Cheese Bourekas With Black Caraway

Puff Pastries filled with cheese square image1200

5 from 6 votes

Cheese Bourekas With Black Caraway

Cheese Bourekas are a great appetizer or snack to have around. Very easy to make, these pastries will win your heart in no time! The mild saltiness of the cheese and the aromatic with a peppery bite black caraway seeds make these pastries delicious.

Prep Time20

Cook Time25

Total Time45

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: Romanian

Servings: pastries

Calories: 217kcal

Author: Gabriela

Ingredients

17.3 ounces Package of Puff Pastry Sheets thawed
8 ounces Feta Cheese
2 large eggs (one for the cheese mixture and one for brushing the pastries)
2 tablespoons black caraway seeds
Optional: 2-4 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Defrost the puff pastry for about 40-45 minutes and use it while still cold.
If you use regular puff pastry sheets, cut the pastry in aprox. 5x5 inches squares.
In a medium bowl, place the feta cheese and mash it with a fork.
Add the egg and mix well.
Place a dollop of the cheese mixture in the middle of the puff pastry squares and fold the pastry in half or as a triangle.
Use a fork to seal the pastry around.
Place each pastry on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
Brush each pastry with the other egg and sprinkle them with black caraway seeds.
Bake at 400F/200C for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm or cold.

Notes

Puff Pastry Tips: Work with the puff pastry while it's still cold for easier handling. If it becomes too warm and sticky, put it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Cheese Consistency: Feta cheese can be crumbly. If you prefer a creamier texture in the filling or the cheese is too salty, consider blending the feta with a bit of cream cheese or ricotta.
Sealing Pastries: To ensure the pastries don't open while baking, press the edges firmly to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
Caraway Seed Substitute: If black caraway seeds are not available, regular caraway seeds, sesame seeds, or even poppy seeds can be used as alternatives.
Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking the pastries a few minutes before the end of the suggested baking time. They should be golden brown and puffed up when done.
Serving Suggestions: These pastries are great served warm, but they also taste good at room temperature. They can be a perfect addition to a brunch spread or as appetizers for a gathering.
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain the pastry's crispness.
Freezing Instructions: Unbaked pastries can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Egg Wash Alternative: If you're out of eggs for the egg wash, a little milk or cream brushed on the pastries before baking can give them a nice color.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Adding herbs like dill or parsley can add a fresh flavor to the cheese filling.

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