📍 Bessarabia (southwest Ukraine)⏱ 55 min🍽 Serves: 4vegetarian

Banitsa — Bulgarian Cheese Pastry

Crisp pastry, a tender cheese center.

Where it comes from

Odesa Oblast

History

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry. Bulgarian communities in Bessarabia preserve their own culinary heritage within Ukraine. Fillings and pastry arrangements vary.

Today

This practical home version uses store-bought phyllo, brined cheese, and plain yogurt.

Ingredients

• 250 g phyllo dough
• 300 g brined cheese
• 200 g plain yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 60 g butter

Method

1. Crumble the cheese and mix with eggs and yogurt.
2. Brush phyllo sheets with melted butter.
3. Add a portion of filling to each pair of sheets.
4. Roll and arrange in a spiral or rows in a baking dish.
5. Brush with remaining butter.
6. Bake at 355°F (180°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and the filling reaches 165°F (74°C).

How to serve

Let rest for 10 minutes after baking, then serve warm in pieces.

Sources

• Cultural background

Check ingredients for allergens. Times and amounts are approximate.