Balkan Cheese Burek Recipe: A Flaky, Savory Breakfast Delight

If you’re a fan of flaky pastries and savory breakfasts, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the world of Balkan cuisine with a classic Burek with Cheese—a beloved dish that’s crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and utterly irresistible.

Burek is a staple in Balkan countries like Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, and North Macedonia. It’s often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, paired with yogurt or a tangy dipping sauce. What makes this recipe unique is its layers of thin, buttery dough (phyllo or yufka) filled with a creamy cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re a global food lover or a home cook looking to try something new, this Balkan Cheese Burek recipe will surely impress. The process of making apple cider turns out to be simpler than most people anticipate. Let’s get started.

Ingredients for Balkan Cheese Burek

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Balkan breakfast recipe, along with tips and substitutions to help you customize it to your taste:

For the Filling

1. 2 cups (500g) feta cheese, crumbled
   • Why it’s used: Feta cheese is a staple in Balkan cuisine, known for its tangy and salty flavor. It adds a rich, authentic taste to the burek.
   • Substitutions: If you don’t have feta, you can use goat cheese or a mild white cheese like queso fresco.
2. 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
   • Why it’s used: Ricotta or cottage cheese adds creaminess and balances the tanginess of the feta.
   • Substitutions: You can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar texture.
3. 1 large egg
   • Why it’s used: The egg binds the cheese filling together, ensuring it doesn’t spill out during baking.
4. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
   • Why it’s used: Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the cheese.
   • Substitutions: You can use dill or chives for a different flavor profile.
5. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
   • Why it’s used: Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

The Dough

1. 1 package (16 oz/450g) phyllo dough or yufka sheets (thawed if frozen)
   • Phyllo dough is thin and flaky, creating the signature layers of burek.
   • Tips: Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
   • Substitutions: If you can’t find phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry for a different texture.
2. 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted
   • Butter adds richness and helps the phyllo layers crisp up beautifully in the oven.
   • Substitutions: You can use olive oil or a mix of butter and oil for a lighter version.
3. 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
   • Olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust.
   • Substitutions: Use any neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil if preferred.

Serving (Optional)

1. Plain yogurt or sour cream
   • Yogurt or sour cream provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory burek.
2. Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
   • A sprinkle of fresh herbs provides color and a burst of freshness to the dish.

Ingredient Tips and Notes

• Quality matters: Use high-quality feta and phyllo dough for the best results.
• Room temperature ingredients: Let the cheese and egg come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth filling.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free phyllo dough if needed.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives like tofu or vegan cheese, and use plant-based butter or oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg, chopped parsley, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined. Set aside.

2: Layer the Phyllo Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Place one sheet in the baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering 5-6 sheets of phyllo dough.

3: Add the Cheese Filling

1. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
2. Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet with butter as you go.

4: Bake to Perfection

1. Once you assemble all the layers, generously brush the top sheet with butter.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the burek into squares or triangles before baking.
3. Place the dish into the preheated oven to bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden crisp.

5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the burek from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve warm with a side of plain yogurt or sour cream.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free phyllo dough for a gluten-free version.
• Add meat: For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or lamb to the cheese filling.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick of heat.
• Storage: Any unused portions should be placed in an airtight container before keeping them in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Related Recipes to Try

If you loved this Balkan Cheese Burek, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious recipes from my blog:

• Proja (Balkan Cornbread): A Hearty Breakfast Delight
• Ajvar and Bread: A Flavorful Breakfast Delight
• Fluffy Ustipci Recipe for a Perfect Breakfast
• Burek (Savory Pastry): A Breakfast Classic from the Balkans

The History of Balkan Cheese Burek

Burek, also spelled Börek or Burek, is a dish with a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries and cultures. Its origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was first introduced as a savory pastry made with thin layers of dough called yufka or phyllo. The word “burek” itself comes from the Turkish word börek, which means “to twist” or “to fold,” referencing the dish’s signature layered and folded preparation.

As the Ottoman Empire expanded, burek spread across the Balkans, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Each region adapted the recipe to local tastes and ingredients, creating unique variations. In the Balkans, burek became a staple of daily life, often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or street food.

In countries like Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia, burek is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural icon. Local bakers commonly fill it with cheese, meat, spinach, or potatoes, and families often serve it at gatherings, celebrations, or as a quick snack from neighborhood bakeries.

The cheese-filled version, known as Sirnica in some regions, has won hearts with its creamy, tangy filling and flaky, golden crust. Today, food lovers around the world enjoy Balkan Cheese Burek, not only in the Balkans but also globally, as they appreciate its comforting flavors and rich history.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Balkan Flavors:
   This recipe brings the taste of the Balkans right to your kitchen. With its flaky layers of phyllo dough and creamy, tangy cheese filling, every bite is a delicious journey to the heart of Eastern Europe.
2. Perfect for Breakfast-Brunch:
   Burek is a hearty, savory dish ideal for starting your day. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a side of yogurt for a satisfying breakfast or brunch that will keep you energized.
3. Easy to Make:
   While it looks impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple. Using store-bought phyllo dough saves time, and the step-by-step instructions ensure success even for beginner cooks.
4. Customizable:
   Love experimenting? This recipe is highly adaptable. Swap the cheese for your favorite variety, add spinach, or even include cooked ground meat for a heartier version.
5. Crowd-Pleaser:
   Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a casual brunch with friends, Balkan Cheese Burek is guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that brings people together.
6. Meal Prep Friendly:
   You can prepare Burek ahead of time and bake it when needed. It also stores well, making it a great option for busy mornings or quick snacks.
7. Comfort Food at Its Best:
   There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of buttery, flaky pastry and creamy cheese. Serve this dish to experience a comforting embrace.
8. Gluten-Free Option Available:
   For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free phyllo dough.
9. A Taste of Tradition:
   Cooking this dish is a way to connect with Balkan culture and traditions. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations and is loved by millions.
10. Versatile Serving Options:
    Serve it warm with yogurt, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to festive celebrations.

FAQs

Easy Balkan Cheese Burek Recipe: Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch

This Authentic Balkan Cheese Burek Recipe is a flaky, savory pastry filled with a creamy cheese mixture. It’s a beloved breakfast dish in the Balkans, known for its crispy layers and rich, tangy flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack, this recipe is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. Serve it warm with yogurt or sour cream for an authentic experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 peoples

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish For assembling and baking the burek.
• Mixing bowl To prepare the cheese filling.
• Pastry Brush For brushing melted butter or oil on the phyllo dough.
• Sharp knife To cut the burek before baking
• Oven Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking.
• Damp towel To keep the phyllo dough from drying out while working.

Ingredients

  

For the Filling

• 2 cups Feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
• 1 large Egg
• ¼ cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper

For the Dough

• 16 oz Phyllo dough or yufka sheets (thawed if frozen)
• ½ cup Unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup Olive oil

For Serving (Optional)

• Plain yogurt or sour cream
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cheese Filling

• Mix crumbled feta, ricotta, egg, parsley, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  

Layer the Phyllo Dough

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 9×13-inch dish with butter. Layer 5-6 phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
  

Add the Cheese Filling

• Spread the cheese mixture over the phyllo. Layer remaining sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
  

Bake to Perfection

• Brush the top with butter, cut into squares or triangles, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
  

Serve and Enjoy

• Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or dill and serve with yogurt or sour cream.
  

Video

Keyword Balkan Breakfast, Burek