Gibanica

Gibanica

Гибаница (GEE-bah-nee-tsah)

Serbian Cheese Pie

Prep Time 30 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
8
🔥 Calories 332 kcal

A rich, crumpled phyllo pie layered with eggs, feta cheese, and kajmak, baked until golden and flaky with a custardy, tangy interior.

Nutrition & Info

340 kcal per serving
Protein 16.0g
Carbs 22.0g
Fat 20.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ gluten ⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large baking pan mixing bowl pastry brush

Presentation Guide

Vessel: baking pan, cut into squares

Garnishes: sour cream dollop

Accompaniments: yogurt, fresh tomatoes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a deep baking pan with oil.

  2. 2

    Whisk eggs with crumbled feta, kajmak, sparkling water, and salt until combined.

  3. 3

    Take each phyllo sheet, crumple it loosely, dip into the egg-cheese mixture, and place in the pan.

  4. 4

    Repeat until all phyllo and filling are used, creating an uneven, rustic surface.

  5. 5

    Drizzle remaining oil over the top.

  6. 6

    Bake 40-45 minutes until deeply golden and puffed. Rest 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

💡

Did You Know?

Every Serbian grandmother claims her gibanica is the best, and no two recipes are ever exactly the same — it is the ultimate comfort food debate.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large baking pan
  • mixing bowl
  • pastry brush

Garnishing

sour cream dollop

Accompaniments

yogurt, fresh tomatoes

The Story Behind Gibanica

Gibanica has been a staple of Serbian cuisine since medieval times, with roots in Byzantine pastry traditions. The crumpled phyllo technique is uniquely Serbian, distinguishing it from Greek or Turkish layered pastries. It is obligatory at Slava celebrations and Sunday breakfasts.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, slava, or any meal 📜 Origins: Medieval Serbia

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