Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie Recipe: If you’ve ever explored Serbian cuisine, you know that each dish tells a story. One of our favorites is Gibanica, a delightful cheese pie that perfectly captures the essence of this rich food culture. This comforting dish combines layers of flaky dough with creamy cheese, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
As we traveled through Serbia, we enjoyed tasting this flavorful pie at various restaurants and even learned to make it in cooking classes. It’s versatile, too—you can savor it warm as a main dish or enjoy it cold as an appetizer. We can’t wait to share our take on this delightful recipe that we think you’ll love as much as we do.
Join us as we dive into how to make traditional Gibanica at home.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We think you’ll really enjoy making Gibanica, a delightful Serbian cheese pie. Here are some reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Easy to Prepare: The steps are straightforward. We just need to thaw phyllo dough and mix our cheese filling.
- Versatile Options: We can customize our Gibanica. Whether we prefer classic cheese, or want to add ingredients like spinach, potatoes, or ham, the choices are endless.
- Flavorful Layers: The flaky phyllo dough pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch.
- Cultural Connection: Gibanica is not just food; it’s part of Serbian culture. It’s served at weddings and family gatherings, making it a dish filled with memories.
- Served Warm or Cold: We can enjoy Gibanica hot out of the oven or let it cool for a tasty snack. It works well as a starter or a main dish at any meal.
- Quick Cooking Time: After prep, it doesn’t take long to bake. Our home will smell amazing, tempting everyone nearby.
Making Gibanica is a fun way to explore Serbian cuisine. We can share it with family and friends, creating tasty moments together.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Gibanica is more than just a cheese pie; it’s a beloved part of Serbian culture. We cherish this dish at family gatherings and celebrations. Its crispy layers of dough combined with soft cheese create a delightful texture.
The recipe can vary across regions, which adds to its charm. Here are some unique aspects:
- Simple Ingredients: We use basic items like phyllo dough, cheese, and eggs. This makes it easy for anyone to try making it at home.
- Versatile Serving: Gibanica can be enjoyed warm or cold. We often serve it as a starter or even as a main dish.
- Cultural Heritage: This pie reflects a blend of Turkish and Austrian influences in Serbian cuisine. It connects us to our culinary roots.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: We love making Gibanica for special events, like weddings, or even just a casual family meal. Everyone appreciates its rich flavors.
In short, Gibanica represents warmth, comfort, and togetherness. It brings us closer during meals, reminding us of our shared heritage and traditions. The love put into making this dish is what truly makes it special.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make delicious Serbian Gibanica cheese pie, we need a few simple tools. Here’s a list of what we will use:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the cheese and eggs.
- Fork: To beat the eggs and combine ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: To apply butter on the phyllo dough.
- Baking Dish: A buttered dish, about 11 by 10 by 2 inches, is perfect for the pie.
- Whisk: Useful for beating the eggs thoroughly.
- Saucepan: If we choose to heat ingredients or melt butter.
- Food Mill or Strainer: Helpful if we need to prepare any ingredients.
Let’s prepare our kitchen with these essential tools before we start.
Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
We can easily find most of these items in our kitchen. If not, they are simple to get at any local store. With these tools in hand, we are all set to create a tasty Gibanica!
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get started on making our delicious Serbian Gibanica!
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps our pie bake evenly and become golden.
- Prepare the baking pan. We will grease a 9×13 inch pan with some oil.
- In a bowl, we mix the cheese and eggs together. This forms the creamy filling.
- In another bowl, combine the sparkling water, baking powder, and oil. Gently stir this mixture into the cheese and egg blend.
- Layer the phyllo dough. Place one sheet in the pan, brush it lightly with oil, and repeat this with a few more sheets.
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the phyllo. We can add more layers of phyllo on top, repeating the oiling process.
- Repeat until we run out of filling or dough. Make sure to finish with a good layer of phyllo on top.
- Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. It should be golden brown and puffed up.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before we cut it into squares. Enjoy warm or cold!
Our Gibanica is ready to be served. Let’s dig in!
Cooking Tips
When making Gibanica, we want to ensure it turns out perfectly. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep Phyllo Dough Moist:
As we assemble the pie, let’s remember to cover the phyllo sheets with a damp towel. This helps prevent them from drying out.
2. Combine Ingredients Well:
When mixing our cheese filling, let’s make sure all ingredients are combined evenly. This helps with a balanced flavor in every bite.
3. Layer Properly:
While adding the cheese mixture, we should divide it evenly between the layers of phyllo. This ensures even baking and a delicious result.
4. Preheat the Oven:
Always preheat the oven to the right temperature, usually about 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps the pastry crisp up nicely.
5. Let It Rest:
After baking, we should let the Gibanica sit for a bit before slicing. This resting time allows it to set and makes it easier to cut.
6. Serve Warm or Cold:
Gibanica tastes great both warm and cold. We can enjoy it as a starter or a main dish, depending on our mood.
Ingredients For the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie Recipe
: AppetizerCuisine: Serbian Prep Time: 30minutes minutesCook Time: 45minutes minutesTotal Time: 1hour hour 15minutes minutes Servings: 8 -10 squares Calories: 255kcal
Phyllo Dough
Feta Cheese
Sour Cream
Cottage Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Cooking Instructions For the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie Recipe
### Preparing the Filling
In a large bowl, use a fork to roughly mash the feta cheese. Add the lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, and whole milk, then mix everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed, keeping in mind that the feta may already be quite salty.
Prepping the Baking Dish
Grease the baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
Working with the Dough
Open the packet of phyllo or yufka dough, removing two sheets while keeping the rest covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Work quickly to maintain the dough’s pliability.
Creating the First Layer
Place two sheets of dough into the greased baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. These will be folded over later to seal the pie.
Dipping and Layering the Dough
Position the bowl of cheese mixture close to the baking dish. Take a single sheet of dough, crumple it slightly, and dip it into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Lightly press the soaked dough into your hand to form a rough round shape, then place it into the dish. Continue this process, using as many sheets as necessary to fill the dish, while reserving two sheets for the top layer.
Finishing the Assembly
Pour any remaining cheese mixture over the crumpled dough. Fold the overhanging edges of the first two sheets over the filling. Place the reserved two sheets on top to fully cover the pie.
Brushing and Resting the Pie
Combine olive oil with hot water and brush this mixture over the top of the pie. Let it rest on the counter while the oven preheats to the required temperature.
Baking and Serving
Transfer the dish to the oven and bake until golden brown and set. Gibanica can be served either hot or cold, depending on preference.
FAQ For the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe
Question: What is the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie Recipe?
A: The Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe is a traditional Serbian dish made with layers of filo dough and a rich filling of cheese, eggs, and yogurt. It is a popular dish for both everyday meals and special occasions, offering a delicious combination of savory flavors.
Question: How do you make the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe?
A: To make the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe, you need to layer filo dough with a cheese filling, then bake until golden and crispy. The filling usually consists of white cheese, eggs, yogurt, and sometimes herbs, creating a flavorful and comforting dish.
Question: Can you prepare the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe in advance by assembling the pie and refrigerating it before baking. This can save time when you’re ready to serve, just bake it until golden and hot before serving.
Question: Is the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A: The Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it typically contains no meat. The filling is made from cheese, eggs, and yogurt, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
Best Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Phyllo Dough
- 12.5 oz feta Cheese
- 3/4 cup Sour Cream
- 3/4 cup Cottage Cheese
- 2 cups Milk
- 5 Eggs
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil divided
- Sea Salt fine
Instructions
Preparing the Filling
- In a large bowl, use a fork to roughly mash the feta cheese. Add the lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, cottage cheese, and whole milk, then mix everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed, keeping in mind that the feta may already be quite salty.
Prepping the Baking Dish
- Grease the baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
Working with the Dough
- Open the packet of phyllo or yufka dough, removing two sheets while keeping the rest covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Work quickly to maintain the dough’s pliability.
Creating the First Layer
- Place two sheets of dough into the greased baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. These will be folded over later to seal the pie.
Dipping and Layering the Dough
- Position the bowl of cheese mixture close to the baking dish. Take a single sheet of dough, crumple it slightly, and dip it into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Lightly press the soaked dough into your hand to form a rough round shape, then place it into the dish. Continue this process, using as many sheets as necessary to fill the dish, while reserving two sheets for the top layer.
Finishing the Assembly
- Pour any remaining cheese mixture over the crumpled dough. Fold the overhanging edges of the first two sheets over the filling. Place the reserved two sheets on top to fully cover the pie.
Brushing and Resting the Pie
- Combine olive oil with hot water and brush this mixture over the top of the pie. Let it rest on the counter while the oven preheats to the required temperature.
Baking and Serving
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake until golden brown and set. Gibanica can be served either hot or cold, depending on preference.
Nutrition
Question: How do you serve the Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe?
A: The Serbian Gibanica Cheese Pie recipe is best served warm, often as a main dish or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or part of a larger meal.
1 comment
The layers of phyllo pastry turned golden and crisp, while the cheese filling remained creamy and slightly tangy. The texture was flaky yet rich, with just the right balance of saltiness. Served warm, guests loved how airy yet satisfying each bite was.
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