Crispy Cheese Borek

Step 1

Set the oven to 400°F and wait until the indicator light or beep tells you it has finished heating, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Place the feta cheese in a small bowl, crumble it into pieces the size of peas with your fingers, and set aside.

Step 3

Chop the fresh parsley into small pieces (about the size of rice grains) and add to the feta cheese.

Step 4

Crack the egg into the feta-parsley mixture, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir with a fork until the cheese and egg are evenly mixed.

Step 5

Place one phyllo sheet on your work surface and brush the top surface lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush until it glistens.

Step 6

Lay a second phyllo sheet directly on top and brush it with melted butter the same way.

Step 7

Spread half of the feta mixture in a 3-inch-wide strip along one long edge of the layered phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border on the sides.

Step 8

Fold the phyllo over the filling, rolling it tightly away from you like a log, tucking in the sides as you roll to keep the filling inside.

Step 9

Place the rolled borek seam-side down on a baking sheet and brush the entire outside with melted butter until it shimmers.

Step 10

Repeat steps 5–9 with the remaining 4 phyllo sheets and remaining feta mixture to make a second borek.

Step 11

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the phyllo turns golden brown and feels crisp when you tap it with your finger.

Step 12

Remove from the oven using a sturdy spatula, place on a cutting board, and let cool for 2 minutes before serving.