Bulgarian Banitsa (Баница) - Traditional Cheese-Filled Pastry

Banitsa (Bulgarian: Баница, sometimes transliterated as banica or banitza) is one of the most famous and characteristic pastries of Bulgarian cuisine, which has occupied a special place on Balkan tables for centuries. This layered pastry made of thin filo dough, usually filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and white, salted cheese (sirene, similar to feta) and baked in the oven until golden brown, is both an everyday snack, breakfast, and a national culinary symbol of Bulgaria.

Banitsa is commonly eaten in Bulgaria for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of family meals. It is traditionally cut into pieces and served with yogurt, ayran, or boza, making it a versatile dish that is delicious both hot and cold.

The origin of the word "banitsa" comes from an Old Bulgarian term meaning to wrap or fold layers of dough, which perfectly captures the essence of its preparation - thin sheets of dough are layered, stuffed, and shaped before baking.

The history of banitsa is deeply rooted in Bulgarian culture and everyday life. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of its creation, this pastry has appeared in documents and records on Bulgarian cuisine for centuries and is described as a dish found on the tables of both rural and urban populations. In Bulgarian tradition, banitsa grew out of simple techniques for combining local products - flour, eggs, cheese, and yogurt - into a filling, recognizable, and easy-to-prepare dish.

Banitsa also has strong symbolic meaning, especially during holidays. In many homes, Bulgarians prepare a special version of banitsa for New Year's or Christmas, placing small symbols of good luck in its layers, such as pieces of lilac twigs, coins, or notes with wishes, which are supposed to bring health, happiness, love, or success to those who find them in their pieces. After baking, banitsa is cut into as many pieces as there are family members, with additional pieces for the house and spiritual guardian, making it part of family ceremonies and New Year traditions.

In addition to the classic version with sirene cheese, there are also many regional variations of banitsa. In some parts of Bulgaria, the filling may include spinach (spanachnik), pumpkin (tikvenik), cabbage, rice, and even other vegetables or herbs. There are also sweet versions - e.g., with apples or other fruits - which appear on tables during various occasions and holidays, demonstrating the flexibility and creativity of Bulgarian hosts when working with this classic pastry.