Cheese Pastry Cake: This Recipe Is a Must-Try!

Not all heroes wear capes, some are packed with cheese and wrapped in pastry! Meet the Cheese Pastry Cake, a sensational appetizer that deserves a standing ovation at any meal. This dish is a glorious combination of crispy puff pastry, silky layers of homemade dough, and a rich filling that melts in your mouth.

It’s the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a satisfying dish that can be served at any event.

The Story Behind This Cheesy Creation

Cheese pastry cakes have been delighting taste buds for centuries, with variations found across many cultures. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Balkan and Mediterranean baked pastries, such as burek and banitsa, which feature layers of thin dough and cheese fillings. The method of boiling the dough sheets before baking adds a unique texture, giving the final dish a perfect balance between tender and crispy.

Similar layered cheese pies were once considered a delicacy reserved for special occasions, especially in European and Middle Eastern households. Now, with modern kitchen hacks, thank you, puff pastry, anyone can enjoy this old-world delight with minimal effort.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheese Pastry Cake

• The sharpness of the cheese determines the depth of flavor, so opt for a rich, well-aged variety.
• Letting the dough rest ensures it rolls out smoothly and achieves the perfect texture.
• Boil the dough sheets quickly. One minute is all they need, any longer, and they'll become too soft to handle.
• Make sure to alternate between dough, butter, and cheese to get an even texture.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

What Type of Cheese Works Best?

A combination of sharp cheese and cottage cheese is ideal. However, you can experiment with feta, ricotta, or even cream cheese for a different twist.

Can I Add Other Fillings?

Yes! Feel free to add cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

Can I Freeze Cheese Pastry Cake?

Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven until warm.

What Can I Serve This With?

This cheese pastry cake pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, a cup of tomato soup, or a side of olives.

Why Is My Dough Too Sticky?

If your dough is sticky, add a bit more flour while kneading. It should be firm but not dry.

How to Make Cheese Pastry Cake

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and water. Add flour gradually, kneading until the dough is firm and non-sticky.

In a bowl, whisk eggs with salt and water. Add flour gradually, kneading until the dough is firm and non-sticky.

Step 2

Step 2

Form it into a log, divide it into 8 equal pieces and set aside to rest for 1 hour.

Form it into a log, divide it into 8 equal pieces and set aside to rest for 1 hour.

Step 3

Step 3

Dust your working surface with flour and roll each piece into a thin disk, stacking them with flour in between.

Dust your working surface with flour and roll each piece into a thin disk, stacking them with flour in between.

Step 4

Step 4

Roll out the stack of dough until you get 3 thinner layers. Separate the layer and roll them individually until they are paper-thin and see-through. Repeat this process with leftover dough.

Roll out the stack of dough until you get 3 thinner layers. Separate the layer and roll them individually until they are paper-thin and see-through. Repeat this process with leftover dough.

Step 5

Step 5

Boil each sheet for one minute in salted water with vegetable oil, then transfer to ice-cold water. Ensure you add cold water at intervals to keep it cold all the time.

Boil each sheet for one minute in salted water with vegetable oil, then transfer to ice-cold water. Ensure you add cold water at intervals to keep it cold all the time.

Step 6

Step 6

Combine shredded sharp cheese and cottage cheese into a smooth paste.

Combine shredded sharp cheese and cottage cheese into a smooth paste.

Step 7

Step 7

Roll out one half of the puff pastry and place it into a baking pan, covering the bottom and sides. Place a boiled dough sheet, brush with butter, repeat with 3 more layers,

Roll out one half of the puff pastry and place it into a baking pan, covering the bottom and sides. Place a boiled dough sheet, brush with butter, repeat with 3 more layers,

Step 8

Step 8

Spread half the cheese filling on your dough and continue layering until all ingredients are used.

Spread half the cheese filling on your dough and continue layering until all ingredients are used.

Step 9

Step 9

Cover with another thinly rolled sheet of puff pastry, tuck in the edges, and trim any excess.

Cover with another thinly rolled sheet of puff pastry, tuck in the edges, and trim any excess.

Step 10

Step 10

Brush the pastry with butter and bake at 190C (375F) for 40 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing and digging in.

Brush the pastry with butter and bake at 190C (375F) for 40 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing and digging in.