Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Slices of layered phyllo pastry with a creamy filling, arranged on parchment paper, offer a taste of traditional Bulgarian cuisine in this Banitsa recipe.

Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa Recipe

A man in an apron smiling in a kitchen.Carlos Gomez
Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and yogurt, perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Meal Type Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine Bulgarian
Servings 8
Calories 498 kcal
Difficulty Easy
Ingredient Cost $9.50
Shopping Cost$17.50

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Pastry Brush

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 package phyllo dough 16 sheets
  • 7 oz cheese Bulgarian white or feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup sparkling water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Filling:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, baking soda, and crumbled cheese until well combined.
    3 large eggs, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 7 oz cheese

Assemble the Banitsa:

  • Grease a baking dish with some melted butter.
    1/4 cup butter
  • Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter and oil.
    1 package phyllo dough, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup butter
  • Repeat with 4 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter and oil.
  • Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the layered phyllo.
  • Continue layering phyllo dough, brushing with butter and oil, and adding the cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of phyllo dough.

Bake:

  • Pour the sparkling water over the assembled banitsa.
    1/2 cup sparkling water
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.

Serve:

  • Allow the banitsa to cool slightly before cutting into pieces and serving.

Notes

Banitsa can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of crumbled sausage or spinach to the filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 498kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 13gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 667mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 569IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 234mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Banitsa, Breakfast, Bulgarian Pastry, Cheese, Phyllo Dough

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!