Traditional Cheese Börek

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This flaky, golden Turkish börek features layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with creamy Holla white cheese, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Börek is a beloved pastry throughout Turkey, the Balkans, and the Middle East, often served for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a mezze spread.

Our version uses Holla Le Fette, which provides the ideal creamy, slightly tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the buttery, crisp phyllo layers.

Each bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by the soft, savory cheese filling—it’s absolutely addictive.

Making börek at home might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward, especially with our detailed instructions. The key is working with phyllo dough carefully (keeping it covered so it doesn’t dry out) and being generous with the butter between layers to achieve that golden, flaky perfection.

This börek is perfect for breakfast alongside tea, wonderful as part of a brunch spread, or excellent as an appetizer or side dish. Make a large batch because these disappear quickly!

They can also be frozen before baking, making them a convenient option for entertaining.

Time 45 min
Serving Size 8

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, crumble or mash the Holla white cheese with a fork until it's relatively smooth but still has some texture. Beat one egg and mix it into the cheese. Add finely chopped fresh parsley and mix well. Season with a pinch of black pepper (the cheese provides enough salt). Set aside while you prepare the phyllo.

Step 2

Prepare Phyllo and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with melted butter. Carefully unroll phyllo dough and cover it with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Work with one sheet at a time, keeping the rest covered.

Step 3

Layer Bottom Phyllo

Take one sheet of phyllo and lay it in the buttered baking dish, gently pressing it into the corners. Brush the sheet generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7-8 more phyllo sheets, buttering each layer. The butter is essential for creating those crispy, golden layers.

Step 4

Add Filling and Top Layers

Spread the prepared cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo, smoothing it out to the edges. Now begin layering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter just as you did for the bottom layers. Use all remaining phyllo sheets. Don't worry if edges crack slightly; this adds to the rustic charm.

Step 5

Bake to Golden Perfection

Before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top layers of phyllo into squares or diamonds—this makes it easier to cut and serve later. Brush the top generously with remaining melted butter. Beat the second egg and brush it over the top for a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds if using. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the börek is golden brown and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.