Cheese Borek
(4 ratings)

Cheese Borek

A delightful Algerian pastry filled with a cheesy mixture, perfect as a side dish.

AlgerianVegetarianLunchSnack
By Daria
22 minPrep
40 minCook
62 minTotal
6Servings
250Calories

Ingredients

  • Phyllo Dough12 sheets
  • Gouda Cheese6 oz
  • Emmentaler Cheese6 oz
  • Eggs1 beaten
  • Parsley1 bunch
  • Garlic2 cloves, minced
  • Red pepper3/4 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter1 1/2 cups

Substitutions

  • Phyllo Dough: use gluten-free phyllo dough or rice paper for a gluten-free option.
  • Gouda Cheese: substitute with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option.
  • Emmentaler Cheese: substitute with dairy-free cheese or a mix of cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a non-dairy option.
  • Eggs: replace with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) for an egg-free option.
  • Unsalted Butter: use olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture

    5 min

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 beaten egg, 1 bunch of finely chopped parsley, 2 minced cloves of garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon of red pepper. Gently fold in 6 oz of Gouda cheese and 6 oz of Emmentaler cheese until everything is evenly blended. This mixture should be creamy and well incorporated, with the herbs and spices distributed throughout.

  2. Prepare Phyllo Dough

    5 min

    Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on a clean surface. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the sheet with approximately 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter for added richness. Carefully cut the phyllo sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.

  3. Fill and Fold Phyllo Strips

    10 min

    At one end of each phyllo strip, place a rounded teaspoon of the cheese and egg mixture. Fold the corner of the strip over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding in a triangular pattern along the length of the strip until you reach the end. Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Repeat this for all remaining phyllo sheets.

  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

    2 min

    Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a large baking sheet with a bit of butter to prevent sticking, ensuring an even cooking surface for your borek.

  5. Bake the Borek

    40 min

    Arrange the stuffed phyllo triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the triangles are golden brown and crisp. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor.

FAQ

Yes, you can use a flaxseed egg or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for the egg in the cheese mixture.

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