Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the cold butter and fresh cheese. Rub everything together with your fingers or use a fork until the mixture becomes a smooth dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a freezer bag, and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes (this makes it easier to cut).
- Remove the dough from the freezer and the bag. Roll it out slightly if needed.
- Cut out mini pogačice using a small cookie cutter or glass.
- Mix the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush the tops of the pogačice.
- Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
This Quick Balkan Cheese Pogačice is my personal, simplified take on one of the most beloved traditional snacks from Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and the whole Balkans. In every Balkan household, pogačice sa sirom have been baked for generations — small, savory cheese biscuits that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. My version keeps all the authentic flavor but makes the process faster and easier for busy home cooks.
These little biscuits are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with coffee or tea, as a side to soup or stew, or on a charcuterie board when you have guests. They disappear quickly at every family gathering!
Why these pogačice are so good The combination of butter and fresh cheese gives them a rich, tender texture and deep savory taste. The short chilling time in the freezer is the secret — it keeps the butter cold so the biscuits stay flaky and light instead of heavy. The sesame seeds on top add a beautiful crunch and nutty aroma that is very typical in Balkan baking.
They are also surprisingly practical. You can make the dough ahead, freeze it, and bake fresh whenever you want. They store well in an airtight container for 3–4 days and can be gently reheated in the oven to regain their crispiness.
This recipe is my modern twist on classic Balkan comfort food — quick enough for everyday baking but special enough to feel like a little celebration. Once you try them, these golden cheese pogačice will become a regular in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.