Bulgarian Savory Cheese Pie
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-559539347-580bd8283df78c2c7305be99.jpg)
Bulgarian cheese banitza (banitsa) appetizers are similar to Serbian bureks and Greek cheese pies. They are traditionally served warm as a first course or in a "meze" (appetizer) spread, but they're also a popular vegetarian main course, snack, and street food. Also, banitzi can be a sweet dessert with apple and pumpkin among the popular fillings. This particular recipe is a take on a savory version.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crumbled, well-drained Bulgarian feta cheese
- 6 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 16 sheets filo dough (thawed)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (melted)
- Sea salt and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Steps to Make It
-
Heat oven to 400F.
-
In a large bowl, combine cheese, yogurt, ​and eggs until smooth.
-
Fold one sheet of filo dough in half, so it measures 12 inches by 8 inches. Brush lightly with melted butter.
-
Portion out a 1/2-inch strip of filling along either the 12-inch edge if you want an "S"-shaped scroll, or along the 8-inch edge for a cigar-shaped roll and 1/4 inch away from the edges. Fold up bottom edge first, then sides and then roll away from yourself until you have a tight cylinder. Brush lightly with more melted butter.
-
Repeat with remaining 15 sheets of filo dough. Shape long cylinders into "S" shapes or leave short cylinders as is and place them on a parchment-lined pan. Sprinkle with sea salt and chopped green onions, if desired.
-
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Tags: