Sigara Boregi – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Sigara Boregi, or Turkish cheese rolls, are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy phyllo pastry filled with a savory cheese and herb mixture. These golden rolls are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a tasty snack any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 cup mozzarella (grated)
• ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
• 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
• 1 tbsp water (to brush the phyllo sheets)
• ½ cup oil (to fry the boreks)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut each phyllo sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a tea towel to prevent drying.
3. Step 3: Place one strip on your work surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling onto one end of the strip.
4. Step 4: Fold the two long edges slightly inward to enclose the filling, then roll the strip tightly toward the opposite end.
5. Step 5: Brush a little water on the tip of the strip to seal the roll. Place it on a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat with remaining strips and filling.
6. Step 6: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Transfer the fried rolls onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.
• Try adding finely chopped dill or mint to the filling for extra herbal flavor.
• Make sure to keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Storage

Store leftover boreks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Sigara Boregi in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before frying. Fry just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of phyllo pastry?

While phyllo pastry is traditional for its crispiness, you can try using spring roll wrappers as an alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.

Sigara Boregi – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

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Sigara Boregi are crispy Turkish cheese rolls made with a savory mixture of feta and mozzarella cheeses combined with fresh parsley, all wrapped in delicate phyllo pastry and fried to golden perfection. These delightful appetizers are perfect served warm as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 32 rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella, grated
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Pastry

• 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
• 1 tbsp water (for brushing the phyllo sheets)

For Frying

• ½ cup oil (for frying the boreks)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
2. Cut phyllo sheets: Lay out each phyllo sheet and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a clean tea towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
3. Fill the strips: Take one strip and place it in front of you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese and parsley filling onto one end of the strip.
4. Fold edges: Fold the two long edges of the phyllo strip slightly inward to enclose the filling securely on the sides.
5. Roll tightly: Roll the strip tightly from the filled end toward the other, forming a compact roll. Brush a little water on the tip to seal the edge and keep the roll intact.
6. Set aside and cover: Place the sealed rolls on a plate and cover them with a tea towel to avoid drying out. Repeat the process with the remaining strips and filling.
7. Heat oil for frying: Pour the oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high until it’s hot and ready for frying.
8. Fry the rolls: Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly, until they become golden and crispy. This usually takes a few minutes per batch.
9. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried rolls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
10. Serve: Serve the sigara boregi warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Keep unused phyllo strips covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and cracking.
• You can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses if preferred.
• Frying oil should be hot enough to crisp without soaking the rolls with excess oil—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
• These rolls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness if served later.

Keywords: Sigara Boregi, Turkish cheese rolls, phyllo pastry, fried appetizer, feta cheese snack, Turkish snack