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Crispy Turkish Börek with Cheese Filling

crispy Turkish börek with cheese filling - featured image
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A golden, flaky Turkish pastry filled with a tangy and creamy cheese mixture, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. This easy homemade recipe delivers crispy layers and a delicious cheese filling that’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 sheets phyllo dough (yufka sheets), fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup (150g) white cheese (like Turkish beyaz peynir or mild farmer’s cheese), crumbled
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking tray with butter.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, white cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
  3. Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on your work surface, keeping remaining sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
  4. Brush the phyllo sheet lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush, then place another sheet on top. Repeat to stack about 3 sheets, each brushed with butter.
  5. Spread a thin layer of the cheese filling evenly over the stacked sheets, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides.
  6. Add another 3 sheets of phyllo on top of the cheese, brushing each with butter, then add more cheese filling. Continue layering until all filling is used, finishing with 3 to 4 buttered phyllo sheets on top.
  7. Brush the top layer generously with a mix of milk and butter. Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds evenly on top if desired.
  8. Cut the börek into squares or triangles with a sharp knife before baking.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. Check after 35 minutes to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and tearing. Use unsalted butter for best flavor and crispiness. Cut the börek before baking to allow steam to escape and keep pastry crisp. Let cool before serving to set layers. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute butter with plant-based spread, cheese with vegan alternatives, and egg with flax or chia egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish börek, cheese börek, phyllo pastry, savory pastry, crispy börek, feta cheese, homemade börek, Turkish recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-turkish-b-o-rek-with-cheese-filling-easy-homemade-recipe-guide/