If you’ve ever craved a delightfully flaky, savory pastry that melts in your mouth, then you absolutely need to try this Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry. This classic dish brings together crisp layers of phyllo dough with a creamy, herb-infused cheese filling that’s both simple and irresistibly satisfying. Whether you want a light snack, a party appetizer, or a comforting addition to your meal, this Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry will win hearts with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry lies in its minimal, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flaky texture, creamy filling, and aromatic freshness that makes this pastry unforgettable.
- Phyllo dough: This ultra-thin dough creates the delicate crispy layers that are the signature of any great börek.
- White cheese: Use a tangy, crumbly cheese like feta or a similar fresh cheese for the perfect creamy and salty flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and an aromatic green note to brighten each bite.
- Butter: Melted butter is essential for brushing between phyllo sheets, imparting richness and golden color.
- Milk: Mixed with butter, milk helps keep the phyllo layers tender yet crisp during baking.
How to Make Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by crumbling your white cheese into a bowl and mixing it thoroughly with finely chopped fresh parsley. This simple blend is the flavorful heart of your Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry, balancing creamy saltiness with herbal freshness.
Step 2: Layer the Phyllo Sheets
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Brush the first sheet lightly with a warm mixture of melted butter and milk, then place another sheet on top, repeating the brushing process to build the delicate layers.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Filling
Once you have layered several sheets, spread your cheese and parsley mixture evenly over the phyllo surface. This filling will enrich each bite with its creamy and savory taste.
Step 4: Roll or Layer the Börek
You can roll the phyllo around the filling into a long coil or simply layer and fold it inside a baking tray, depending on your preferred shape. Both ways will deliver that coveted crispiness and melted filling.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your börek in a preheated oven and bake until the phyllo turns a beautiful golden brown. This step not only locks in the flavors but ensures that irresistibly flaky texture that defines Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry.
How to Serve Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few whole leaves adds a lovely visual touch and extra burst of aroma just before serving. Some like a light dusting of paprika for a gentle warmth and color contrast.
Side Dishes
Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, tangy yogurt, or a bowl of olives. These accompaniments complement the rich, cheesy filling beautifully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the baked börek into elegant triangles or diamonds. You can also serve it alongside a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil or a dollop of herbed yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld further without compromising the crispy texture too much.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pastry later, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, and bake it straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that stunning crispiness, reheat your börek in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave. A few minutes at 350°F will refresh the flaky layers and warm the filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! While traditional white cheeses like feta are ideal for their flavor and texture, you can experiment with ricotta, goat cheese, or even a mild mozzarella depending on your taste preferences.
Is phyllo dough difficult to work with?
Phyllo can be delicate but treating it gently, keeping it covered with a damp towel, and brushing it carefully with butter and milk will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Can I prepare Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry vegan?
Yes, by substituting the cheese with a plant-based alternative and using vegan butter or olive oil, you can create a delicious vegan-friendly version without losing that flaky texture.
What is the best way to serve Börek for a crowd?
Make the börek in large trays, slice it into small portions, and arrange it on a platter with garnishes for easy sharing. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Can I add other fillings besides cheese?
Definitely. While this recipe focuses on cheese, börek is incredibly versatile and you can try adding spinach, mushrooms, or meat fillings for different variations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about biting into a perfectly baked Börek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry. It’s flaky, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavor, making it a timeless favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give this recipe a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!
PrintBörek with Cheese – Cheese Pastry
A delicious and flaky Borek with cheese, made by layering crisp phyllo dough with a savory white cheese and parsley filling, then baked to golden perfection. This traditional cheese pastry is perfect as a snack or appetizer, offering a buttery, cheesy flavor with a light, crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Filling
- 200g white cheese (such as feta or ricotta)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Phyllo Layers
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 100g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, crumble the white cheese and mix in the chopped parsley thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Prepare the butter and milk mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with milk to create a rich brushing mixture that will keep the phyllo dough moist yet crispy after baking.
- Layer the phyllo dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush generously with the butter and milk mixture. Repeat this process, layering and brushing each sheet until half of the sheets are used.
- Add the cheese filling: Evenly spread the cheese and parsley mixture over the layered phyllo sheets.
- Cover with remaining phyllo sheets: Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with the butter and milk mixture as before.
- Form the Borek: You can either roll the layered dough gently into a log shape or place it as is in a greased baking tray, depending on your preferred presentation.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the assembled Borek in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the Borek to cool slightly before cutting into portions and serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the phyllo dough stays covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying out.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, since the cheese can be salty.
- For extra crispiness, brush the top layer generously with the butter and milk mixture before baking.
- Serve the Borek warm for the best flavor and texture experience.