Cheese Bougatsa
Enjoy 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 (23x33 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 23x33 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
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.