Lička Cheese Pogača

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 50ml (1/4 cup) olive oil 50ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese
• 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 14g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle.
7. 7.
   In a bowl, mix together the feta cheese, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan.
8. 8.
   Spread the cheese mixture evenly over one rectangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the second rectangle of dough on top and press the edges to seal.
9. 9.
   Transfer the filled dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
10. 10.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pogača is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — Make sure to crumble the feta cheese into small pieces for an even distribution throughout the pogača.
• Cottage cheese — If the cottage cheese is too watery, drain it before using to prevent the dough from becoming too moist.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes before sprinkling them on top of the pogača to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Yeast — Instant yeast is recommended for this recipe as it does not require proofing. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the cheese filling.
• If you prefer a more golden crust, brush the top of the pogača with beaten egg before baking.
• Leftover pogača can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to create your own unique variation.
• Serve the pogača with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy touch.

Serving advice

Lička Cheese Pogača is best served warm or at room temperature. Slice it into wedges or squares and serve as an appetizer or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. It pairs well with a glass of Croatian white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Lička Cheese Pogača, sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top before baking. You can also brush the crust with melted butter after baking for a glossy finish. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a decorative platter to showcase its rustic charm.