Discover the comforting flavors of Bulgaria with this **Simple Bulgarian Banitsa** recipe, a flaky and savory pastry beloved for its rich texture and tangy filling. Made with layers of delicate phyllo dough, creamy feta cheese, and a silky mixture of yogurt and eggs, this dish is lightly brushed with melted butter for an irresistible golden crust. Ready in just 50 minutes, this easy and authentic banitsa is baked to perfection, offering a crispy top and a soft, flavorful interior. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack, this traditional recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress guests. Serve warm and enjoy a taste of the Balkans with every bite!
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with sunflower oil or butter.
In a medium bowl, crumble the feta cheese using a fork. Add the plain yogurt, eggs, and baking soda. Mix well until combined into a smooth filling mixture.
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave and set it aside to cool slightly.
Unroll the phyllo dough carefully to avoid tearing. Work with one sheet at a time, keeping the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush.
Spread a small amount of the yogurt and feta filling evenly over the buttered phyllo sheet.
Repeat the layering process, alternating phyllo sheets, butter, and filling, until all the filling and phyllo layers are used. Finish with a layer of phyllo on top and brush it generously with melted butter.
Lightly score the top layer into squares or diamond shapes using a sharp knife, taking care not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
Bake the banitsa in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the banitsa from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade Simple Bulgarian Banitsa!
Calories |
3188 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.8 g | 261% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.5 g | 472% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1200 mg | 400% | |
| Sodium | 6833 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 239.5 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.8 g | ||
| Protein | 100.4 g | 201% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.5 mcg | 38% | |
| Calcium | 1732 mg | 133% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 1206 mg | 26% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.