Turkish Cheese Borek is a delightful pastry that combines delicate, crispy layers of phyllo with a luxuriously creamy cheese filling.
Each bite begins with a satisfying crunch as the golden, flaky exterior gives way to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth center. Moreover, the careful layering of phyllo dough each sheet brushed with a flavorful liquid mix ensures that every segment is perfectly crisp yet tender. Additionally, the blend of cheeses, enhanced with aromatic black seed, creates a harmonious contrast to the crunchy texture. Finally, a sprinkle of sesame seeds crowns the dish, adding a subtle nutty note and a visually appealing finish. Overall, Turkish Cheese Borek masterfully marries texture and flavor, making it an irresistible treat that stands out in any meal.
what is borek?
Borek is a savory pastry popular in Turkish, Balkan, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It consists of thin, flaky layers of dough typically phyllo that are filled with ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or minced meat. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the crisp exterior, followed by a rich, flavorful filling. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or even a main dish, borek showcases a delightful balance of textures and tastes that highlights its cultural roots and culinary versatility.
Different types of cheeses that can be used in cheese borek
Feta: Crumbly and tangy, feta pairs well with creamier cheeses to balance its intensity.
Goat Cheese: Offers a distinctive tang and creaminess, making it a great choice when mixed with milder cheeses.
Cottage Cheese: For a lighter option, cottage cheese can be used to add a subtle creaminess; it works well when blended with other, meltier cheeses for a balanced texture.
Turkish Cheese Borek Ingredients
Phyllo Dough: This paper-thin pastry forms the crispy, flaky layers that define the dish, offering a light and delicate texture once baked.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkled on top, these seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and an attractive crunch that complements the soft interior.
Fresh parsley: adds color, freshness, and a subtle herbal touch, balancing the rich, cheesy filling. Sprinkle on top for a bright and flavorful finish.
cheese filling mix:
Ricotta Cheese: Known for its creamy, smooth consistency and mild taste, ricotta provides a rich, velvety base for the cheese filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melting beautifully, mozzarella brings a stretchy, gooey texture and robust flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of ricotta.
Black Seed: With its unique, aromatic, slightly peppery flavor, black seed infuses the cheese mixture with a hint of spice and complexity.
liquid mix:
Eggs: Acting as a binder in the liquid mix, eggs help meld the flavors together and contribute to a smooth, cohesive texture in the pastry layers.
Milk: Milk enriches the liquid mixture, adding moisture and creaminess that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the baked borek.
Oil: Oil not only provides richness but also helps to brush the phyllo layers, ensuring they become perfectly crisp and golden during baking.
Salt: Salt enhances and unifies all the flavors, ensuring that every bite is well-seasoned and balanced.
Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper introduces a mild kick, subtly elevating the overall flavor profile of the dish.
How to make Turkish cheese borek?
1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine your ricotta, mozzarella, and black seed. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Whisk the Liquid Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
3. Layer the Phyllo Dough:
Lightly brush a baking tray with oil. Begin by laying down a few sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with a generous amount of the liquid mixture to keep the dough moist and help it crisp up.
4. Add the Cheese Filling:
Once you have a solid base of layered phyllo, spread the cheese filling evenly over it. Press the filling gently into the dough.
5. Complete the Layering:
Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the cheese, again brushing every few layers with the liquid mixture. This ensures every layer becomes golden and flaky when baked.
6. Finish with a Topping:
Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top layer to add a nutty flavor and a bit of extra crunch.
7. Bake the Borek:
Place the tray in a preheated oven set to a moderate temperature. Bake until the phyllo dough turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes crisp.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the borek from the oven, let it cool slightly, then cut it into pieces. Serve warm and savor the delicious contrast of the crispy layers with the creamy cheese filling.
Turkish cheese borek Storage
1. Refrigeration:
Store leftover borek in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature to maintain crispiness.
2. Freezing (Unbaked):
Assemble the borek, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Freezing (Baked):
Let the baked borek cool completely, then wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and crispy.
4. Reheating:
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the phyllo soggy.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is Turkish Cheese Borek?
A crispy, flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and a creamy cheese filling.
2. What cheeses can I use?
Traditional options include beyaz peynir and lor cheese. You can also use feta, ricotta, mozzarella, goat cheese, or cottage cheese.
3. How do I make the phyllo crispy?
Brush each layer with the liquid mix and bake until golden.
4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. Can I freeze cheese borek?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.
6. Can I add other fillings?
Absolutely! Spinach, ground meat, or potatoes make great additions.
7. Is it vegetarian?
Yes, cheese borek is a great vegetarian option.
8. Can I customize the flavor?
Yes, adding herbs like parsley, dill, or red pepper flakes can enhance the taste.
Tips and tricks
1. Use Fresh Phyllo Dough: If using frozen phyllo, let it thaw completely and cover it with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
2. Brush Each Layer Well: Applying the liquid mix evenly between layers helps create a crispy, golden texture.
3. Press the Cheese Filling: Gently pressing the cheese mixture into the layers prevents gaps and ensures even baking.
4. Preheat the Oven and Tray: A hot oven help the bottom crisp up beautifully.
5. If You Like It Soft: Add more of the liquid mix for a softer, more tender borek.
6. If you like it crispy: Use less liquid and bake until deeply golden brown.
7. Customize the Filling: Add spinach, ground meat, or herbs like parsley and dill for extra flavor.
8. If the Sauce Is Too Thick: Add a little more milk or water to adjust the consistency.
9. Freeze for Later: You can freeze borek before or after baking. Bake frozen borek directly without thawing, adding extra baking time.
10. Prepare Ahead of Time: Assemble the borek, refrigerate, and bake it fresh when needed for the best flavor and texture.
11. Choose the Right Cheese Mix: You can use feta or cottage cheese instead of ricotta, but always mix a cheese that melts well (like mozzarella) with a creamy cheese (like ricotta, feta, or cottage cheese) to achieve the perfect creamy and cheesy texture.
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Turkish cheese borek
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds for topping
- Parsley for garnish
Cheese mix:
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Black seed
Liquid mix:
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/3 cup Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and black seed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, salt, and pepper to create the liquid mix.
- Lightly brush a baking tray with oil. Begin by layering 8 sheets of phyllo dough on the bottom and 8 sheets on the top, brushing a generous amount of the liquid mix over every 2 layers.
- After laying down half of the phyllo dough, add the cheese mixture evenly and press it down. Then continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets, again brushing with the liquid mix between every 2 layers until finished.
- Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and enjoy while still warm.