Cheesy Bourekas with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Harissa, and Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

Introduction

Bourekas are delightful savory pastries filled with a rich blend of cheeses and herbs, perfect for a snack or appetizer. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these triangular treats are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 75g crumbled feta
• 50g cottage cheese
• 50g mature cheddar, grated
• 2 eggs, separated and beaten
• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1–2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• Harissa, for serving
• Sliced pickled cucumbers, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the feta, cottage cheese, and cheddar with a fork until combined. Season with freshly ground black pepper, and taste to decide if a pinch of salt is needed. Stir in one of the beaten eggs and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Line one or two baking trays with baking parchment.
3. Step 3: Lay the puff pastry sheet on a board; it should measure about 35 x 23cm. Trim off a 2cm strip from one end and discard. Cut the remaining pastry into 15 squares, each about 7 x 7cm.
4. Step 4: Place a scant tablespoon of the cheese mixture on one corner of each square and flatten slightly. Fold the opposite corner over to create a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing firmly to remove air.
5. Step 5: If the edges don’t stick well, brush with a little of the second beaten egg or water. Press the edges with a fork to seal securely and add a decorative pattern.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of the triangles with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Arrange them on the prepared trays.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden, puffed, and cooked through. Let cool slightly on wire racks.
8. Step 8: Serve warm as is, or once cooled, slice each open slightly lengthwise but keep the fold intact. Fill with slices of hard-boiled egg, harissa, and pickled cucumbers before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the cheese filling.
• You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different texture and taste.
• If puff pastry is not available, phyllo dough can be used, brushed generously with butter.
• Adjust the amount of harissa to suit your spice preference or serve it on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store cooled bourekas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. They are best enjoyed the same day but can also be frozen before baking for up to 1 month; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make bourekas without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the eggs and use a little water or milk to help bind the cheese filling and to brush the pastry. However, eggs add richness and help with browning.

What can I use instead of harissa?

If you don’t have harissa, a spicy chili sauce or a mild tomato chutney works well as a flavorful alternative to accompany the bourekas.

Cheesy Bourekas with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Harissa, and Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 15 bourekas 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and savory Bourekas featuring a flaky puff pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of feta, cottage cheese, and mature cheddar. These golden, crispy triangle pastries are perfect served warm or stuffed with hard-boiled eggs, harissa, and pickled cucumbers for an extra burst of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Filling

• 75g crumbled feta
• 50g cottage cheese
• 50g mature cheddar, grated
• 1 egg, beaten (for filling)
• Black pepper, to taste

Pastry and Topping

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
• 1–2 tbsp sesame seeds

To Serve

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• Harissa, to taste
• Sliced pickled cucumbers

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta, cottage cheese, and grated mature cheddar using a fork until well mixed. Season with a few grinds of black pepper, tasting to decide if salt is needed. Stir in one beaten egg and set aside.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pastry: Line one or two baking trays with baking parchment and preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Lay the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface; it should measure approximately 35 x 23 cm. Trim off a 2 cm strip from one end and discard it. Cut the remaining pastry into 15 squares of roughly 7 x 7 cm each.
3. Fill and Fold Bourekas: Place about a scant tablespoon of cheese filling onto one corner of each pastry square, flattening it slightly. Fold the opposite corner over to form a triangle, enclosing the filling. Seal edges firmly by pressing them together and pushing out any trapped air. If the edges won’t stick, lightly brush with the second beaten egg or water. Press edges with a fork to ensure proper sealing and create a decorative pattern. Repeat this process for all pastry squares.
4. Brush and Add Toppings: Brush the tops of each triangle with the remaining beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the tops to add a nutty flavor and attractive finish.
5. Bake the Bourekas: Place the pastries on the prepared baking trays and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to wire racks to cool slightly.
6. Serve Warm or Stuff: Eat the bourekas warm as they are, or allow them to cool. To serve stuffed, gently slice open each pastry crosswise, keeping the folded side intact so the pie can open slightly without breaking apart. Fill with slices of hard-boiled egg, a dollop of harissa, and pickled cucumbers for added flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the puff pastry and cheese filling are well chilled before assembly for easier handling.
• Adjust the amount of pepper and salt based on the saltiness of your cheeses.
• If desired, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the filling for extra freshness.
• Serve these bourekas as snacks, appetizers, or part of a mezze platter.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven for best texture retention.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Bourekas, puff pastry, cheese pastry, Middle Eastern appetizer, baked pastries, feta cheese, savory snack