Turkish Burek Recipe: A Delicious Savory Pastry

Burek is a savory pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of minced beef, onions, and spices, all wrapped in layers of delicate filo pastry. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or as part of a festive spread, burek is sure to impress.

What Is Burek?

Burek is a beloved pastry with origins in the Ottoman Empire, where it became a staple in many regions, from the Balkans to the Middle East. It is often filled with ground meat, cheese, or spinach, and then rolled into a spiral or layered in a pan. Burek is typically served warm, often alongside a yogurt-based dip, and is a favorite comfort food for many. Its crispy, flaky texture makes it an irresistible treat!

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

Burek combines the perfect blend of crispy, buttery filo pastry with a rich, savory filling. It’s easy to make, versatile, and ideal for feeding a crowd. This dish can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or taking to potlucks. Plus, it's customizable—swap out the beef for other proteins or add vegetables for a unique twist!

Cooking Tips

1. Use fresh filo pastry: Filo pastry can dry out quickly, so make sure to keep it covered with a damp cloth while assembling the burek.
2. Don’t skip the butter: Brushing each layer of filo pastry with melted butter ensures the perfect flaky texture.
3. Customize your filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as adding vegetables or using lamb instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
4. Watch the bake time: Keep an eye on the burek as it bakes to ensure it turns golden brown and crispy without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Filo Pastry?

Yes, you can use frozen filo pastry for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before using.

How Do I Make Burek Ahead of Time?

You can assemble the burek in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply bake it as directed when you're ready to serve.

How Can I Prevent The Pastry From Getting Soggy?

Brushing each layer of filo pastry with melted butter helps to keep the layers crisp. Also, avoid overfilling the burek to ensure the pastry stays flaky.

What Should I Serve With Burek?

Burek pairs wonderfully with a side of yogurt or a fresh cucumber salad. It also goes well with a light soup or a Mediterranean mezze spread.

Can I Make Burek With a Different Filling?

Absolutely! While the classic burek filling is made with minced beef, you can easily swap it for other ingredients. Try using ground lamb, chicken, or even a mix of vegetables and cheese for a delicious vegetarian version.

How to Freeze

You can freeze burek either before or after baking:

• Before baking: Assemble the burek as directed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• After baking: Let the burek cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispiness.

How to Store

Store leftover burek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture. You can also microwave it, but the pastry may lose its crunch.

How To Make Burek

Step 1

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the egg and melted butter to combine.

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Stir in the egg and melted butter to combine.

Step 2

Step 2

Lay the first sheet of filo pastry on a clean, dry surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Place a strip of the beef mixture along one edge of the pastry. Roll the pastry tightly to form a log, then spiral it into a circle and place it in a greased baking dish.

Lay the first sheet of filo pastry on a clean, dry surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Place a strip of the beef mixture along one edge of the pastry. Roll the pastry tightly to form a log, then spiral it into a circle and place it in a greased baking dish.

Step 3

Step 3

Continue layering the filo pastry and filling, rolling and spiraling the pastry until the pan is full. Brush the top with more melted butter.

Continue layering the filo pastry and filling, rolling and spiraling the pastry until the pan is full. Brush the top with more melted butter.

Step 4

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Bake the burek for 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Bake the burek for 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Step 5

Step 5

Let the burek cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or your favorite dip.

Let the burek cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or your favorite dip.