Heavenly Feta Cheese Burek: A Crispy Phyllo Dough Delight

Burek, a savory pastry popular in the Balkans and surrounding regions, is a culinary treasure. While various fillings exist – meat, spinach, potatoes – the feta cheese version, or *sirnica* as it’s sometimes called, holds a special place in the hearts of many. The combination of tangy, salty feta encased in layers of flaky, golden-brown phyllo dough is simply irresistible. This recipe guides you through creating a truly heavenly feta cheese burek that will impress your family and friends.

## Why This Feta Cheese Burek Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes it so successful:

* **High-Quality Feta:** The star of the show is, of course, the feta. Using a good-quality feta cheese, preferably one made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, will significantly impact the flavor. Avoid the pre-crumbled kind, which often lacks the creamy texture and robust flavor. Buy a block and crumble it yourself.
* **Proper Phyllo Handling:** Phyllo dough can be intimidating, but with a few simple tricks, it becomes much easier to work with. Keeping the dough covered with a damp towel prevents it from drying out and cracking. Brushing each layer with melted butter ensures crispiness and a beautiful golden-brown color.
* **Flavorful Filling:** The filling isn’t just feta cheese. The addition of eggs binds the mixture together and adds richness. A touch of yogurt or sour cream introduces a subtle tanginess that complements the feta perfectly. Fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, brighten the flavor and add a touch of freshness. The optional addition of a pinch of nutmeg enhances the overall aroma and adds a warm, comforting note.
* **Baking at the Right Temperature:** Baking at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period allows the phyllo dough to become perfectly crisp and golden without burning. The filling also has time to set properly, creating a delicious and cohesive pastry.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Phyllo Dough:** 1 pound (450g) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions. It’s crucial to thaw the phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight to prevent it from becoming sticky or gummy.
* **Feta Cheese:** 1 pound (450g) feta cheese, preferably a block of sheep’s or sheep’s and goat’s milk feta.
* **Eggs:** 3 large eggs.
* **Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream:** ½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt or sour cream. Full-fat yogurt or sour cream will provide the best flavor and texture.
* **Melted Butter:** 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted. Clarified butter (ghee) can also be used for an even richer flavor and higher smoke point.
* **Fresh Dill or Parsley:** ¼ cup chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional, but highly recommended).
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Remember that feta cheese is already quite salty, so add salt sparingly.
* **Sesame Seeds or Nigella Seeds:** For sprinkling on top (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. You can also use a round baking dish if you prefer.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a few mixing bowls for preparing the filling and melting the butter.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the eggs and yogurt/sour cream.
* **Pastry Brush:** For brushing the phyllo dough with melted butter. A silicone pastry brush is easy to clean.
* **Fork:** For crumbling the feta cheese.
* **Damp Kitchen Towel:** To keep the phyllo dough from drying out.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the burek! Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof result.

**Preparation (About 20 Minutes)**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature ensures even baking and prevents the phyllo dough from burning.
2. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the burek from sticking.
3. **Prepare the Phyllo Dough:** Unroll the phyllo dough and place it on a clean, dry surface. Immediately cover it with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Work quickly but carefully.
4. **Prepare the Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, crumble the feta cheese using a fork. Add the eggs, yogurt or sour cream, chopped dill or parsley (if using), and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the feta’s saltiness when adding additional salt.

**Assembling the Burek (About 25 Minutes)**

1. **Layering the Phyllo Dough:** Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it in the prepared baking dish, allowing the edges to overhang the sides of the dish. Brush the phyllo sheet generously with melted butter.
2. **Repeat:** Repeat the layering process with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter. The overhanging edges will be folded over later to create a neat crust.
3. **Add the Filling:** Spread the feta cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough. Make sure the filling is distributed uniformly to ensure that every bite is delicious.
4. **Layering Phyllo Over the Filling:** Now, layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets over the filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you go. Again, use about 5-6 sheets.
5. **Folding the Overhanging Edges:** Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom phyllo layers over the top layer of phyllo dough to create a sealed crust. Brush the folded edges with melted butter.
6. **Scoring the Burek (Optional):** Before baking, you can score the top of the burek with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the burek from puffing up too much. Score it into squares or diamonds, depending on your preference.
7. **Topping (Optional):** Brush the top of the burek with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

**Baking (About 45-55 Minutes)**

1. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the burek is golden brown and the phyllo dough is crispy. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.
2. **Rest:** Once the burek is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

## Tips for Perfect Feta Cheese Burek

* **Don’t Overwork the Phyllo Dough:** Handle the phyllo dough gently and avoid overworking it. Overworking can make the dough tough and less flaky.
* **Keep the Phyllo Dough Moist:** Always keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. If the dough dries out, it will become brittle and difficult to work with.
* **Use Enough Butter:** Don’t be shy with the melted butter! Brushing each layer of phyllo dough generously with butter is essential for creating a crispy and golden-brown burek.
* **Adjust the Filling to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the filling to your liking. You can add more or less feta cheese, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the burek ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, preheat the oven and bake as directed.
* **Freezing:** Baked burek can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spinach and Feta Burek:** Add sautéed spinach to the feta cheese filling for a healthier and more flavorful variation. Simply wilt fresh spinach in a pan with a little olive oil and garlic, then drain it well and chop it before adding it to the filling.
* **Meat and Feta Burek:** For a heartier burek, add cooked ground meat (beef, lamb, or pork) to the filling. Brown the meat with onions and spices before adding it to the feta cheese mixture.
* **Potato and Feta Burek:** Combine mashed potatoes with the feta cheese filling for a comforting and satisfying burek. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg.
* **Spicy Feta Burek:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses in addition to feta. Ricotta, cottage cheese, or even a sharp cheddar can be added to the filling for a unique flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Feta cheese burek is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Serve it with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream.** The tangy yogurt or sour cream complements the salty feta cheese perfectly.
* **Serve it with a side salad.** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich burek.
* **Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea.** Burek is a popular breakfast or brunch dish in many Balkan countries, and it’s often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Serve it as part of a meze platter.** Burek can be a great addition to a meze platter, along with other savory dishes such as olives, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Protein: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This feta cheese burek recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy phyllo dough, the tangy feta cheese filling, and the simple yet elegant preparation make it a truly special dish. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can easily recreate this heavenly burek at home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the delightful flavors of the Balkans! Enjoy!