Börek (Puff Pastry Parcels)

Introduction

Börek is one of the most beloved savory pastries in Turkish cuisine—crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. These puff pastry börek parcels are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for parties, family gatherings, breakfast, or tea-time. With their golden, flaky layers and delicious fillings, they make a crowd-pleasing bite-sized treat you can bake in large batches, just like the ones shown in the image.

Ingredients

For the Börek

• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Sesame or nigella seeds (optional)

Choice of Filling (Pick One or Mix)

1. Cheese Filling

• 1 cup feta cheese or Turkish white cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup grated mozzarella

• 2–3 tbsp chopped parsley

2. Potato Filling

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• Salt, black pepper, paprika to taste

3. Ground Meat Filling

• 300 g ground beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp oil

• Salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin

• Optional: chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling

Choose your preferred filling and prepare it:

Cheese filling:

Mix cheeses and parsley in a bowl.

Potato filling:

• Sauté onions in oil/butter until soft.

• Add mashed potatoes and spices. Mix well and cool.

Meat filling:

• Sauté onions in oil.

• Add ground beef and cook until fully browned.

• Add spices, optional parsley, and cool.

2. Prepare the puff pastry

• Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).

• Cut each puff pastry sheet into 12–16 small squares.

• Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square.

3. Shape the parcels

• Bring all four corners of the square to the center.

• Pinch lightly to seal and form a small börek parcel.

• Place seam-side down or up (both work) on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Add egg wash

• Beat the egg and brush the tops of each parcel.

• Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds if desired.

5. Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed, and crispy.

6. Serve

Enjoy warm or room temperature. They pair perfectly with tea, ayran, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

These puff pastry börek parcels are beautifully golden, easy to assemble, and ideal for serving a crowd. With versatile filling options—cheese, potato, or meat—you can customize them to suit any taste. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for everyday meals and special occasions.