Traditional Croatian Pogačice: Savory Cheese-filled Pastries Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 250 grams of unsalted butter
  • 200 ml of sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • 100 grams of feta cheese
  • 100 grams of boiled ham
  • 1 egg yolk for glazing

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Then, use your fingers to mix it until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Add the sour cream and egg to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently until it comes together into a ball.
  6. Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
  7. On half of the circles, place a small piece of feta cheese and boiled ham. Cover with the remaining circles, pressing the edges to seal.
  8. Place the filled dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Brush each dough circle with the egg yolk.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
  11. Allow the pogačice to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife to cut the butter and ham.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to safely cut the ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - A rolling pin to roll out the dough.
  • Round cookie cutter - A round cookie cutter to cut out the dough circles.
  • Baking sheet - A flat baking sheet to place the pogačice on.
  • Parchment paper - Parchment paper to line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Pastry brush - A pastry brush to brush the pogačice with the egg yolk.
  • Wire rack - A wire rack to cool the pogačice after baking.

Recipe variations

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda instead of feta cheese.
  • Replace the boiled ham with other cooked meat options like cooked bacon, smoked turkey, or shredded chicken.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and add grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor, such as dried oregano, paprika, or garlic powder.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a small amount of honey or maple syrup into the dough.
  • For a crust variation, consider using puff pastry instead of a traditional dough.
  • Make bite-sized pogačice by using a smaller cookie cutter and adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

Pogačice is a delightful savory treat from the Balkans that will surely impress your guests at any gathering. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sour cream into delicious bite-sized pastries filled with feta cheese and boiled ham. The dough is lightly kneaded and rolled out, then filled and baked until golden brown. With a delicate buttery crust and a savory filling, these little pastries are perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or part of a brunch spread. Although it takes a bit of time to assemble, the process is straightforward and the result is well worth the effort. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
    No, baking soda cannot be used as a substitute for baking powder in this recipe. They have different chemical properties and will yield different results.
  3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt added to the recipe to avoid it being too salty.
  4. Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
    Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
  5. Can I omit the feta cheese and boiled ham?
    Yes, you can omit the filling or substitute it with other ingredients of your choice, such as different types of cheese, vegetables, or herbs.
  6. How should I store the pogačice?
    Store the cooled pogačice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pogačice, with its roots in the Balkan region, specifically Serbia, is a beloved snack with a compelling flavor profile that unites the Balkans in culinary harmony. This delightful pastry, flaky and savory, is not just another snack—it's a piece of history that brings families together on holidays, celebrations, and everyday gatherings. The beauty of Pogačice resides in its simplicity and adaptability, with each family imprinting their unique touch on the recipe, filling them with various ingredients from ham to cheese, even sweet jams, encapsulating the spirit of shared culinary heritage across generations. This humble but delicious pastry serves as a testament to the Balkan spirit of unity and resilience, standing strong through time, just like the undying love for Pogačice.

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.