Cheese Puff Pastries

These cheese puff pastries, known as pogačice sa sirom, are a traditional Balkan baked snack that are soft, flaky, and full of rich buttery flavor. They are made with a simple yeast dough, layered with butter and filled with fresh cheese, then baked until golden and crisp.

What makes them special is the light, flaky texture created by folding and layering the dough with butter. The result is a pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving with yogurt or tea.

They are quick to prepare and always disappear fast when served warm.

Cheese Puff Pastries

Traditional Balkan cheese puff pastries made with yeast dough, layered butter, and fresh cheese. Crispy, flaky, and soft inside—perfect quick homemade snack.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Cuisine: Balkan

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 500 g flour
• 100 ml milk
• 100 ml water
• 50 ml oil
• 1 packet dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Filling

• 200 g butter or margarine
• 250 g fresh cheese
• Sesame seeds optional
• Egg white for brushing

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Grater (for butter if needed)

Method

 

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, water, and oil into a soft dough.
2. Roll out immediately without resting.
3. Spread butter over half of the dough, fold, then repeat once more for layering.
4. Roll out again into a thin sheet.
5. Add fresh cheese over one half and fold.
6. Cut into shapes or squares.
7. Brush with egg white and sprinkle sesame seeds.
8. Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes until golden and puffed.

Notes

Do not over-knead the dough to keep pastries flaky.
Butter layering is key for texture.
Serve warm for best taste.
You can add feta or cottage cheese instead of fresh cheese.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, but this recipe is designed for quick preparation.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze before baking and bake when needed.

Why are they flaky?
The folding and butter layers create steam pockets during baking.

What cheese works best?
Fresh cheese or feta both work well.