Savory Cheese Pie (Placinta cu Branza)
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
450 kcal
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Course
Appetizer, Snacks, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
Romanian
Savory Cheese Pie (Placinta cu Branza)
Description
The recipe starts by combining crumbled feta cheese with ricotta and egg, blending them smoothly. Fresh dill can be folded into the mixture to add an herbal brightness that complements the salty cheeses. Puff pastry sheets are rolled lightly to loosen the layers before a quarter of the cheese filling is spread along one edge and rolled tightly, tucking in ends to seal the filling inside.
These cheese-filled pastries are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brushed with beaten egg wash for a shiny golden finish, and optionally sprinkled with sesame seeds for subtle crunch and nuttiness. Piercing vents with a fork or cutting slits ensures steam escapes during baking, preserving a crisp crust.
Baked at 375°F for about an hour, the pies become deeply golden and flaky with a creamy, slightly tangy interior. The final texture balances crispy pastry and smooth cheese melded with herb notes if dill is included.
These pies can be eaten warm or at room temperature, making them suitable for a snack, appetizer, or part of a light meal. Variations include substituting or omitting cheeses and modifying fillings for a sweeter pie by replacing feta and dill with sugar and raisins.
Ingredients
- 2 cups feta cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- dill chopped, optional, fresh
- 4 heets puff pastry
Toppings
- 1 large egg beaten for egg wash
- sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, grate the feta cheese, and combine it with ricotta and egg, mixing well. If desired, mix in some fresh, chopped dill for an added layer of flavor.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out each sheet of puff pastry. At one end of each sheet, evenly spread a quarter of the cheese mixture, and then carefully roll it up, tucking in the ends to encase the filling. Repeat with remaining pastry sheets and cheese mixture.
- Arrange the rolled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pastry with a light coat of egg wash and, if desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Pierce the pastries with a fork to create vents or cut with scissors, allowing steam to escape and ensuring a crisp crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately one hour or until they are deep golden brown in color.
- Allow the pies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, and savor the rich and flavorful goodness of this traditional Romanian dish.
Notes
- Fresh dill is optional but recommended for a more complex flavor.
- Sesame seeds provide extra texture and can be omitted if preferred.
- Feta cheese can be swapped with milder cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese to reduce saltiness.
- For a sweet take, omit feta and dill, then mix ricotta with sugar, egg, and raisins instead.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2serving | |
| Calories | 450kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 401mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 90mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 251IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 166mg | 17% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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