Dinner

Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe

Name: Croatian Cheese Strukli Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-491976H57M50S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Croatian
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups Baker’s Corner all-purpose flour; 5 Goldhen large eggs, divided; 3 1/2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery melted butter, divided; 2/3 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt; 24 ounces Friendly Farms cottage cheese; 1 1/4 cup Friendly Farms sour cream; 10 ounces Specially Selected Aged Reserve white cheddar, shredded and divided (1 1/2 cups for filling, remainder for topping); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt to taste (approximately 1/2 teaspoon); 1 1/4 cups Countryside Creamery half-and-half

ByRafael Mansero February 14, 2026February 14, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Croatian Cheese Strukli is a comforting baked pastry filled with a rich mixture of cottage cheese, sour cream, and aged cheddar. This traditional dish features delicate, thin dough wrapped around a creamy filling, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for sharing at family dinners or special gatherings.

A square piece of creamy, layered dish is on a light blue patterned white plate. It has three clear layers with the top layer being golden brown and slightly crispy, while the middle and bottom layers are pale yellow with a soft, smooth texture showing a creamy filling. The edges reveal the layers clearly with the filling slightly oozing out. A shiny silver fork is placed next to the dish on the plate. The background shows a white baking dish with a similar golden-brown surface on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 1/4 cups Baker’s Corner all-purpose flour
5 Goldhen large eggs, divided
3 1/2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery melted butter, divided
2/3 cup water
24 ounces Friendly Farms cottage cheese
1 1/4 cup Friendly Farms sour cream
10 ounces Specially Selected Aged Reserve white cheddar, shredded and divided
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon Stonemill garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/4 cups Countryside Creamery half-and-half
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, and water. Attach the bread hook and mix on low for 5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth, tacky ball. Continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes. If the dough feels dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Brush the remaining butter on the dough and the sides of the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, 4 eggs, dried thyme, garlic powder, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces. On a clean work surface, roll out each piece into a 9 x 13 inch thin rectangle—you should be able to see light through the dough. Evenly spread one quarter of the cheese mixture over each dough piece. Starting from a short end, fold the dough over in 1 1/2 to 2 inch sections, rolling it into a loose log. Carefully lift each log and place into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Once all four logs are arranged in the dish, gently cut each log into 4 equal pieces. Pour the half-and-half evenly over the top and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar.
Step 6: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the tops are puffed and a golden brown color, even in the center. Let cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra flavorful filling, try adding a handful of fresh chopped dill or parsley to the cheese mixture.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Serve strukli warm with a simple green salad or a dollop of sour cream on the side for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover strukli covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month; bake from frozen by adding extra baking time.