There is something deeply comforting about a traditional European pastry stuffed with rich cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. These baked Štruklji feature a tender, paper-thin handmade dough wrapped around a savory-sweet cottage cheese filling, bathed in heavy cream, and baked to absolute perfection.

Whether you serve this as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, it brings rustic, old-world charm straight to the table.

Prep time: 45 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: 2 cups (plus a little extra for dusting)

• Egg: 1 large

• Neutral oil: 2 tablespoons (plus extra for coating the dough)

• Warm water: Approx. 1/2 to 3/4 cup (as needed to form a soft dough)

• Salt: A small pinch

For the Filling:

• Cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese: 250g (well-drained and slightly mashed)

• Egg: 1 large

• Salt: A pinch

For the Topping:

• Heavy cream: 1 cup

• Butter: 1 tablespoon (melted, for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Make and Rest the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg, neutral oil, and a splash of warm water.

2. Gradually mix the ingredients together, adding warm water a tablespoon at a time until a soft, pliable dough forms.

3. Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and knead vigorously for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Form the dough into a ball, lightly brush it with oil to prevent a crust from forming, place it in a bowl, and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. (Resting is crucial—it relaxes the gluten so you can roll it out thin without tearing!)

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1 egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined and slightly creamy.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape

1. Lay a clean kitchen towel or cloth on your work surface and dust it lightly with flour.

2. Place the rested dough in the center and roll it out with a rolling pin as thin as possible. Gently use the backs of your hands under the dough to stretch it outward until it is translucent.

3. Spread the cottage cheese filling evenly across the surface of the stretched dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Using the kitchen cloth to assist you, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log.

5. Using the edge of a small plate or a dull knife, press down at intervals to segment the log into individual pillow-shaped pieces, then cut through.

Step 4: Boil and Bake

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the pieces into the water and cook for about 5 minutes until they float to the top. Remove them gently with a slotted spoon.

2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

3. Grease a baking dish with a tablespoon of melted butter. Arrange the boiled pastry pieces snugly in a single layer in the dish.

4. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top of the pastries.

5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling, golden-brown, and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Serve

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your homemade, comforting slice of culinary tradition!

Tip for your blog post: Feel free to pair this write-up with notes on how easy it is to scale up if you’re serving a larger crowd, or mention that it can be enjoyed as a savory side or a lightly sweetened comfort dish depending on a tiny pinch of sugar added to the cheese!