Cheese Bougatsa
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish (23×33 cm) This is used to assemble and bake the Bougatsa.
- 1 Pastry Brush For brushing melted butter between the layers of phyllo dough.
- 1 Mixing Bowls To prepare the cheese filling and any other necessary mixtures.
- 1 Oven To bake the Bougatsa until it's golden brown and cooked through.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 350 grams Ricotta cheese or Feta cheese (or a combination of both)
- 120 milliliters Greek yogurt
- 60 grams granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 5 milliliters vanilla extract
- 1 zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 30 grams semolina or fine cornmeal (for added texture)
For the Phyllo Layers:
- 8-10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or feta or a combination of both), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until well combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy. Stir in the semolina or cornmeal to help thicken the filling slightly. Set aside.
Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish.
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, allowing the excess to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter.
- Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have used half of the phyllo sheets.
Add the Cheese Filling:
- Spread the cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
Layer the Remaining Phyllo Dough:
- Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets over the cheese filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold the excess phyllo dough over the top layer.
Bake:
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo dough into serving-sized squares or diamonds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the Bougatsa is golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
- Remove the Bougatsa from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cheese Bougatsa!
Notes
Enjoy the taste of Greece with our Cheese Bougatsa recipe. Crispy layers of phyllo dough envelop a creamy and tangy cheese filling, creating a delectable pastry that’s both satisfying and comforting. Whether served as a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, this homemade Bougatsa is a warm invitation to savor the rich culinary traditions of Greece in the comfort of your own home.
EQUIPMENT
1 Baking Dish (23×33 cm) This is used to assemble and bake the Bougatsa.
1 Pastry Brush For brushing melted butter between the layers of phyllo dough.
1 Mixing Bowls To prepare the cheese filling and any other necessary mixtures.
1 Oven To bake the Bougatsa until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
INGREDIENTS
For the Filling:
350 grams of Ricotta cheese or Feta cheese (or a combination of both)
120 milliliters of Greek yogurt
60 grams of granulated sugar
1 egg
5 milliliters of vanilla extract
1 zest of 1 lemon (optional)
30 grams semolina or fine cornmeal (for added texture)
For the Phyllo Layers:
8-10 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
115 grams unsalted butter, melted
INGREDIENTS
For the Filling:
- 350 grams of Ricotta cheese or Feta cheese (or a combination of both)
- 120 milliliters of Greek yogurt
- 60 grams of granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 5 milliliters of vanilla extract
- 1 zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 30 grams semolina or fine cornmeal (for added texture)
For the Phyllo Layers:
- 8-10 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or feta or a combination of both), Greek yogurt, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Mix until well combined. The filling should be smooth and creamy. Stir in the semolina or cornmeal to help thicken the filling slightly. Set aside.
Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish.
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, allowing the excess to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter.
- Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have used half of the phyllo sheets.
Add the Cheese Filling:
- – Spread the cheese filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
Layer the remaining Phyllo Dough:
- Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets over the cheese filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold the excess phyllo dough over the top layer.
Bake:
- Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo dough into serving-sized squares or diamonds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the Bougatsa is golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
- Remove the Bougatsa from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Cheese Bougatsa!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2250 |
| Fat | 171g |
| Carbohydrates | 97g |
| Protein | 68g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Cheese Bougatsa is a beloved Greek pastry that embodies the perfect balance of crispy, flaky phyllo dough and a luscious cheese filling. This delightful dessert, often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or sweet snack, is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Greece. Layers of paper-thin phyllo pastry are generously buttered, creating a golden, crunchy exterior that encases a creamy and slightly tangy cheese filling made with a blend of ricotta and Greek yogurt. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors, making Cheese Bougatsa a delightful indulgence that’s equally at home on a brunch table or as a sweet ending to any meal. With this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this classic Greek delight in the comfort of your own kitchen, savoring the warm, homemade goodness that’s bound to transport you straight to the streets of Athens.
Why is Cheese Bougatsa so special in Thessaloniki?
Cheese Bougatsa holds a special place in Thessaloniki, Greece, for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: Bougatsa has a long history in Thessaloniki, dating back to the Byzantine Empire. It is considered a part of the city’s culinary heritage and has been enjoyed by generations of locals.
- Variety: Thessaloniki is known for its diverse Bougatsa offerings. In addition to the classic cheese Bougatsa, you can find variations with sweet fillings like custard or pumpkin. This variety adds to its appeal.
- Local Tradition: Bougatsa is more than just a pastry; it’s a cherished tradition in Thessaloniki. It’s common for families to gather at local bakeries and pastry shops to enjoy Bougatsa together, especially on weekend mornings.
- Artisanal Preparation: Many bakeries and pastry shops in Thessaloniki take pride in crafting Bougatsa using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, creating a superior taste and texture.
- Street Food Culture: Bougatsa is readily available as street food in Thessaloniki. You can grab a slice from a bakery or a dedicated Bougatsa vendor, making it a convenient and beloved snack for locals and visitors alike.
- Cultural Experience: Enjoying Bougatsa in Thessaloniki is not just about the taste; it’s about the cultural experience. Sitting in a local pastry shop, sipping coffee or tea, and savoring this pastry is a quintessential part of the city’s lifestyle.
- Tourist Attraction: Thessaloniki’s Bougatsa is renowned, and tourists often seek it out as a must-try local delicacy. Its popularity with visitors has helped cement its status as a special treat in the city.
In summary, Cheese Bougatsa is special in Thessaloniki due to its deep-rooted history, its role in local traditions, the variety of offerings, and the unique cultural experience it offers to both locals and tourists. It’s not just a pastry; it’s a symbol of Thessaloniki’s culinary identity.
What is So Special about Bougatsa From Serres and Why The Best Bougatsa in Thessaloniki is “Serres Bougatsa”?
Bougatsa is a delightful Greek pastry, and one of the most special variations of this treat comes from Serres, a town in northern Greece. Additionally, “Serres Bougatsa” is considered the best bougatsa in Thessaloniki, and there are several reasons why both Serres bougatsa and the Thessaloniki version are so highly regarded:
What Makes Serres Bougatsa Special:
- Unique Filling: Serres bougatsa is distinguished by its delicious filling. Unlike other bougatsa variations, Serres bougatsa primarily features a sweet cream and egg filling. This creamy, rich mixture sets it apart from the savory or cheese-filled bougatsa commonly found elsewhere.
- Exceptional Dough: The pastry layers in Serres bougatsa are incredibly thin and skillfully prepared. The dough is meticulously stretched and layered, creating a delicate balance between crispiness and tenderness.
- Traditional Preparation: Serres bougatsa is prepared using time-honored methods that have been passed down through generations. Local pastry makers take pride in their craft, ensuring that the pastry maintains its authentic taste and texture.
- Served Fresh: The best way to enjoy Serres bougatsa is when it’s fresh and hot out of the oven. It’s often served warm, and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Cultural Significance: Bougatsa is deeply rooted in Greek culture and traditions, and Serres bougatsa is no exception. It is often associated with celebrations, festivals, and family gatherings, and it holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Serres.
Why “Serres Bougatsa” Is the Best in Thessaloniki:
- Authenticity: “Serres Bougatsa” in Thessaloniki is renowned for its commitment to preserving the authentic taste and quality of Serres bougatsa. They use traditional recipes and methods, ensuring that customers experience the true essence of this beloved pastry.
- Skilled Craftsmanship: The pastry makers at “Serres Bougatsa” in Thessaloniki are highly skilled and dedicated to their craft. They take pride in producing bougatsa that capture the essence of Serres, from the flaky pastry to the creamy filling.
- Consistency: Consistency is key when it comes to making excellent bougatsa. “Serres Bougatsa” in Thessaloniki has gained a reputation for consistently delivering high-quality pastries, which has contributed to its popularity.
- Variety: While the sweet cream-filled bougatsa is a standout, “Serres Bougatsa” in Thessaloniki also offers a variety of flavors, including cheese and minced meat fillings. This variety caters to different tastes and ensures there’s something for everyone.
- Local Pride: The name “Serres Bougatsa” itself reflects the pride and respect for the origin of this pastry. It acknowledges the town of Serres as the source of this delectable treat and honors the tradition it represents.
In conclusion, Serres bougatsa, with its unique filling and traditional preparation, is indeed special. When seeking the best bougatsa in Thessaloniki, “Serres Bougatsa” stands out not only for its authenticity but also for its dedication to preserving the essence of this beloved pastry. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the flavors of Serres in the heart of Thessaloniki.
