Authentic Serbian Gibanica: A Traditional Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 package of phyllo dough (about 500g)
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 kg of fresh cottage cheese
  • 200g of feta cheese
  • 200ml of sparkling water
  • 200ml of sunflower oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 200g of unsalted butter

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they're light and fluffy.
  3. Add the cottage cheese, feta cheese, sparkling water, sunflower oil, and salt to the eggs. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Keep warm.
  5. Open the package of phyllo dough and unroll the sheets. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and brush it with melted butter.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture over the buttered phyllo sheet.
  7. Roll up the phyllo sheet from one end to the other, creating a long cylinder.
  8. Place the rolled phyllo in a round baking dish, starting from the edge and working your way towards the center, forming a spiral pattern.
  9. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and cheese mixture, placing each rolled phyllo next to the previous one in the baking dish until the dish is filled.
  10. Brush the top of the gibanica with the remaining melted butter.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the gibanica is cooked through.
  12. Remove the gibanica from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used for beating the eggs until fluffy.
  • Saucepan - A small saucepan for melting the butter.
  • Pastry brush - Used for brushing melted butter onto the phyllo dough.
  • Baking dish - A round baking dish for arranging the rolled phyllo dough.
  • Oven - Preheat to 200°C (392°F) for baking the gibanica.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda instead of feta cheese.
  • Add spinach or other leafy greens to the cheese mixture for a savory twist.
  • Replace the phyllo dough with puff pastry sheets for a different crust.
  • Include cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a meaty version.
  • Add herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, or paprika to enhance the flavor.
  • Make it a sweet dessert by adding a layer of fruit preserves or fresh berries between the phyllo sheets.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free phyllo dough or substituting with gluten-free puff pastry or rice paper sheets.
  • For a vegan option, replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute and use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Recipe overview

Gibanica is a traditional Serbian pastry dish, typically made with layers of cheese between rolled phyllo dough. It's hearty, rich, and versatile, often served as a main course, snack, or side dish. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious Gibanica at home. Expect a crisp, golden exterior from the baked phyllo dough, complemented by the creamy, savoury interior from the cheese mixture. The unique addition of sparkling water in the cheese mixture gives Gibanica a light and airy texture, which balances out the richness of the cheese and butter. Although it requires some patience and careful assembly, the end result is a beautifully layered, spiral-shaped pastry that's impressively delicious and satisfying. Whether you're familiar with Balkan cuisines or trying something new, you'll surely fall in love with the comforting flavors and textures of Gibanica.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen phyllo dough instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen phyllo dough. Just make sure to properly thaw it according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the cottage cheese with another type of cheese? While cottage cheese is traditional for Gibanica, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like ricotta or farmer's cheese as substitutes. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
  3. Can I make Gibanica ahead of time? Absolutely! Gibanica can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in the oven before serving to regain its crispy texture.
  4. Can I freeze Gibanica? Yes, you can freeze Gibanica. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
  5. Can I add other ingredients or spices to the cheese mixture? Certainly! While Gibanica is traditionally made with a simple cheese filling, you can add herbs, spices, or even cooked vegetables to customize the flavor to your liking. Just make sure not to overload the filling to maintain the desired texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking dish - A round baking dish to arrange the rolled phyllo sheets in a spiral pattern.
  • Saucepan - A small saucepan to melt the butter for brushing the phyllo dough.
  • Pastry brush - A brush to apply melted butter onto the phyllo dough layers.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the gibanica.
  • Cooling rack - A rack to place the gibanica on after removing it from the oven to cool.

Origin stories

Gibanica, a traditional Serbian pastry dish, is known for its delightful layers of cheese and dough. It's a cherished part of Serbian cuisine, tied to important events and festivities. There is a legend that the "perfect gibanica" was once considered a measure of a woman’s worthiness for marriage. If a young lady could prepare a delicious gibanica, it was believed she had mastered the culinary skills to sustain a family. Today, at the annual Gibanica festival in the town of Zitoradja, women compete to make the best gibanica, keeping the tradition alive and adding a festive spirit to the culinary heritage of Serbia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.