Cheese Burek Recipe
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 6
Burek al Formaggio, or Cheese Burek, is a savory pastry from the Mediterranean region, filled with creamy, soft cheese and enveloped in layers of crispy, golden filo pastry. This recipe is easy to prepare yet incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect addition to your appetizer spread. With a smooth cheese filling, delicate yogurt, and a hint of olive oil, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Ricotta (Skuta) | 600g |
| Filo Pastry | 350g |
| Greek Yogurt | 125g |
| Eggs | 4 (3 for filling, 1 for brushing) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 150ml |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~ 380 kcal |
| Protein | ~ 12g |
| Carbohydrates | ~ 28g |
| Fat | ~ 25g |
| Fiber | ~ 1g |
| Sodium | ~ 350mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by preparing the filling for your burek. In a large bowl, add the fresh ricotta (Skuta) and break it apart with a spoon. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add a pinch of salt to taste, and stir everything together using a whisk. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to mix until it is fully incorporated. The result will be a creamy, smooth filling.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for conventional baking (or 160°C/320°F for fan-assisted). Grease a rectangular baking pan (approximately 30×20 cm) with a light coat of olive oil.
Step 3: Layer the Filo Pastry
Take one sheet of filo pastry and gently crumple it with your hands to give it a bit of texture. Dip this sheet into the prepared cheese filling mixture to coat it, ensuring it soaks up the flavors. Place this sheet of filo in the prepared baking pan. Then, place another sheet of dry filo on top, smoothing it out to cover the filling completely.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Once the filo is layered, fold in the sides of the pastry inward to seal the filling inside, ensuring there is no leakage. Carefully continue layering the filo sheets, alternating between soaking them in the cheese mixture and placing them dry, until all the filo pastry and filling are used up. This layering process will give your burek the perfect balance of crispness and creaminess.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Beat the remaining egg and use a pastry brush to gently coat the top layer of filo pastry with the egg wash. This will give the burek a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes (or 40 minutes if using a fan oven), until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the burek during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. When the burek is done, it will have a perfectly crispy exterior and a deliciously creamy filling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the burek from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm as a savory appetizer, accompanied by a fresh salad or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy the rich, flavorful layers of this traditional Mediterranean pastry.
Tips for Perfect Cheese Burek:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or a mix of mozzarella and ricotta, for a slightly different flavor.
- Make sure to gently crumple the filo pastry before soaking it, as this creates a texture that holds up better in the baking process.
- If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, try seasoning the cheese filling with a pinch of black pepper or dried herbs like oregano or thyme.
This Cheese Burek is a great dish to add to your repertoire when you want to impress guests with a beautiful and tasty pastry. It’s a wonderful choice for a holiday table, a dinner party, or even as a fun snack during the week. Enjoy the crispy texture combined with the creamy, cheesy filling for a truly satisfying bite!
