Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of filo pastry
1 cup of butter, melted
1 1/4 cups of feta cheese, crumbled
4 large eggs
1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
2 tablespoons of sparkling water

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt the butter and set it aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, beat the eggs slightly, then add the yogurt and baking soda. Mix until well combined.
Add the crumbled feta cheese to the egg and yogurt mixture and stir until combined.
Open the filo pastry and take a sheet. Brush it with the melted butter, then spread some of the cheese mixture over it. Roll it up loosely and place it in a round baking pan starting from the edge. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets, placing the rolls in a spiral form in the pan.
Once all the pastry is used, brush the top with the remaining butter and sprinkle with the sparkling water. This will give the banitsa a nice golden color and a crispy texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Baking Pan - A round baking pan will be needed to assemble and bake the Banitsa.
Pastry Brush - A pastry brush is essential for brushing the melted butter onto the filo pastry sheets.
Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is needed to combine the eggs, yogurt, and other ingredients.
Whisk - A whisk is useful for beating the eggs and ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
Knife - A knife will be needed to crumble the feta cheese into smaller pieces.

Recipe variations

Use phyllo pastry instead of filo pastry for a slightly different texture.
Replace feta cheese with a different type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Add spinach or other greens to the cheese filling for a vegetarian option.
Include cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage for a meaty version.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, or paprika to enhance the flavors.
Try using a mixture of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
For a sweet variation, replace the cheese filling with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and chopped nuts.
Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free filo pastry or substituting the pastry with a gluten-free crust alternative.
Add roasted vegetables such as peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the filling for a heartier banitsa.

Recipe overview

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian dish that is loved for its rich, cheesy goodness and flaky, golden crust. This recipe combines delicate layers of filo pastry, a luscious filling of feta cheese, yogurt and eggs, all baked to perfection. The result is a savory pastry that's crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. It's the perfect dish for a hearty breakfast, a quick snack, or a light dinner. Serve warm right out of the oven for the best experience. No matter the occasion, Banitsa is a delicious treat that is sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While feta cheese is traditional for banitsa, you can try using other cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the banitsa ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Can I freeze banitsa?
Yes, banitsa can be frozen. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Certainly! While the traditional banitsa typically uses only feta cheese, you can add other ingredients to the filling such as spinach, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley to add more flavor and variety to your banitsa.
What can I serve with banitsa?
Banitsa is often served as a main dish or a side dish on its own. However, you can also serve it with a side salad or a dollop of plain yogurt for a complete meal. It pairs well with fresh vegetables or a tomato cucumber salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking pan - A round baking pan is needed to arrange the banitsa rolls in a spiral form.
Pastry brush - Use a pastry brush to brush the melted butter onto the filo pastry sheets.
Mixing bowl - A bowl is required to mix the eggs, yogurt, baking soda, and feta cheese for the filling.
Whisk - Use a whisk to beat the eggs and combine them with the yogurt and baking soda.
Spatula - A spatula can be handy for spreading the cheese mixture over the filo pastry sheets.
Knife - You will need a knife to cut the banitsa into individual servings.
Oven - An oven is necessary for baking the banitsa until it turns golden and crispy.

Origin stories

Hailing from the heart of the Balkans, Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian dish that carries with it centuries of history and cultural significance. This savory pastry, often enjoyed at breakfast, has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, demonstrating a gastronomic blend of Eastern and Western culinary influences. But the Banitsa is not just a tasty treat – it also plays a central role in Bulgarian celebrations. On New Year's Eve, it's a custom to bake a special Banitsa with small fortune tokens tucked inside each roll. Family members then each choose a random piece, and their fortune for the coming year is revealed in this flavorful and festive pastry.

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.