Keto Banitsa
Keto Banitsa – a simple and delicious way to make the low carb version of a popular Bulgarian (Balkan) treat. Super delicious low carb treat, that could be served as an appetizer, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. No carbs!
What is Banitsa?
Banitsa ia a Balkan dish, but I was born in Bulgaria and can tell you about its Bulgarian version.
This tasty dish is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made by layering a combination of beaten eggs and bits of cheese amongst filo pastry, then baked in the oven. There are other variations of the recipe – either sweet or savory. Adding sautéed leeks, grated pumpkin or apple are just some of the filling options for Banitsa.
How to make Keto banitsa?
The most important rule for Keto recipes – minimal carbs. Well, how could this be achieved? It is pretty simple – substitute with mozzarella cheese and cream cheese.
While this Keto banitsa does not have the same exact texture as tolled banitsa, made with filo dough or even homemade filo sheets, the taste of it is pretty close to the real thing.
So cheesy and flavorful, it melts in your mouth.
There could be an option, where you prepare the “Keto filo layers” with mozzarella cheese, cream cheese and a little bit of almond flour, but I don’t have time for layering.
I decided to turn banitsa into a one bowl recipe, where everything is well combined in a bowl, then poured in a baking dish and baked until golden. No layers or rolling.
Ingredients:
- large eggs
- mozzarella cheese (it is best if you don’t purchase pre shredded cheese, but shred it yourself, right before you are ready to use it)
- butter
- cream cheese – full fat cream cheese
- baking powder – to help this “baked good” rise
- sesame seeds (optional, you can omit or substitute with Everything Bagel Seasoning)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 360 F.
You can use a square baking dish (8×8-inch) or a 9-inch round pan for baking the Keto banitsa.
Whisk eggs in a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Cream cheese should be cold and firm, cut into small pieces.
Pour into the greased baking dish and top with sesame seeds (optional).
Bake for 20 minutes, then let it cool for 10 minutes.
Serve warm or let it cool completely and keep in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Keto recipes:
Keto Banitsa
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 3 oz 80 grams melted butter
- 4 oz 120 grams shredded mozzarella
- 1 oz 30 grams cream cheese, cut into very small pieces
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 oz 60 grams Feta cheese
- Sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 360 F (180 C)
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Beat eggs in a bowl, using a whisk ( no mixer needed).
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Slowly add the melted butter, whisking to incorporate.
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Add the cheeses (mozzarella, feta and cream cheese), stir to combine. Then add the baking powder and whisk.
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Grease a 8x8 -inch square baking dish with bitter and pour the mixture inside. Top with sesame seeds (optional).
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Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
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Let it cool for 5-10 minutes inside the pan, then cut into pieces and serve.
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Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This looks so good . I going to add this to my list of things to bake !
I hate feta but thought about trying this with ricotta for a more subtle taste. Thoughts?
I’ve never tried it with ricotta, so I can not tell. It will probably work though.