Armenian Cheese Borags
Embark on a culinary journey to Armenia with these delightful Cheese Borags, an irresistible appetizer that showcases a perfect blend of cheeses wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. Inspired by the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine, this dish features a combination of Monterey Jack, ricotta, and feta cheeses, resulting in a creamy and flavorful filling. The phyllo dough adds a golden, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy filling. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these Cheese Borags are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, dipped in a tangy sauce, or on their own for a scrumptious treat.
30
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Ricotta cheese
15 ounces (none)
Feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Egg
1 (slightly beaten)
Phyllo dough
1 lb (thawed)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ricotta cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and the slightly beaten egg. Mix until well incorporated and set aside.
3
Take the phyllo dough from the package and cover it with plastic wrap. Place a damp towel over the plastic wrap to keep the dough moist.
4
Gently remove one sheet of phyllo dough and fold it in half lengthwise. Brush the folded sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush, ensuring it is well coated.
5
Spoon about a tablespoon of the cheese filling onto the lower right corner of the folded phyllo sheet.
6
Fold the phyllo over the filling from the corner to the opposite side, creating a triangle shape, similar to folding a flag.
7
Continue folding the triangle over itself until you reach the end of the dough. If necessary, trim off any excess phyllo dough.
8
Place each assembled borag on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9
Once all the filling is used, brush the tops of the borags with additional melted butter.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the borags are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Armenian Cheese Borags?
Armenian Cheese Borags are savory appetizers made with a blend of Monterey Jack, ricotta, and feta cheeses wrapped in crispy, golden phyllo dough.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses three types of cheese: 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack, 15 ounces of ricotta, and 4 ounces of crumbled feta.
How do I keep the phyllo dough from drying out?
To keep the phyllo dough moist, cover the package with plastic wrap and then place a damp towel over the plastic wrap while you work.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long do the borags need to bake?
Bake the borags for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
How many borags does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 30 servings.
How do I prepare the egg for the filling?
The egg should be slightly beaten before being mixed with the cheeses.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
Melted butter is used to brush the phyllo dough sheets for a flaky texture and to coat the tops for a golden finish.
How do I fold the phyllo dough into triangles?
Fold the dough lengthwise, place filling in the corner, and fold diagonally from corner to opposite side like folding a flag.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Monterey Jack, ricotta, and feta are traditional for this flavor profile, you can experiment with other melting cheeses or different ratios.
Should Borags be served hot or cold?
These cheese borags are best served hot, fresh out of the oven.
What is the prep for the Monterey Jack cheese?
The Monterey Jack cheese should be shredded before mixing it into the filling.
What is the prep for the feta cheese?
The feta cheese should be crumbled into small pieces.
How much phyllo dough is required?
You will need 1 lb of thawed phyllo dough.
Do I need to line the baking sheet?
Yes, it is recommended to line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
What should I do if I have excess phyllo dough?
If there is excess dough after reaching the end of the folding process, simply trim it off with a knife or kitchen shears.
Can I add other ingredients to the cheese mix?
While not in the base recipe, many variations include fresh parsley or dill for added flavor.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Are these borags considered a snack or a meal?
They are primarily served as an appetizer, snack, or party food.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is creamy and rich thanks to the combination of ricotta and the slightly beaten egg.
How do I ensure the borags are golden brown?
Make sure to brush the tops of the assembled borags with additional melted butter before baking.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the cheeses and egg ahead of time and keep the mixture refrigerated until you are ready to assemble.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is inspired by traditional Armenian cuisine.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 15 ounces of ricotta cheese.
Is the egg necessary?
The egg acts as a binder to help the cheese filling stay together and sets during the baking process.
Can I serve these with a sauce?
Yes, they can be served with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own.
How much filling goes into each borag?
Use about a tablespoon of the cheese filling for each phyllo triangle.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with 30 servings, it is an excellent choice for parties or family events.
Should the phyllo dough be frozen when used?
No, the phyllo dough must be thawed before you begin assembly.
What is the best way to handle phyllo dough?
Handle it gently as it is very thin and fragile; keeping it covered with a damp cloth is essential to prevent it from cracking.