Cheese Pastry (bulgarian Banitsa)

Cheese pastry, also known as Bulgarian Banitsa, is a delicious and flaky pastry filled with a mixture of cheese and eggs. This traditional Eastern European dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

Vegetarian Pastry Eastern European Cheese Pastries Bulgarian Cuisine Breakfast
Cheese Pastry (bulgarian Banitsa)

Ingredients

  • 6 sheets phyllo pastry
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sparkling water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the feta cheese, yogurt, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
  4. Layer 3 sheets of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  5. Pour the cheese mixture over the phyllo pastry.
  6. Layer the remaining 3 sheets of phyllo pastry on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  7. Combine the remaining melted butter with sparkling water and salt. Pour this mixture over the top of the pastry.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
18g

Supplies

Baking dish Pastry brush

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the cheese pastry warm with a dollop of yogurt or a fresh salad on the side.

Tips & tricks

For a variation, you can add chopped spinach or leeks to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.

Cost

$10