Here’s a classic recipe for Banitsa — a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with filo dough, eggs, and cheese. 🥧
🥧 Banitsa Recipe (Bulgarian Cheese Pastry)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 package filo (phyllo) dough (~16 sheets)
- 3–4 eggs
- 1 cup Bulgarian feta cheese (or feta/ricotta mix)
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup melted butter or sunflower oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon baking soda for fluffier texture
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Filling
- In a bowl, crumble the cheese.
- Beat the eggs and mix with yogurt.
- Combine eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare Filo Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan (8×12-inch or similar).
- Lay one sheet of filo dough and brush lightly with melted butter or oil.
- Repeat 2–3 sheets for a sturdy base.
3️⃣ Assemble Banitsa
- Spread a layer of the cheese-egg mixture over the dough.
- Fold or roll additional filo sheets on top, brushing each with butter or oil.
- Repeat layers until filling is used and top is covered.
- Optionally, fold edges over for a neat crust.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let cool slightly before cutting into squares or slices.
Tips & Variations
- Spinach banitsa: Add cooked spinach to the filling.
- Sweet version: Add honey or sugar for a dessert-style banitsa.
- Mini banitsa: Use muffin tins to make individual portions.
If you want, I can also give a quick 20-minute banitsa roll version that’s easier for weeknights and still authentic.
Do you want me to share that version?
