Su Böreği (Turkish Boiled-Pastry Cheese Börek)
Su böreği is made from egg-rich pastry sheets that are briefly boiled, layered with butter and Turkish white cheese, then baked until golden.
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Knead the flour, eggs, and salt into a firm, smooth dough, adding only a little water if needed. Rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Divide the dough and roll each piece into a paper-thin sheet sized for the baking pan.
- 3
Mix the crumbled cheese with parsley. Butter the baking pan.
- 4
Leave the bottom and top sheets unboiled. Briefly boil each remaining sheet in salted water, shock in cold water, and drain on towels.
- 5
Layer the sheets in the pan, brushing each with melted butter. Add the cheese filling halfway through.
- 6
Finish with the unboiled top sheet, brush with butter, and score into portions.
- 7
Bake at 190°C (375°F) until deeply golden and crisp on top, then rest before cutting.
Cook notes
Tips
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in your filling.
Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Keep leftover Su Böreği in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze before baking.
Substitutions
- Replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a similar texture.
- Use store-bought puff pastry instead of phyllo dough if preferred.
What to Serve With
- A simple yogurt salad with cucumbers.
- Tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil.
- Turkish red lentil soup.
Common Mistakes
- Over-baking can lead to a dry filling, so watch closely the last few minutes.
- Not brushing enough butter in between layers can result in a less flaky texture.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with another cheese like goat cheese or a blend of mozzarella and ricotta for a different flavor.
How long does Su Böreği last in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for best results.
Can I freeze Su Böreği?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it from frozen, but add extra time.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Su Böreği (Turkish Boiled-Pastry Cheese Börek)?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Menemen
Soft scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, onion, olive oil, and warm spice.
Lentil Kofta
Tender red lentil and bulgur patties with tomato paste, parsley, lemon, and spice.
Imam Bayildi
Tender eggplant filled with tomato, onion, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a silky Turkish vegetable dish.