Main Course · Lunch · Eastern European · Mediterranean ·

Balkan Burek with Savory Spinach and Feta Filling

Name: Balkan Burek with Savory Spinach and Feta Filling
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Fresh spinach, 1 lb, washed and chopped; Feta cheese, 8 oz, crumbled; Onion, 1 medium, finely chopped; Garlic, 2 cloves, minced; Egg, 1, beaten; Salt and pepper, to taste; Phyllo pastry sheets, 1 package (about 16 sheets); Unsalted butter, 1 cup, melted; Egg yolk, 1; Milk, 1 tablespoon

Enjoy this traditional Balkan dish featuring a rich, savory spinach and feta filling wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo pastry.

4(548 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 1, 2025

Balkan Burek with Savory Spinach and Feta Filling — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

35 min

Cook

1 h 45 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Spinach and Feta Filling

For the Phyllo Pastry

For the Egg Wash

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 678 kcal
Protein: 14.3 g
Carbs: 52 g
Fat: 44.8 g
Fiber: 3.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4067 kcal
Protein: 86 g
Carbs: 312 g
Fat: 269 g
Fiber: 21 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Fresh spinach 1 lb, washed and chopped	104	13	16	1	8
Feta cheese 8 oz, crumbled	600	32	8	48	0
Onion 1 medium, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
Garlic 2 cloves, minced	9	0	2	0	0
Egg 1, beaten	68	6	1	5	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Phyllo pastry sheets 1 package (about 16 sheets)	1550	29	273	26	11
Unsalted butter 1 cup, melted	1628	2	0	184	0
Egg yolk 1	55	3	1	5	0
Milk 1 tablespoon	9	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Spinach and Feta Filling

1
Sauté onion and garlic
In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2
Cook spinach
Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
3
Mix filling
Remove from heat, mix in the crumbled feta, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Allow to cool slightly.

Preparing the Phyllo Pastry

1
Unroll phyllo sheets
Carefully unroll the phyllo pastry sheets, covering with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
Tip: Handle phyllo sheets gently to prevent tearing.
2
Melt butter
Melt the butter and have it ready for brushing on the sheets.
Tip: Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to maintain moisture.

How to Make Balkan Burek with Savory Spinach and Feta Filling

Total time: 2 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Layering the Burek
Lay a phyllo sheet on your working surface, brush with butter, and repeat to have 4 stacked layers.
2
Filling the Burek
Spoon the spinach filling along one edge of the layered sheets, then roll tightly into a log.
3
Baking the Burek
Place the logs on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden and crisp.