When I finally took my first bite, I was amazed by the delicious flavor and surprised by how much cheese it had on the inside! The warm, flaky layers were so comforting, and I instantly knew this bakery would become part of my morning routine.
Banitsa is made by layering thin sheets of dough with a filling of cheese, eggs and Bulgarian yogurt! To make it, you start by mixing the eggs, cheese and yogurt in a bowl. Then, you take a sheet of thin dough called phyllo, brush it with melted butter or oil and spread some of the fillings on top. This process is repeated, layering dough and filling until everything is used up. Finally, it is baked in the oven until golden brown and flaky. The result is a warm, cheesy pastry that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
During special occasions, banitsa can have symbolic meanings which will change the way it is prepared. For example, during New Year’s celebrations, people sometimes bake a lucky coin or small charms inside the banitsa. Whoever finds the coin or charm in their slice is believed to have good luck for the year ahead!
The primary ingredients in banitsa—cheese, yogurt, eggs and flour—are staples of Bulgarian farming communities, with the special yogurt ingredient, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, adding a unique flavor. Banitsa can also be made with different fillings depending on the occasion or the vegetables in season. For example, you might add spinach for a savory version or make it a sweet dessert by adding pumpkin and cinnamon.
