Savory Cheese Pie Placinta Cu Branza

Savory Cheese Pie “Placinta Cu Branza” that’s incredibly easy to make!

My cherished Savory Cheese Pie, has been a proud representation of my Romanian homeland on my blog for over a decade. It continues to win the hearts and palates of many. The name itself, translating to “pie with cheese,” is a humble nod to the simple joy this dish brings. This savory cheese pie is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tapestry of my childhood. A flavorful embrace filled with love and tradition from my Romanian heritage. It’s sprinkled with nostalgia and holds a special place in my heart and on my blog.

Feta Cheese: Adds a robust, tangy flavor to the pie; you can substitute it with goat cheese if feta is unavailable. Ricotta Cheese: Balances the feta with its creamy texture and mild taste; cottage cheese makes a good substitute. Egg: Binds the cheese filling together; a flax egg can work as a replacement if needed. Puff Pastry: Creates a flaky, buttery crust; a homemade pastry dough can be used as an alternative. Fresh Dill (optional): Provides a fresh, herby flavor; parsley or chives can be used if dill isn’t your favorite.

Alright, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this Savory Cheese Pie! It’s basically just assembling and baking. So, let’s get started! Firstly, let’s tackle the cheese mixture. You just need to grate some feta into a bowl, mix it with ricotta and an egg, and you’re good to go! The ricotta is there to balance out the saltiness of the feta, so you get a nice, smooth flavor. At this point you can also add in some fresh, chopped dill which is really common for this pie. Moving on to the puff pastry. Lay out your sheets and divide your cheese mixture into four equal parts. Now, place a portion of the cheese mix at one end of each sheet. Start from the end where you placed the cheese and roll it towards the other end, forming a log. Tuck in the ends a bit so that the cheese doesn’t ooze out of the rolls as it bakes. Repeat with remaining sheets and cheese mixture. Place them on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to save you some cleanup. Just make sure to leave enough space between them because they will get bigger while baking. Give them a nice brush with egg wash and poke a couple of holes with a fork or cut with scissors to let that steam out during baking. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds over them if you wish. Time to bake! Pop them in the oven, preheated to 375°F. Bake until they reach that beautiful golden brown, around an hour. And there you have it! Just slice them up and enjoy your homemade Romanian Cheese Pie! It’s that easy and trust me, the taste will transport you straight to Romania!

Storage

Once it’s cooled to room temperature, you can place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it; it’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through, and it’ll taste as delightful as freshly baked!