Börek is a staple pastry in Turkish and Ottoman cuisine, traditionally served at celebrations, street markets, and family gatherings. Cheese‑filled versions like this one showcase the Turkish love for simple, hearty pastries that combine flaky dough with salty feta‑style cheese.

Across Turkey, borec can be filled with spinach (ıspanaklı), minced meat (kıymalı), or potatoes (patatesli). In the Black Sea region, a thinner yufka is used, while in the southeast, thicker phyllo layers are common. The cheese version is especially popular in the Aegean and Marmara coasts.

It is usually served warm, cut into rectangular portions, and enjoyed as a snack or part of a mezze spread alongside olives, fresh tomatoes, and tea. It can also be a side dish for a main meal.

Cheese borec is common at family gatherings, Ramadan iftars, weddings, and festive holidays like Bayram. Its shareable nature makes it ideal for communal dining.

Authentic ingredients include yufka (Turkish phyllo), Turkish white cheese (similar to feta), fresh parsley, and sparkling water for the batter. Substitutes can be regular phyllo dough, Greek feta, and club soda, though the texture may vary slightly.

Cheese borec pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber‑yogurt salad (cacık), roasted red pepper ezme, and a glass of Ayran or Turkish tea. It also complements lentil soup (mercimek çorbası) as part of a larger meal.

While the core technique remains the same, modern recipes often incorporate sparkling water for a lighter crust and use a mixture of white and black sesame seeds for visual appeal. Some chefs also experiment with additional herbs or cheese blends.

Common errors include over‑wetting the yufka, which makes the pastry soggy, and under‑baking, which leaves the layers soft. Also, using too much saltier cheese without adjusting the added salt can make the dish overly salty.

The borec is ready when the top is deep golden‑brown, the edges are crisp, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter. The pastry should feel firm to the touch.

The YouTube channel Casa Bena Cuisine focuses on authentic Mediterranean and Middle‑Eastern home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern, easy‑to‑follow instructions for home cooks.

Casa Bena Cuisine emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, using readily available ingredients and clear visual cues, whereas many other Turkish channels may rely on specialty markets or more complex techniques. The channel also highlights cultural context for each recipe.