Turkish Style Easy Feta Börek with Puff Pastry

If you’ve ever experienced a traditional Turkish çay saati, you know it's more than just a tea break—it's a lively gathering filled with laughter, friendship, and mouthwatering food. Central to this beautiful afternoon ritual is börek, a beloved pastry that captures the hearts and taste buds of many.

Börek represents the essence of Turkish cuisine, featuring layers of flaky dough wrapped around various savory fillings. Today, we will explore a simple yet delightful version: Easy Feta Börek made with puff pastry. These mini pastries are perfect for your next tea time or casual gathering and deliver crispy, cheesy bites packed with flavor.

Turkish-style triangle-shaped feta börek made with puff pastry, served with a glass of Turkish tea

Why Puff Pastry?

Puff pastry is truly a game-changer for baking. Its incredible versatility and ease make it a favorite among home cooks. Unlike traditional yufka or phyllo dough, puff pastry cuts down on prep time. Thawing a sheet of puff pastry takes minutes and creates delicious börek filling in no time. This makes it ideal for beginners or anyone wanting to impress guests without extensive effort.

With its light, airy texture, puff pastry delivers that satisfying crunch that makes börek so irresistible.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at our star ingredients:

1. Feta Cheese: The heart of our filling. Crumbled feta provides a salty and creamy flavor that perfectly balances with fresh herbs.

   
   

2. Fresh Parsley: A handful of finely chopped parsley infuses freshness and color, complementing the rich feta.

   
   

3. Egg Wash: This gives the börek a gorgeous golden finish and also helps seal the edges, ensuring that none of that tasty filling escapes.

   
   

4. Olive Oil: While optional, a dash of olive oil enhances the creaminess of the filling without overpowering the flavors.

   
   

5. Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry keeps the process simple and delicious, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the time spent with family and friends instead of fussing over dough.

   
   

Preparing the Filling

To start off, gather your ingredients and mix up that enticing filling!

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 125g crumbled feta cheese with a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. The combination yields that classic Turkish flavor we all cherish.

   
   

2. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, remembering that feta can be quite salty. For an extra layer of creaminess, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil if desired.

   
   

3. Mix well until everything is combined, and set aside while you prepare your pastry.

   
   

Crafting the Börek

Now for the fun part! Let’s assemble those tasty bites.

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked börek.

   
   

2. Once the puff pastry is thawed, carefully cut it into squares, aiming for about 10 squares—larger squares will yield bigger börek.

   
   

3. Place a spoonful of your feta and parsley filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Avoid overfilling, as a little goes a long way!

   
   

4. Fold the corners of the square to form a triangle, pressing the edges together. Use a fork to seal them tightly, adding a decorative touch in the process.

   
   

5. For that perfect finish, apply an egg wash: beat one egg and brush it over the tops of each börek. This adds a lovely sheen once baked.

   
   

Baking Time!

Place your assembled börek on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are puffed and a deep golden brown.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be mouthwatering, making it hard to wait!

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, serve these feta börek while warm. They can stand alone as a delightful snack or be part of a larger spread for your çay saati. Pair them with a fresh salad or a simple yogurt dip to enhance the experience.

These mini böreks fit perfectly into any meal, whether as appetizers at a dinner party or a satisfying bite during a picnic. They are so versatile that you can enjoy them any time of day.

Celebrate Authentic Flavors

Making Turkish Style Easy Feta Börek with puff pastry is a delightful way to bring a piece of Turkish culture into your home. With a handful of simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also made with love for those you share it with.

So, gather your loved ones, pour some tea, and enjoy these flaky, cheesy bites. After all, every tea time deserves a touch of warmth and deliciousness!

Happy baking!