These Israeli Cheese Bourekas are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Flaky pastry encases a warm, cheesy filling, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. This easy homemade recipe is a delightful taste of Israeli cuisine.
- Keyword Focus: Israeli Cheese Bourekas, Cheese Bourekas Recipe, Easy Pastry Recipe, Savory Cheese Pastry.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Israeli, Sephardic Jewish
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Breakfast, Brunch
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yields: 6-12 bourekas (depending on size)
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
- 8 oz Ricotta Cheese (or Cream Cheese)
- 4 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (or other hard cheese like Gruyere or Kashkaval)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame Seeds, for topping (optional)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pizza cutter or knife
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the egg, dried parsley (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. You can roll them out slightly to make them a bit larger if desired, but be careful not to make them too thin. Cut each sheet into 6-9 equal squares (depending on your desired boureka size).
- Assemble the Bourekas: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons depending on the size of your pastry squares) of the cheese filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry square over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Press the edges together firmly to seal. For extra security and a decorative touch, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled bourekas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Egg Wash and Topping: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the bourekas with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tops, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bourekas are puffed up and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bourekas cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm.
Enjoy these delicious Israeli Cheese Bourekas! They can be served on their own or with a side of hard-boiled eggs, olives, fresh vegetables, or a simple salad, which is a traditional Israeli way to enjoy them.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as farmer's cheese, goat cheese, or a blend of your favorites. Adjust the saltiness accordingly.
- Herbs and Spices: Add other herbs like fresh dill or za'atar to the cheese filling for a different flavor profile.
- Shape: While triangles are common for dairy bourekas, you can also make squares or other shapes.
- Make Ahead: Bourekas can be assembled ahead of time, placed on a baking sheet, covered, and refrigerated for a few hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold.
- Freezing: Baked and cooled bourekas can be frozen. Wrap them individually or in a single layer in freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
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