Banitsa: Phyllo Dough With Feta

Banitsa is not only my favorite, but all of my friends favorite Bulgarian dish! It is a Bulgarian classic that is made for breakfast, parties and for New Years Eve. Banitsa is really fluffy, comforting and full of flavor. This savory pasty will easily become your new favorite dish! It tastes delicious served with Greek plain yogurt and tomatoes.

We have a tradition of writing happy wishes and wrapping each one on a tooth pick that sticks into a slice of banitsa. These happy wishes include health, happiness, travel, success, etc. The oldest member of the family spins the banitsa around and each person takes a piece. It is believed that this will be their luck for the New Year.

Happy New Year! xx

Banitsa

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS 

• 4 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 5 eggs
• 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• 1 stick grass-fed butter, melted
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing the pan
• 1 pack phyllo dough (about 20 sheets), thawed

Toppings:

• sliced tomatoes
• plain Greek yogurt

DIRECTIONS

• STEP 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
• STEP 2. In a bowl, whisk yogurt and baking soda. Add eggs, cheese, salt, and sparkling water. Mix well.
• STEP 3. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over low heat.
• STEP 4. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13×9 glass pyrex pan.
• STEP 5. Cover the bottom with 3 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each one lightly with the melted butter.

• STEP 6. Add a fourth sheet without brushing it with butter and with a spoon, spread part of the cheese filling evenly.

• STEP 7. Cover with 3 sheets of phyllo dough with butter (repeat step 5 & 6).
• STEP 8. Finish with 3 sheets of phyllo dough. Pour the rest of the melted butter and cheese filling over the banitsa.

• STEP 9. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.

Tip: Once baked, sprinkle with water and cover with a towel for 10 minutes so it can set. Serve warm with Greek yogurt and sliced tomatoes.