Croatian Cheese Strukli
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Servings
16 pieces
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Calories
282 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Croatian
Croatian Cheese Strukli
Description
The Croatian Cheese Strukli dough combines flour, eggs, melted butter, water, and salt, kneaded until smooth and rested briefly to develop elasticity. The filling mixes cottage cheese, sour cream, shredded white cheddar, eggs, thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for a creamy, flavored base. The dough is divided and rolled into large rectangles to be layered or folded with the cheese filling. The assembled dish is brushed with butter and baked at 400°F in a buttered baking dish until set and slightly golden.
This dish offers a tender dough coupled with a rich, creamy, and subtly spiced cheese interior. It makes a comforting side or main dish and showcases the combination of mild cheeses and warm spices.
A practical tip is that dried lasagna noodles can substitute for the dough if time is limited, allowing a layered version of the cheese filling to be baked with similar flavor, though the texture will differ. The recipe includes brand-specific and detailed ingredient measurements, useful for replicating this traditional Croatian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Baker’s Corner brand
- 5 egg divided, large, brand Goldhen
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter divided, melted, brand Countryside Creamery
- 2/3 cup water
- 24 ounces cottage cheese brand Friendly Farms
- 1 1/4 cup sour cream Friendly Farms brand
- 10 ounces White Cheddar Cheese shredded and divided, aged, brand Specially Selected Aged Reserve
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder brand Stonemill
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half brand Countryside Creamery
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9 X 13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Pour flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, 1 1/2 tablespoon melted butter, and 2/3 cup water in a stand mixer bowl. Attach the bread hook and mix on low for 5 minutes, until the ingredients come together into a smooth tacky ball. Let the mixer run another 2-3 minute to knead the dough. If it seems too dry (not sticky) add 1-2 additional tablespoons of water. Brush the remaining butter around the dough ball and on the sides of the bowl. Then cover with plastic and let the dough rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar, 4 eggs, thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper together.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Lay one piece at a time on a clean work surface. Roll and stretch the dough into a 9 X 13 inch rectangle. (No need to flour the surface.) The dough should be thin enough to see light through it. Spread one-quarter of the cheese mixture over the dough. Then starting on a short end, gently fold the dough over 1 1/2 - 2 inches at a time, until it's rolled into a loose log. Carefully lift the log by the ends and lay it in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese mixture. Once four logs are arranged in the baking dish, gently cut each log into 4 equal pieces. Pour half-and-half over the top and sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheddar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the tops are puffy and golden, even in the center of the pan. Cut and serve!
Notes
- For a quicker alternative, dried lasagna noodles can replace homemade dough, layered with the cheese filling and baked as directed.
- Ensure dough is well rested to achieve a tender and elastic texture for easy rolling.
- Brush the baking dish and dough with melted butter to promote browning and richness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16pieces
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece | |
| Calories | 282kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 92mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 321mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 133mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 500IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 196mg | 20% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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