Banzita(Bulgaria)
A savory Bulgarian pastry layered with flaky filo, feta cheese, and eggs, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a small bowl, mix crumbled feta cheese and four eggs together.
- Place the first sheet of filo dough at the bottom of the pan and brush with one tablespoon of melted butter.
- Repeat with three more filo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
- On the fourth sheet, spread half of the egg and feta mixture.
- Place another sheet of filo dough on top, brush with butter, and repeat with three more sheets.
- Spread the remaining egg and feta mixture over the layered filo.
- Cover with four more sheets of filo dough, brushed with butter.
- Carefully cut squares into the assembled layers.
- Pour any remaining melted butter over the top.
- Mix one egg with seltzer soda and pour evenly over the assembled layers.
- Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cold water, cover with a paper towel and dish towel, and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with sugar and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure you brush each layer of filo dough generously with melted butter. If feta is too salty, consider using a mixture of feta and ricotta for a milder flavor. You can also substitute seltzer with sparkling water for similar results. Experiment by adding herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with vegetarian recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Banzita warm as a delightful appetizer or a light main dish. It pairs well with a fresh salad, like a simple cucumber or tomato salad, to balance its richness. You can also enjoy it alongside Sinfully Delicious Pecans for a crunchy contrast. Drizzle with a bit of honey or serve with yogurt for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Banzita can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the filo dough soggy. For best results, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banzita(Bulgaria) contains roughly 521 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Banzita ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Banzita a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled from the fridge.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you need a substitute for feta cheese, consider using goat cheese or a mild ricotta. Both alternatives will provide a creamy texture, though the flavor will differ. For a vegan option, try using crumbled tofu mixed with nutritional yeast and lemon juice for a cheesy flavor.
Is Banzita suitable for freezing?
Yes, Banzita can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).