Traditional Baked Cheese Strukli

Hey there, fellow food adventurers! Are you ready to dive into a truly special dish that's been warming hearts in Croatia for centuries? Get ready to meet Strukli, a delightful, traditional baked cheese pastry that’s pure comfort on a plate. Imagine tender, hand-stretched dough wrapped around a creamy, savory cottage cheese filling, then baked to golden perfection and often drizzled with a rich sauce. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Croatian heritage, a dish that brings families together, and an absolute must-try for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy goodness.
Whether you're a seasoned baker looking for a new challenge or a beginner eager to explore authentic European cheese recipes, our guide to making traditional Strukli is designed for you. We'll walk you through every step, from mastering that perfect dough to achieving a filling that's just right. Forget complicated cooking recipes – we’re making this easy, fun, and incredibly delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, because your kitchen is about to become the happiest place on earth, filled with the irresistible aroma of homemade cheese noodles!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large egg
• For the Cheese Filling:
• 16 ounces (450g) cottage cheese or farmer's cheese, drained if very wet
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) sour cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
• For Baking & Topping:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk

Directions

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, combine the warm water, oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a smooth, elastic dough that bounces back when gently poked. If it's too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour; if too dry, a tiny bit of water.
3. Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, brush it lightly with a little oil, and place it back in the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for the dough to become pliable and easy to stretch.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rests, combine all the cheese filling ingredients (cottage cheese, egg, flour, sour cream, salt, and pepper) in a medium bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Don't overmix; just ensure it's homogenous.
5. Stretch the Dough: Lightly flour a large, clean surface (a large tablecloth or a clean kitchen counter works perfectly). Place the rested dough in the center. Gently stretch the dough using your hands, working from the center outwards. The goal is to get it as thin as possible without tearing, almost transparent. If it tears a little, don't worry, you can patch it up. Aim for a large rectangle, roughly 2x3 feet.
6. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cheese filling over half of the stretched dough. Leave a small border (about an inch) along the edges of the dough without filling.
7. Roll the Strukli: Carefully fold the unfilled half of the dough over the filled half. Then, starting from one of the long edges, gently roll the dough into a log. Use your hands to guide it, keeping it somewhat tight but not too compressed.
8. Cut the Strukli: Using the side of a plate, a dull knife, or even your hand, press down on the log to create individual "dumplings" about 3-4 inches long. This technique pinches and cuts the dough at the same time, sealing the ends.
9. Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully transfer the cut Strukli pieces into the prepared dish. They can be nestled closely together.
10. Bake to Perfection: Drizzle the melted butter over the Strukli in the dish. Pour the heavy cream or milk evenly over them. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the Strukli are golden brown and bubbling.
11. Serve Warm: Let the Strukli cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this amazing baked cheese dish warm, straight from the oven!