Quick Cheese Pie

Delicious Cheese and Raisin Pie Recipe

Who doesn't love a quick, sweet, and savory dessert? The cheese and raisin pie is one of those recipes that perfectly combines the crunchy texture of the pastry sheets with the creamy and flavorful filling of cheese. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It can be served warm, cold, or at room temperature, and will surely be a hit at every meal. So, let's embark on the adventure of making this delicious pie!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 package of pastry sheets (about 400-500 g)
- 500 g cottage cheese (the creamier, the better)
- 1 cup of sugar (or to taste)
- Oil for brushing (about 100 ml)
- 1 essence of rum or vanilla (to taste)
- 150 g raisins (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 cup of yogurt (about 250 g) + ½ cup of yogurt
- 3-4 eggs (depending on their size)

Filling preparation:

1. Preparing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, and the essence of rum or vanilla. Using a fork or a mixer, mix well until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. It is important that there are no lumps of cheese left for a fine filling.

2. Adding the yogurt: Once the cheese mixture is well combined, add the yogurt and raisins. Mix again, making sure to distribute the raisins evenly throughout the mixture. They will add a pleasant sweetness to the pie and an interesting texture.

Assembling the pie:

3. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large, preferably square baking dish with oil to prevent the pie from sticking.

4. Layering the sheets: Place two sheets of pastry in the dish, making sure to brush each side with oil. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and golden crust.

5. Forming the rolls: Take 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and pour it over a sheet of pastry. Roll the sheet tightly to form a roll. Place the roll in the dish, over the two sheets. Repeat this process until you finish the mixture and fill the dish with a uniform layer of rolls.

6. Finalizing the layers: Once you have finished placing the rolls, brush the top layer with oil. Place another sheet of pastry over the rolls and pour the remaining yogurt, spreading it evenly. Cover with a final sheet of pastry, which you will brush again with oil.

Baking the pie:

7. In the oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pie becomes golden and crispy. I recommend checking the pie after 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.

8. Cooling: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish for about 15-20 minutes. This will help stabilize the filling, making it easier to cut.

Serving and practical tips:

The pie can be served warm or cold, plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a more elegant look. You can also accompany it with a serving of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Possible variations:

- Dried fruits: Instead of raisins, you can add dried apricots or cranberries for a different taste.
- Flavors: Experiment with other essences, such as almond or orange, to add a personalized touch to the pie.
- Cheeses: Try combining cottage cheese with feta cheese for a saltier taste and a different texture.

Nutritional benefits:

This cheese pie is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestive health. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other options.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen pastry sheets? Yes, make sure to completely thaw them before use.
- How can I store leftover pie? You can keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Can I make the pie without eggs? Yes, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of banana puree or applesauce, but the texture will be different.

This cheese and raisin pie will surely become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: a package of pastry sheets 500-500 grams of cottage cheese, the more the better a cup of sugar oil rum/vanilla raisins a cup of yogurt + half a cup more 3 - 4 eggs

 Tags:  quick cheese pie cheese cake