Sheep cheese pie

Sheep cheese pie: A savory delicacy that will delight your taste buds

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who can resist a fragrant savory pie, with a rich filling and perfectly crispy dough? Sheep cheese pie is a traditional recipe, loved by many, that combines salty cheese with puff pastry, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. This dish can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course, making it ideal for any occasion. Additionally, it is an excellent choice when you have guests or want to treat yourself.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets - 800g)
- 800g sheep cheese
- 400g cottage cheese
- 100g sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- 1 tablespoon of milk

Details about the ingredients

Puff pastry: You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time, but if you want to experiment, you can make homemade puff pastry. Puff pastry consists of thin layers of dough and butter, which become airy and crispy during baking.

Sheep cheese: This salty cheese brings an intense flavor to your pie. You can opt for less salty cheese, depending on your preferences.

Cottage cheese: This adds a creamy texture to the filling, balancing the saltiness of the sheep cheese. You can use higher-fat cottage cheese for a richer filling.

Sour cream: Contributes to a creamier and richer flavor of the filling. Choose sour cream with a fat content of 20% or higher for the best results.

Vanilla sugar: Although this is a savory recipe, vanilla sugar adds a subtle note of sweetness that perfectly complements the cheese.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Thawing the dough: Start by letting the puff pastry thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Make sure it is completely thawed so that it can be easily rolled out.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, grate the sheep cheese and cottage cheese.
- Add the four eggs, sour cream, and the three packets of vanilla sugar.
- Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula or whisk until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Taste the filling; if desired, you can adjust the amount of salt or pepper according to your preferences.

3. Preparing the baking tray:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Choose a tray of approximately 30x40 cm to achieve the ideal pie size.

4. Assembling the pie:
- Roll out the first sheet of dough in the tray, ensuring it reaches the edges.
- Pour the cheese filling into the tray, leveling it with a spatula.
- Cover the filling with the second sheet of dough, making sure to align the edges. Press gently to seal the pie.

5. Brushing the pie:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a tablespoon of milk. Use a kitchen brush to evenly coat the surface of the pie, which will give it a golden and appetizing crust during baking.

6. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the pie in the last few minutes of baking to avoid burning.

7. Cooling and serving:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the filling to set and make cutting easier.
- Cut the pie into squares or triangles and serve it cold or warm. It is delicious alongside a fresh green salad or with a yogurt sauce with dill.

Tips and tricks

- Filling variation: You can add sautéed spinach or fresh dill to the cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also add a more colorful appearance to your pie.

- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with a glass of natural yogurt or a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or mint tea. You can also experiment with a dry white wine that will harmoniously complement the flavors of the pie.

Nutritional benefits

Sheep cheese pie is a rich source of protein due to the cheeses and eggs. Sheep cheese provides calcium, essential for bone health, while cottage cheese contributes vitamins and minerals. However, it is good to know that due to the cheese content, the pie can be high in fat and calories, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, but the filling will be less creamy. If you use low-fat cheese, you may want to add a bit more sour cream to compensate.

- What can I do with leftover dough? You can make mini pies or tarts with different fillings, such as mushrooms or vegetables.

- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake it, let it thaw completely at room temperature and then bake according to the instructions.

We wish you happy cooking and a delicious pie! Enjoy!