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Turkish Börek (Spinach and Cheese Pie)

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Turkish Börek (Ispanaklı Peynirli Börek) is a flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta, and cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection with sesame seeds on top, it’s a versatile dish that works for brunch, appetizers, or a light meal.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Turkish
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz) package phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for greasing
  • 1 medium egg, beaten (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 8 oz spinach leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium egg, beaten (for filling)
  • 7 oz medium cheddar or Turkish taze kaşar, grated
  • 7 oz feta cheese or beyaz peynir, drained and crumbled
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg-milk mixture)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup sparkling water
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8×12-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. In a large bowl, mix spinach with olive oil, salt, and pepper, massaging until wilted. Add egg, cheddar, and feta; mix well.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, olive oil, sparkling water, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cut phyllo sheets to fit dish, keeping them covered with a damp towel.
  5. Layer 2 sheets in dish, brush with egg-milk mixture, and repeat until half the sheets are used.
  6. Spread spinach-cheese filling evenly over the base.
  7. Continue layering phyllo sheets, brushing with egg-milk mixture every 2 sheets.
  8. Finish with a final sheet, pour remaining egg-milk mixture over top, and tuck in edges.
  9. Slice into 12 rectangles, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Rest 10 minutes.
  10. Bake for 35 minutes until golden. Cool for 5–7 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Substitute frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh is unavailable.
  • Herbs like parsley, mint, or dill can be added for freshness.
  • Olives or caramelized onions add extra flavor.
  • For a meaty version, use sautéed ground beef or lamb with onions and spices.
  • Can be made ahead and frozen—reheat at 400°F for 8–10 minutes from frozen.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/turkish-borek-spinach-and-cheese-pie/