If you’ve ever longed for a snack that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and luxuriously cheesy on the inside, you’re in for a treat with this Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe. These delightful, cigar-shaped rolls combine the buttery flakiness of phyllo dough with a savory blend of feta, mozzarella, and fresh parsley, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’ll have you reaching for second helpings. Whether for a family gathering, an afternoon nibble, or a party appetizer, these golden delights are sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sigara Boregi lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in making these rolls irresistible. From the creamy, tangy cheeses to the fresh, vibrant parsley and ultra-thin filo sheets, everything comes together beautifully in this recipe.
- Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Adds a tangy, salty punch that’s essential for authentic flavor.
- Mozzarella (1 cup, grated): Brings a stretchy, melty texture that balances the feta’s sharpness.
- Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Provides a fresh, herbaceous touch to brighten the filling.
- Phyllo sheets (8 pieces): The crisp, delicate layers that give the rolls their signature crunch.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Used to brush on the phyllo for sealing the rolls perfectly.
- Oil (½ cup, for frying): Essential for that golden, crispy exterior everyone loves.
How to Make Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the crumbled feta, grated mozzarella, and freshly chopped parsley in a bowl. This simple mixture is the heart of your rolls. The cheeses provide creamy texture and bold flavor, while parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens everything up.
Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Phyllo
Take your phyllo sheets and cut each one lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keeping the unused strips covered with a tea towel is key to preventing them from drying out, as phyllo can be quite delicate and brittle once exposed to air.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place one strip of phyllo in front of you and add about one tablespoon of the cheese filling at one end. Fold the long edges slightly inward over the filling to keep it secure. Then, roll the strip tightly toward the other end to form the classic cigar shape. Brush a little water on the tip to seal the roll and set it aside on a plate covered with a towel. Repeat this with all strips, maintaining moisture by covering unused strips throughout.
Step 4: Fry the Sigara Boregi
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally to ensure an even golden and crispy coating. This quick frying process locks in the melty cheese and herbs inside while creating a satisfyingly crunchy shell. Drain the cooked rolls on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
How to Serve Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the hot rolls adds an inviting splash of green and enhances their herbal aroma. For an extra touch, dust a pinch of sumac or drizzle with a few drops of fresh lemon juice just before serving to accentuate the flavors further.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Serving alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt or a bold, garlicky tzatziki offers a cool contrast to the warm, crunchy boregi, making your snack or meal refreshingly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party platter, arrange the Sigara Boregi in a circular pattern around a bowl of dipping sauce—think spicy harissa or tangy tomato salsa. You could also stack them pyramid-style on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with sesame seeds for an eye-catching appetizer display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain their crispiness as much as possible, place paper towels between layers to absorb moisture.
Freezing
Sigara Boregi also freeze well. Arrange the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it tends to make phyllo soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in Sigara Boregi?
Absolutely! While feta and mozzarella are traditional and offer the perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or even a mix of cheddar and parmesan for a unique twist.
Is it possible to bake Sigara Boregi instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Brush the rolls with oil or melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to maintain their moisture. Once exposed, they can dry and become brittle very quickly, making rolling difficult.
Can I prepare Sigara Boregi ahead of time and fry later?
Definitely! Assemble the rolls, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When ready, fry them just before serving for that fresh, crispy texture.
What can I serve Sigara Boregi with for a complete meal?
Pair them with fresh salads, grilled vegetables, or a hearty soup to round out the meal. Their versatile flavor also makes them perfect alongside mezze platters for sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe—each crispy, cheesy roll captures the warmth and deliciousness of Turkish cuisine in such a simple form. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll quickly understand why they are beloved across generations and cultures. So go ahead, dive in, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 32 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sigara Börek are deliciously crispy Turkish filo pastry rolls filled with a savory mixture of feta cheese, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. These golden fried bites are perfect as a snack or appetizer, loved by both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella, grated
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Pastry and Oil
- 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
- 1 tablespoon water (to brush the phyllo sheets)
- ½ cup oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix them well and set the mixture aside.
- Cut the phyllo sheets: Take each phyllo sheet and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a tea towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
- Add filling and fold: Place one strip in front of you, and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese and parsley filling near one end of the strip. Fold the two long edges inward slightly to cover the filling.
- Roll and seal: Roll the strip tightly toward the opposite end, forming a cigar shape. Brush the tip of the strip with a little water to seal it neatly. Place the sealed roll on a plate and cover with a towel to keep it from drying out. Repeat the process with remaining strips and filling.
- Heat the oil: Pour ½ cup of oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Fry the rolls: Fry the Sigara Börek in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even golden browning on all sides. Fry until they are crisp and golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.
- Drain and serve: Transfer the fried rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the Sigara Börek warm or at room temperature for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Keep unused phyllo strips covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- Frying oil should be hot but not smoking; medium-high heat works best.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a hot oven to regain crispiness.
- You may substitute parsley with dill or mint for a different flavor variation.
- Ensure the rolls are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish
