Turkish Börek - Flaky Phyllo Pastry with Cheese and Herbs

Turkish Börek - Flaky Phyllo Pastry with Cheese and Herbs

Turkish Börek - Flaky Phyllo Pastry with Cheese and Herbs

Börek

This classic Turkish börek delivers layers of buttery, flaky phyllo pastry filled with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a tender, savory interior that melts in your mouth. It's the perfect comfort food that brings families together around the breakfast table or makes an impressive dish for guests.

Prep 30 min
Cook 40 min
Servings 8
Difficulty Medium
Börek represents one of Turkey's most beloved culinary traditions, with roots tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. This versatile pastry appears in countless regional variations throughout Turkey, from the spiral su böreği to the layered tepsi böreği. The magic of börek lies in its contrasting textures - paper-thin phyllo pastry becomes gloriously crispy when baked, while the cheese filling inside stays luxuriously creamy. Each bite releases the aroma of butter, fresh dill, and melted cheese. The pastry shatters delicately between your teeth before giving way to the rich, herb-scented filling. Traditionally served warm from the oven, börek makes an exceptional breakfast alongside Turkish tea or as part of a weekend brunch spread. The combination of protein-rich cheese and satisfying carbohydrates makes it incredibly filling, while the herbs add a fresh brightness that prevents it from feeling heavy. Whether you're hosting guests or treating your family to something special, börek never fails to impress with its elegant appearance and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling

    Crumble the white cheese into small pea-sized pieces. Finely chop the dill and parsley, removing thick stems. Mix the cheese with herbs, 1 beaten egg, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl for 2-3 minutes until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. Do not overmix or the cheese will become pasty.

  2. Make egg mixture

    Whisk together the remaining 2 eggs and milk in a medium bowl over low heat for 1 minute until just combined. The mixture should be smooth and pale yellow. Do not let it curdle by whisking too vigorously.

  3. Prepare butter mixture

    Melt the butter with olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-4 minutes until completely liquid and golden. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes until warm but not hot. Do not let it brown or smoke.

  4. Layer bottom sheets

    Preheat oven to 180°C. Brush a 30x40cm baking dish with butter mixture. Layer half the phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each sheet generously with butter mixture. Take 2-3 minutes per sheet, ensuring even coverage. Do not skip any sheets or they will burn.

  5. Add filling

    Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo sheets using your hands or a spoon for 3-4 minutes. Press gently to create an even layer reaching all corners. The filling should be about 1cm thick. Do not pile it too high or the top layers will not cook properly.

  6. Top with phyllo

    Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the filling, brushing each with butter mixture over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes. Press down gently around the edges to seal. The top should be golden and glossy. Do not rush this step or the börek will be dry.

  7. Score and bake

    Score the top layers into serving squares using a sharp knife, cutting only halfway through. Pour the egg-milk mixture evenly over the surface and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The top should sound hollow when tapped. Do not open the oven door for the first 25 minutes or it may collapse.

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