on top, soft inside, and intensely aromatic.

The use of pasta water instead of cream keeps the filling moist without being heavy, while smoked paprika adds subtle warmth that enhances the cheese. The layered phyllo creates a dramatic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Greek macaroni pie with feta is ideal for:

• Family lunches and dinners
• Holiday tables and gatherings
• Make-ahead meals
• Comfort food cravings

It tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully in the oven.

Helpful Tips

• Use bucatini so it holds its shape during baking.
• Don’t skip buttering the phyllo – it ensures crisp layers.
• Let the pie rest 10 minutes before slicing.

This is the kind of recipe that gets passed down – and once you make it, you’ll understand why.