My homemade Hungarian strudel recipe (Túrós Rétes) is one of the most delicious cheese strudel recipes you ever baked at home. View the recipe below!
➡️ Looking for the authentic Hungarian cheese strudel recipe? You don’t need to look further, as this blog includes an authentic recipe for Hungarian strudel with cottage cheese. The classic Hungarian strudel features tissue-thin layers of flaky phyllo dough enveloping a sweetened cheese filling. The Hungarian cheese strudel delivers a symphony of textures and sweet flavors in every bite. This old-world specialty has been passed down through generations and remains a staple of Hungarian cuisine.
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What is Hungarian Cheese Strudel?
➡️ Before uncovering the recipe, what is Hungarian cheese strudel? Authentic Hungarian cheese strudel is a sweet pastry made with phyllo dough wrapped around a filling of sweetened cheese. The filling typically contains soft white cheeses like quark cheese (similar to fresh ricotta) or cottage cheese that are blended with eggs, vanilla, and sugar to create a sweet, creamy cheese filling. This is wrapped in numerous thin layers of phyllo dough in a long log shape.
➡️ The strudel is then baked until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown. As it bakes, the cheese filling melts into a lush custard-like texture. The pastry is served both lukewarm and cold in sliced pieces sprinkled with powdered sugar, featuring flaky phyllo on the outside and sweet, gooey cheese filling within. It is a beloved Hungarian specialty.
Hungarian Cheese Strudel with Phyllo Dough (Túrós Rétes)
Túrós Rétes, also known as Hungarian cottage cheese strudel, is a beloved dessert in Hungarian cuisine that has been enjoyed for generations. This sweet pastry is made up of layers of delicate phyllo dough that encase a filling of cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, and often raisins or rarely other dried fruits.Although the recipe for Túrós Rétes may seem intimidating at first, it is a relatively simple dish to prepare with a bit of practice and patience. The key to success lies in working carefully with the delicate phyllo dough, ensuring that each layer is rolled out evenly and brushed with enough butter or oil to keep it from drying out or tearing.Túrós Rétes is a classic and beloved dish that showcases the delicate and nuanced flavors of Hungarian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack, this pastry is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more.
25ozsweet cow cheese, cottage cheese, or another drier sweet fresh cheese type
7ozgranulated sugar
3eggs
3.5ozgolden raisins
2tbspsour cream (12% fat)
1tbspvanilla extract
8tbspsemolina
grated zest from a lemon
14ozphyllo pastry dough (12 sheets)
3.5ozbutter (80% fat or more)
powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
place cheese into a bowl
add over cheese sugar, 2 eggs, raisins, sour cream, vanilla extract, 5 spoons of semolina, and lemon zest, then mix ingredients by hand to combine very well
place butter into a saucepan, put the pan on the stovetop over medium temperature, and wait to melt the butter
unpack phyllo pastry, separate 2 sheets, and brush them with melted butter from place to place on the whole surface
place another 2 pastry sheets over the brushed ones and also brush them with melted butter
spread a spoon of semolina into a strip near the edge of the last pastry sheet
spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the semolina strip
bend the pastry sheets inward on the longer sides, then roll the filled pastry sheets as tight as possible
place the roll on a tray coated with baking paper, then continue identically with the rest of the ingredients and make two other rolls
break the last egg, beat it up with a fork, and brush thoroughly the rolls on the top and sides
make some small cuts into the rolls to get the steam out during baking and avoid breaking strudel
place the tray in the preheated oven at 190 C/375 F and bake the cheese strudel until golden (about 30-40 minutes)
remove the tray from the oven and wait to cool the strudel to room temperature
cut the rolls off into desired pieces and sprinkle powdered sugar over them in abundance
Video
Notes
Preparation Tips for the Best Results:
Keep the phyllo dough moist: Phyllo dough is a delicate and thin pastry that can dry out quickly. To prevent this, cover the unused phyllo sheets with a damp kitchen towel to keep them moist and pliable.
Brush each phyllo layer with melted butter or oil: To ensure that the layers of phyllo pastry stick together and stay moist, brush each layer generously with melted butter or oil before adding the next layer.
Use a high-quality cottage cheese: The filling of Túrós Rétes relies heavily on cottage cheese. Be sure to use a high-quality product that is fresh, creamy, and not too dry. If the cottage cheese is too dry, you can mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to achieve a creamier texture.
Don’t overfill the pastry: When adding the filling to the phyllo layers, be careful not to overfill the pastry. Too much filling can cause the pastry to burst and lose its shape during baking.
Bake at the right temperature: To achieve a crispy and golden-brown crust, bake the Túrós Rétes at the right temperature. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pastry for 30-40 minutes or until it is golden brown and crisp.
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FAQs about the Hungarian Cheese Strudel Recipe
What is the best way to make the phyllo dough for Hungarian cheese strudel?
The best way to make phyllo dough for Hungarian cheese strudel is to use a combination of flour, water, and oil. Mix the ingredients together until a smooth dough forms, then let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
What is the best type of cheese to use for this strudel?
The best type of cheese to use is cottage cheese. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with the sweet pastry.
How long should I bake this strudel in the oven?
This strudel should be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
