Turkish cheese borek
Cheese borek is a delicious Turkish pastry made with layers of crispy, golden phyllo dough filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture. Its perfectly flaky on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers, this classic dish is both easy to make and full of flavor.
Servings 24 Pieces
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.
Video
Notes
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 and tray 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.