Discover the taste of Serbia with delightful gibanica

Balkan cuisine offers numerous delicacies that are sure to appeal to various palates. My family has become enamored with gibanica. This traditional Serbian dish was originally made with thin layers of dough filled with cheese. Over time, the recipe has evolved over time, incorporating various ingredients like vegetables or meat into the filling. Today, you can find gibanica in many sweet and savory versions. Similar snacks are available in other Balkan countries, but the Serbian version has particularly won over my family's hearts.

Gibanica is a quick dish to prepare. Simply layer ready-made phyllo dough sheets with cheese and bake. The type of cheese you use depends on the result you want to achieve. It can mix feta, cottage cheese, or crumbled curd cheese. Add sugar instead of salt if you wish to create a sweet version.

The savory version works well as a delicious appetizer, warm dinner, or even a main course. On the other hand, the sweet gibanica satisfies the craving for a sugary treat. It has a taste reminiscent of a cheesecake but features flaky phyllo dough instead of a traditional crust.

Ingredients:

                      
• 4 sheets of phyllo dough
• 18 ounces of cheese mix
• 7 ounces of 18% cream
• 5 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation:

1. Thoroughly mix all the cheeses, cream, and eggs in a bowl. Season with salt to taste.
2. Grease the baking pan with butter.
3. Place the first sheet of phyllo dough at the bottom of the pan.
4. Brush it with a small amount of melted butter.
5. Continue layering the dough sheets, spreading each with portions of the cheese mixture until the last layer is a sheet of dough.
6. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Before serving, let the gibanica rest for a few minutes to cool down. Serve warm or cold with natural yogurt, fresh fruits, or honey.