Gibanica(Slavic Main Dish Cheese Pie)
Gibanica is a savory Slavic cheese pie featuring layers of phyllo pastry, cheese, and butter, offering rich, cheesy flavors perfect for main dishes or appetizers. Suitable for cheese lovers and hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the farmer or Feta cheese, eggs, sour cream, salt, white pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
- Follow package directions for working with phyllo dough.
- Lightly butter a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer in the dish: 2 buttered pastry sheets, 1/3 of the cheese mixture, 2 buttered pastry sheets, 1/3 of the cheese mixture, 2 buttered pastry sheets, 1/3 of the cheese mixture, and then 6 to 8 buttered pastry sheets.
- Brush the top layer well with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve as an appetizer or larger squares for main dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled goat cheese or adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture. If you can't find phyllo dough, you can use puff pastry as a substitute, though it will alter the texture slightly. Make sure to keep the phyllo covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gibanica warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or main dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of Herbed Sour Cream Mustard Sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving with a fresh salad or alongside Cabbage Soup (Eastern Europe) to balance the richness of the pie.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Gibanica can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gibanica(Slavic Main Dish Cheese Pie) contains roughly 261 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1335mg per serving (58% 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 Gibanica ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Gibanica in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What type of cheese works best in Gibanica?
Farmer cheese or Feta cheese are traditional choices, but you can experiment with ricotta or a mixture of cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure any cheese used is not too wet to avoid a soggy filling.
Can I freeze Gibanica?
Yes, Gibanica freezes well. To do this, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
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).