Mary Grilc'S Cheese Strukle
Mary Grilc's Cheese Strukle is a savory pastry featuring flaky phyllo, creamy cottage cheese, and rich butter, perfect for cheese lovers and those seeking a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lay 6 sheets of phyllo dough on a towel.
- Melt butter and brush it over the phyllo sheets, avoiding the edges.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix with sour cream and creamed cottage cheese.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the buttered phyllo sheets.
- Roll up or fold the phyllo to encase the filling.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
When handling phyllo dough, keep the sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. If you don't have butter, margarine works as a substitute, but for a richer flavor, consider using ghee. For a twist, try adding herbs or spices to the cheese mixture, or incorporate some sautéed vegetables for added nutrition. This dish is great for using leftover cheese from other recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a delightful appetizer or main dish, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of Zurish Potatoes or a light salad to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Zesty Spinach Dip for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the strukle in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the phyllo dough soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Grilc'S Cheese Strukle contains roughly 331 calories, with 10g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While creamed cottage cheese is traditional, you can substitute with ricotta or even a mixture of feta and cream cheese for a tangy flavor. Just ensure the consistency is similar to maintain the structure of the filling.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the strukle and assemble it a few hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled strukle before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed for a fresh, homemade taste.
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).