Savory Serbian Gibanica
A traditional Serbian pie with cheese and crispy filo layers
Gibanica is a classic Serbian dish made of layers of crisp filo pastry and a creamy cheese blend. Perfect as an appetizer or a delicious snack, it embodies comfort and tradition.
- 1 h 30 min
- 8
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Cheese Filling
For the Pastry Layers
Optional Ingredients
Preparation
Preparing the Cheese Filling
Combine cheeses and eggs
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, feta cheese, and eggs.
Add sour cream and salt
Mix in the sour cream and a pinch of salt.
Add baking soda (optional)
If desired, add baking soda to help the filling rise slightly and mix well.
Preparing the Pastry Layers
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease the baking dish
Grease a large baking dish with melted butter.
Layer filo sheets
Lay one filo sheet on the bottom, brush with butter, and repeat with several more sheets.
Be generous with brushing butter between the filo sheets for the best crispy layer. Ensure filo sheets are covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Sprinkling water droplets can make even crispier layers.
Cooking Process
Layer filo and filling
Alternate filo sheets with spoonfuls of cheese filling until both are used up.
Finish with final filo layer
Finish with a filo sheet layer, brushing generously with butter. Top with sesame seeds if using.
Bake the gibanica
Place in the oven and bake until golden brown and crispy, approximately 45 minutes.
Plating & Serving
Savory Serbian Gibanica
Savory Serbian Gibanica
Plate & Serve
Allow the gibanica to cool slightly before cutting into squares or rectangles and serving warm.