These simple and delicious Banyachki are soft, golden pastries filled with a savory cheese mixture. Inspired by traditional Bulgarian baking, they combine fluffy homemade dough with a rich feta filling, creating the perfect snack, breakfast, or light meal. Their beautiful golden crust and tender interior make them irresistible straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy homemade dough
- Rich cheese filling
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks
- Easy to freeze and reheat
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Authentic bakery-style results
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 pastries
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
For Brushing
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add the egg, oil, and salt.
Gradually add flour while mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Chopped parsley
- Green onions
Mix well until creamy.
Step 3: Shape the Banyachki
Punch down the risen dough and divide into 12 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a rectangle about 6 inches long.
Place 2 tablespoons of filling along one side.
Roll tightly into a log and seal the edges.
You can leave them straight or twist them into rings as shown in the picture.
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 4: Second Rise
Cover the shaped pastries with a kitchen towel.
Let them rise for 20–30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Mix egg yolk with milk.
Brush each pastry generously.
Bake for 22–25 minutes or until deep golden brown.
The tops should be shiny and beautifully browned.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pastries to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Banyachki
Use Quality Cheese
Good feta cheese provides the traditional tangy flavor that makes these pastries special.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling may cause the pastries to burst during baking.
Let the Dough Rise Properly
A full rise creates the soft, fluffy texture seen in bakery-style Banyachki.
Brush Generously
The egg wash gives the pastries their gorgeous golden color.
Delicious Variations
Spinach and Cheese Banyachki
Add 1 cup finely chopped spinach to the filling.
Potato and Cheese Banyachki
Mix mashed potatoes with feta for a hearty version.
Meat-Filled Banyachki
Add cooked ground beef, lamb, or chicken to the cheese mixture.
Herb Lover’s Banyachki
Add dill, parsley, oregano, and chives for extra flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked pastries for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Per Pastry)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Yes. Pizza dough or puff pastry can be used for a quicker version.
Can I Make Them Ahead?
Absolutely. Shape the pastries and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What Cheese Works Best?
Traditional feta cheese is ideal, but ricotta, cottage cheese, or Bulgarian sirene cheese also work well.
Can I Freeze Unbaked Banyachki?
Yes. Freeze after shaping and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
These simple and delicious Banyachki are a wonderful combination of soft homemade bread and savory cheese filling. Their golden, glossy crust and fluffy interior make them perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks. Once you try these traditional cheese-filled pastries, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. The recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve to guests, delivering bakery-quality results every time.