This Cheesy Layered Pastry Delight is a family favorite that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Made with layers of thin, tender dough and a rich, savory cheese filling, this pastry is baked to golden perfection. The combination of suluguni, Dutch cheese, and cottage cheese creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible.

The process of layering and baking the dough with generous brushings of butter ensures a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pastry that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main dish, a side, or a snack, this cheesy layered pastry is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Its warm, gooey cheese filling and crisp, buttery crust make it a comforting and satisfying treat that you’ll want to make again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 6 eggs
• 50 ml water
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 650 g flour

For the Cheese Filling:

• 300 g suluguni cheese
• 300 g Dutch cheese
• 300 g cottage cheese

For Cooking:

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Butter for greasing and brushing
• Flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, mix 6 eggs, 50 ml water, and 1.5 teaspoons salt until well combined.
   • Gradually add 650 g flour, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
   • Sprinkle the bowl with flour, place the dough back in, cover, and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
   • In a separate bowl, combine 300 g suluguni cheese, 300 g Dutch cheese, and 300 g cottage cheese. Mix well and set aside.
3. Divide and Roll the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Then, divide each part into 5 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball.
   • Cover the dough balls and set aside.
4. Cook the Dough Layers:
   • Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to a thin, round shape.
   • Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a large pot of boiling water.
   • Cook each rolled dough piece in the boiling water for 1 minute, then dip it in cold water to stop the cooking process.
   • Place the cooked dough layers on a baking sheet and brush each with melted butter.
5. Assemble the Pastry:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
   • Grease a baking tray with butter.
   • Place the first cooked dough layer on the baking tray, brush with melted butter, and add a portion of the cheese filling.
   • Repeat the process, layering the dough and cheese filling, ending with a dough layer.
   • Brush the top layer with melted butter.
6. Bake the Pastry:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on top.
7. Serve:
   • Let the pastry cool slightly before cutting into pieces.
   • Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, cheesy layers.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add herbs like parsley or dill to the cheese filling.
• Ensure the dough layers are well-coated with butter to achieve a flaky texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: Makes about 10 servings

Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Layered Pastry

1. Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
2. Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough as thinly as possible for delicate layers.
3. Butter Layers: Generously brush each layer with melted butter to achieve a flaky texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Herb Addition: Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
2. Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or feta for a new twist.
3. Serving Ideas: Serve with a side of fresh salad or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pastry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to retain the crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Possible Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   • Yes, but freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
2. What can I use instead of suluguni cheese?
   • Feta or mozzarella can be good substitutes for suluguni cheese.
3. How do I know when the pastry is done?
   • The pastry should be golden brown and crispy on top.
4. Can I freeze this pastry?
   • Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. What if I don’t have Dutch cheese?
   • Gouda or cheddar can be used as a substitute for Dutch cheese.
6. How can I prevent the dough from sticking?
   • Make sure to dust the surface and rolling pin with flour.
7. Can I add other fillings?
   • Yes, you can add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables.
8. What type of flour is best for this recipe?
   • All-purpose flour works well for this pastry.
9. Is there a vegan version?
   • You can use plant-based cheeses and a flax egg substitute for a vegan version.
10. Can I use store-bought dough?
    • Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be used for convenience.

Conclusion

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Cheesy Layered Pastry with your friends and family. It’s a perfect treat that combines comfort and flavor in every bite!