Banitsa sa Sirene (Bulgarian Crispy Layered Filo & Brined Sheep Cheese Bake) – Authentic Bulgaria Recipe
Bulgaria’s most beloved culinary symbol: airy, crackling layers of pastry and tangy white cheese.
- Country of Origin
- 🇧🇬 Bulgaria (Eastern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Golden filo pastry sheets, Crumbled Bulgarian sirene (or feta) cheese, Yogurt-egg soufflé custard, Melted butter, Sparkling water splash for fluffiness
Ingredients for Banitsa sa Sirene (Bulgarian Crispy Layered Filo & Brined Sheep Cheese Bake) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden filo pastry sheets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups crumbled Bulgarian sirene (or feta) cheese, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup yogurt-egg soufflé custard
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with melted butter
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Bulgaria seasoning (sparkling water splash for fluffiness, nutmeg)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, melted butter, and sparkling water splash for fluffiness, nutmeg for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine golden filo pastry sheets and crumbled Bulgarian sirene (or feta) cheese with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with yogurt-egg soufflé custard and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.