When we think of Croatia, one dish that stands out is Croatian Cheese Strukli, a comforting and delicious baked dish filled with cheese.
This Croatian Cheese Štrukli recipe is easy to make and perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners.
We love to explore various cuisines on our travels, collecting recipes that bring a piece of the world into our kitchen.
Štrukli can be made with different fillings, but the classic version features rich cottage cheese, often combined with cream. It’s a dish that embodies the warmth of Croatian hospitality.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple step-by-step process to create your own mouthwatering Croatian Cheese Štrukli at home.
About Us
We are John and Laurel Rodgers, a couple who loves to explore the world through food. As American travelers, we gather recipes from various kitchens, including restaurants and cooking classes.
Our mission is to bring authentic recipes to our readers. Each dish we share tells a story and connects us all.
We believe that cooking is not just about food but also about culture and community. Through our blog, we aim to inspire others to try new recipes, like Croatian Cheese Strukli.
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Why You’ll Love This Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
We adore this Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe for many reasons. First, it combines the rich flavors of cottage cheese and ricotta, creating a filling that is both creamy and satisfying.
The texture of the dough is soft and delightful. Baked to a golden perfection, it creates a wonderful contrast with the delectable cheese.
We love how it can be served as a sweet treat or a savory appetizer.
In addition, the recipe is flexible. You can add ingredients like sour cream and heavy cream for an extra richness or stick to milk for a lighter version. This versatility means you can tailor it to your taste.
Making this dish brings us joy. The process of preparing the dough and filling is simple yet rewarding. We enjoy sharing it with family and friends, who always appreciate the warm and comforting experience it offers.
Finally, Croatian Cheese Strukli is perfect for any occasion. Whether at a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, it never fails to impress. Its delicious flavor and appealing presentation make it a dish we are proud to serve.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Croatian dish, known as Štrukli, holds a special place in our hearts. Originating from the Zagorje region, it’s a beautiful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary.
We love that Štrukli can be baked or boiled, giving it a delightful versatility. The main filling is often a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and cream. This creates a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
The dough used is also noteworthy. Made from flour, eggs, and a bit of oil, it has just the right balance of chewiness and crispiness when baked. Plus, it’s an excellent way to incorporate local Croatian flavors into our meals.
In Zagreb, you can find variations of this dish served in many charming restaurants. Each place has its twist, showcasing the region’s culinary creativity.
We especially enjoy how this dish brings people together. Whether it’s a family gathering or a local celebration, Štrukli is often on the table, making it a staple of Croatian hospitality.
What sets our recipe apart is that we chose to bake it, topped with a sprinkle of cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This change gives the dish a delightful golden crust, elevating it from delicious to unforgettable.
Cooking Equipment Needed
When making Croatian Cheese Štrukli, having the right kitchen tools is key to success. Here’s what we need:
- Mixing Bowls: We use these for combining the flour, eggs, and oil.
- Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps us roll out the dough evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements make a big difference. We need these for flour and oil.
We also find these items helpful:
- Baking Dish: A rectangular or square dish works well for baking the assembled Štrukli.
- Parchment Paper: This makes clean-up easy. We often line the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: These are useful for cutting the dough into equal portions.
Let’s not forget about cooking oil. We use it to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
For the dough, we usually choose all-purpose flour. It gives a nice texture to our Štrukli.
Having these items ready will help us enjoy the cooking process and create delicious cheese-filled pastries. Happy cooking!
Cooking Instructions
To make Croatian Cheese Štrukli, we start with the dough. Mix together flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water, vinegar, and a splash of oil, mixing until smooth.
Next, we prepare the filling. In another bowl, combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), some salt, and eggs. We can also add a bit of melted butter for extra flavor.
Now it’s time to assemble our štrukli. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough.
Next, we roll the dough up in a jelly-roll fashion. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight to burst the seam.
Then, we cut the rolled dough into equal pieces.
We bring a large pot of boiling salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully place the pieces into the pot.
Let them cook for about 20 minutes or until they float to the surface. This means they’re done!
Once cooked, we can remove the štrukli from the pot and let them drain. You can serve them warm with a drizzle of melted butter on top for a delicious treat. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
When making Croatian Cheese Strukli, we’ve gathered some helpful tips to ensure they turn out delicious!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh cottage cheese and high-quality butter. They make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little flour. If it’s too dry, a splash of water can help.
- Filling Options: While traditional strukli is filled with cheese, you can add finely chopped meat for a heartier dish. Just make sure any meat is well-cooked before adding.
- Cooking Method: You can boil or bake strukli. Boiling gives a different texture, while baking adds a nice golden color. Try both to see which you prefer!
- Boiling Perfectly: If you choose to boil, ensure the water is at a rolling boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes. They are done when they float to the top.
- Seasoning: A pinch of salt in the filling enhances flavor. Don’t be afraid to play with spices like paprika for an extra kick.
- Serving: Serve strukli hot with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top. This adds creaminess and balances flavors nicely!
Ingredients Needed for the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
All-purpose flour
Large Eggs
Melted butter
Water
Cottage Cheese
Sour Cream
White Cheddar
Dried Thyme
Garlic powder
Gound Nutmeg
Half-and-half
Salt
Pepper
Instructions For Preparing the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
Prepare the Dough
Preheat oven to 400°F and brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter. In a stand mixer, combine flour, salt, egg, melted butter, and water. Mix with a dough hook on low for 5 minutes until smooth and tacky, then knead for another 2–3 minutes. If too dry, add 1 – 2 tablespoons water. Coat the dough and bowl with butter, cover with plastic, and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
Make the Filling & Assemble
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, sour cream, shredded white cheddar, eggs, thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a thin 9×13-inch rectangle. Spread one-quarter of the filling over each piece, then gently roll into loose logs, folding the dough in 1½–2 inch sections. Lift each log and place it in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cut each log into 4 equal pieces, pour half-and-half over the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
Bake & Serve
Bake for 45–50 minutes until puffy and golden. Serve warm. *Shortcut:* Use dried lasagna noodles instead of dough, layering them between the cheese mixture, then pour in the half-and-half, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
FAQs For the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
Question: What is the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe?
A: The Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe is a traditional dish made of thin dough filled with a rich cheese mixture, which can be either baked or boiled, depending on regional variations.
Question: What type of cheese is used in the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe?
A: The Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe typically uses fresh cottage cheese or ricotta, often mixed with sour cream and eggs for a creamy and flavorful filling.
Question: Can the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe be made sweet or savory?
A: Yes, the Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe can be prepared as a savory dish with salt and butter or as a sweet version with sugar and cinnamon.
Question: How do you serve the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe?
A: The Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe is best served warm, either baked with a golden crust or boiled and topped with melted butter and breadcrumbs.
Question: Can I prepare the Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe in advance?
A: Yes, the Croatian Cheese Strukli recipe can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and baked or boiled when ready to serve.
Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Baker’s Corner
- 5 eggs Goldhen large divided
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter Countryside Creamery melted divided
- 2/3 cup water
- 24 ounces cottage cheese Friendly Farms
- 1 1/4 cup sour cream Friendly Farms
- 10 ounces white cheddar Specially Selected Aged Reserve shredded and divided
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Stonemill
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half Countryside Creamery
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Preheat oven to 400°F and brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter. In a stand mixer, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, 1½ tablespoons melted butter, and ⅔ cup water. Mix with a dough hook on low for 5 minutes until smooth and tacky, then knead for another 2–3 minutes. If too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons water. Coat the dough and bowl with butter, cover with plastic, and let rest for at least 15 minutes.
Make the Filling & Assemble
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, sour cream, 1½ cups shredded white cheddar, 4 eggs, thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a thin 9x13-inch rectangle. Spread one-quarter of the filling over each piece, then gently roll into loose logs, folding the dough in 1½–2 inch sections. Lift each log and place it in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cut each log into 4 equal pieces, pour half-and-half over the top, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
Bake & Serve
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until puffy and golden. Serve warm. *Shortcut:* Use dried lasagna noodles instead of dough, layering them between the cheese mixture, then pour in the half-and-half, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
1 comment
The pastry baked to golden perfection, with the cheese filling melting into a creamy, tangy delight. The contrast between the crisp outer layer and the soft interior was amazing. My guests kept reaching for more, commenting on how perfectly balanced the flavors were.