Description
Croatian Cheese Strukli is a traditional baked dish featuring a delicate, thin dough filled with a creamy mixture of cottage cheese, sour cream, and aged white cheddar. Baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting dish is perfect as a savory snack or a main course, showcasing the rich flavors of Croatian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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
Filling
- 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)
To Finish
- 1 1/4 cups Countryside Creamery half-and-half
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Make the dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 egg, 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2/3 cup water. Using a bread hook attachment, mix on low speed for 5 minutes until a smooth, tacky ball forms. Continue kneading for an additional 2-3 minutes. If the dough feels too dry or not sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons more water. Brush the remaining butter over the dough ball and the sides of the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 15 minutes to relax the gluten for easier stretching.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar, 4 eggs, dried thyme, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper until fully combined and creamy.
- Roll out the dough and assemble: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces. On a clean work surface (no flour needed), roll and stretch one piece of dough into a thin 9 x 13 inch rectangle, thin enough to see light through it. Spread one-quarter of the cheese filling evenly over the dough. Starting at a short end, fold the dough over in 1 1/2 to 2 inch increments, rolling it into a loose log shape. Carefully lift the log by the ends and place it into the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for the remaining dough pieces and filling, arranging all four logs side by side.
- Cut and prepare for baking: Once all four logs are in the dish, carefully cut each log into 4 equal pieces, totaling 16 pieces. Pour the half-and-half evenly over the entire dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded white cheddar on top to add a delicious crust and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the tops are puffy and golden brown, and the center of the dish is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then cut and serve warm. Enjoy the rich, cheesy Croatian Strukli as a satisfying snack or main dish.
Notes
- Make sure the dough is thin enough to see light through it for the best texture and authenticity.
- Use full-fat dairy products for a creamier filling and richer flavor.
- The dish can be served as a main course or appetizer depending on portion size.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently in the oven to maintain texture.
- Adjust seasoning in the cheese mixture to your preference.
- To make rolling easier, you can rest the dough longer than 15 minutes if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Croatian
Keywords: Croatian Cheese Strukli, Cheese pastry, Balkan traditional dish, baked cheese pastry, cottage cheese strukli
