Turkish Cheese Borek Canapés

Ingredients

In this Turkish adaptation, the Russian cheese canapés are transformed into Turkish Cheese Borek Canapés by using traditional Turkish cheeses like beyaz peynir and kaşar. The phyllo pastry is used instead of bread, giving the canapés a flaky and crispy texture. The Turkish version also incorporates Turkish spices and herbs to enhance the flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Cheese canapés, so you can check it out.

• 10 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 200g (7oz) beyaz peynir (Turkish white cheese), crumbled 200g (7oz) beyaz peynir (Turkish white cheese), crumbled
• 100g (3.5oz) kaşar cheese, grated 100g (3.5oz) kaşar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped 1/4 cup dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 cup melted butter 1/4 cup melted butter
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g / 5g (total / saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 14g / 1g (total / sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the crumbled beyaz peynir, grated kaşar cheese, parsley, dill, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 5 layers.
4. 4.
   Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture evenly over the top sheet of phyllo pastry.
5. 5.
   Roll the layered phyllo pastry tightly into a log shape.
6. 6.
   Cut the log into small bite-sized pieces, approximately 2 inches in length.
7. 7.
   Repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining phyllo pastry and cheese mixture.
8. 8.
   Place the canapés on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the canapés are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Handle the phyllo pastry gently to prevent it from tearing. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
• Beyaz peynir — If beyaz peynir is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar tangy flavor.
• Kaşar cheese — If kaşar cheese is not available, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese as a substitute.
• Parsley and dill — Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use dried herbs. Reduce the quantity by half if using dried herbs.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the canapés extra crispy, brush each layer of phyllo pastry with melted butter.
• Serve the canapés warm for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different Turkish cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.
• Sprinkle some nigella seeds on top of the canapés for added visual appeal.
• These canapés can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Cheese Borek Canapés as an appetizer at parties, gatherings, or as a delicious snack. They pair well with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt dip or a tangy tomato salsa.

Presentation advice

Arrange the canapés on a platter in an attractive pattern, garnished with fresh parsley or dill sprigs. The golden brown color of the canapés and the sesame seed topping will add visual appeal to your presentation.