Zagorski Štrukli (Baked Croatian Cottage Cheese & Sour Cream Pastry Pillows) – Authentic Croatia Recipe
Protected Croatian cultural heritage dish from Zagorje baked until golden and bubbling in sour cream.
- Country of Origin
- 🇭🇷 Croatia (Southern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Tender pasta pillows filled with creamy cottage/ricotta cheese, Rich sour cream gratin sauce, Butter, Sea salt
Ingredients for Zagorski Štrukli (Baked Croatian Cottage Cheese & Sour Cream Pastry Pillows) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender pasta pillows filled with creamy cottage/ricotta cheese, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups rich sour cream gratin sauce, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup savory garnish
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with butter
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Croatia seasoning (sea salt, nutmeg pinch, chives)
- 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, butter, and sea salt, nutmeg pinch, chives for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine tender pasta pillows filled with creamy cottage/ricotta cheese and rich sour cream gratin sauce with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with savory garnish and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.