Savory Cheese Pie (Placinta cu Branza)

Experience the comforting flavors of Romania with this Savory Cheese Pie! With its golden, flaky crust and delightful cheese blend, it offers a bite of simplicity, versatility, and heartwarming tradition.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups feta cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• fresh dill (chopped, optional)
• 4 sheets puff pastry
• 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
• sesame seeds (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Prep the oven and baking sheet.: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. 2Make the cheese mixture.: 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.
3. 3Assemble the pastries.: 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.
4. 4Brush with egg wash.: 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.
5. 5Bake.: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately one hour or until they are deep golden brown in color.
6. 6Cool, slice and serve.: 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.