Bougatsa (Cheese Filled Filo Pastry)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 2

Bougatsa (Cheese Filled Filo Pastry) recipe for a delectable breakfast or dessert treat

by The Chefin Pastry

Prep

20 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

70 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	1 lb mascarpone or 1 lb cream cheese , room temperature
	1 1/2 cups sugar
	6 eggs
	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1/2 cup clarified butter
	10 phyllo pastry sheets , thawed in the refrigerator if previously frozen
	powdered sugar

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

695

Sugar

30g

Fat

45g

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry that is beloved across the country for its delicious taste and versatility. Served in both sweet and savory varieties, Bougatsa is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert after a meal. The cheese-filled variant is a popular choice due to its rich and creamy filling and flaky, buttery pastry layers. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a sweet and indulgent dessert, Bougatsa has something to offer for everyone.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone or cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2.	Gradually add in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined.
3.	Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with clarified butter.
4.	Layer half of the phyllo pastry sheets in the baking pan, brushing each sheet with clarified butter as you layer them.
5.	Pour the cheese mixture into the pan, and smooth it evenly with a spatula.
6.	Layer the remaining phyllo pastry sheets on top of the cheese mixture, brushing each sheet with clarified butter as you layer them.
7.	Use a sharp knife to cut through the top layers of phyllo pastry, creating diamond shapes. Be sure to cut all the way through to the bottom layer.
8.	Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9.	Allow the Bougatsa to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

PROS

Bougatsa is delicious and easy to make, and can be eaten any time of day as a breakfast, snack, or even a dessert.

The flaky phyllo pastry layers and rich cheese filling are a heavenly combination that will leave you wanting more.

CONS

The sugar and butter content in this pastry is high, making it a calorie-dense treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

Also, the phyllo pastry can be a bit difficult to work with, as it is very fragile and can tear easily.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Bougatsa is not the healthiest food option, there are a few benefits to this pastry.
Mascarpone or cream cheese can provide a good source of calcium and protein, and phyllo pastry is lower in fat than other types of pastry dough.
However, because of the high sugar and butter content, it is best to enjoy Bougatsa as a special treat rather than a regular part of your diet.