If you’ve never had Crispy Turkish Börek, prepare to fall in love—hard. Think golden, flaky filo pastry filled with a savory blend of ground beef, creamy cheeses, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Each bite is crispy, juicy, and absolutely packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch with a fresh salad!
Whether you’ve tried Turkish cuisine or not, börek is one of those traditional dishes that feels like comfort food the moment it hits your plate. And let me tell you—once you make it yourself, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2–3)
- Filo Pastries (also called Yufka sheets)
- 70g feta cheese, crumbled
- 70g sundried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 30g fresh spinach, chopped
- 40g grated Emmental cheese
- 2 tbsp St. Moret or any soft cream cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 120g ground beef
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
- Olive oil
- Black sesame seeds (optional)
- Chives for garnish
- Honey for drizzling (optional but highly recommended!)
🧑🍳 How to Make Crispy Turkish Börek
Let’s break it down into easy steps that’ll have you folding pastries like a pro in no time:
1. Cook the Beef Filling
In a skillet, sauté the diced onion in a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, paprika, oregano, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Cheese & Spinach Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Soft cream cheese (St. Moret works great for creaminess)
- Fresh spinach (chopped)
- Grated Emmental cheese
- Crumbled feta
- Chopped sundried tomatoes
- A handful of chopped chives
Add in your cooled ground beef mixture and stir everything together until it’s fully combined and creamy.
3. Roll Your Börek
Lay out 3 sheets of filo (yufka) pastry stacked on top of each other. Cut the stack into rectangles (about 4–5 inches wide). Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto one end and roll it up like a cigar. Tuck in the sides if desired.
✨ Tip: Filo dries out fast, so keep a clean damp cloth over the unused sheets while you work.
🔥 Time to Bake
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Place your börek cigars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle black sesame seeds on top for that pro finish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy!
✨ Final Touch:
Once they’re out of the oven, drizzle a bit of honey over the tops and garnish with fresh chives. The salty-sweet combo is chef’s kiss!
💡 Why You’ll Love This Börek
- Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: The combo of filo pastry and the cheesy-beef filling gives the perfect contrast in texture.
- Packed with Mediterranean Flavor: The herbs, cheese, beef, and sundried tomatoes scream savory satisfaction.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the börek in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
🥗 What to Serve With Crispy Börek
Pair this dish with:
- A bright tomato cucumber salad with lemon dressing
- A dollop of Greek yogurt with herbs
- Or serve with a warm bowl of lentil soup for a fuller meal
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it makes the filo go soggy.
🌿 Make It Your Own – Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and load up on spinach, mushrooms, or grated zucchini.
- Spicy Börek: Add a chopped chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling for a kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, ricotta, or halloumi instead of Emmental.
📌 Final Thoughts: A Turkish Delight You’ll Crave Again and Again
Once you’ve tried this crispy Turkish Börek, you’ll get why it’s a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean homes. It’s super customizable, incredibly satisfying, and just a joy to eat—whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, making lunch extra special, or meal-prepping for the week.
So grab that filo pastry and get rolling—you’re in for a treat. 🌀✨
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below, share it on Pinterest, and tag me @KeiraRecipes when you make it! I LOVE seeing your kitchen wins!