Feta and Kale Börek

Featured in: Everyday Comfort Dishes

This Turkish-inspired börek combines flaky, buttery filo pastry with a rich filling of crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, and sautéed kale. Each layer is brushed with olive oil and baked until golden and crisp. The result is a satisfying savory tart with Mediterranean flavors, ideal for brunches, light dinners, or elegant appetizers. Ready in under an hour with simple techniques.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:52:39 GMT
Golden-brown Feta and Kale Börek sits on a wooden cutting board, showcasing crisp, flaky filo pastry layers perfect for a savory snack. Pin Recipe
Golden-brown Feta and Kale Börek sits on a wooden cutting board, showcasing crisp, flaky filo pastry layers perfect for a savory snack. | fordishes.com

Experience a delightful fusion of textures with this Feta and Kale Börek, a crisp and golden filo pastry tart. Filled with a savory blend of salty feta cheese and seasonal kale, it's an ideal choice for a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table.

Golden-brown Feta and Kale Börek sits on a wooden cutting board, showcasing crisp, flaky filo pastry layers perfect for a savory snack. Pin Recipe
Golden-brown Feta and Kale Börek sits on a wooden cutting board, showcasing crisp, flaky filo pastry layers perfect for a savory snack. | fordishes.com

This Turkish-inspired dish relies on the art of layering delicate filo sheets. By brushing each layer with olive oil, the pastry transforms in the oven into a shattered-glass texture that perfectly complements the moist, flavorful kale and cheese filling hidden inside.

Ingredients

  • 250 g fresh kale, stems removed, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 100 g ricotta cheese
  • 8 sheets filo pastry
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100 ml whole milk
  • 50 ml olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23 cm (9-inch) tart or pie dish with olive oil.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and kale, cooking until kale is wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and 50 ml olive oil. Stir in feta, ricotta, black pepper, nutmeg, dill, and salt. Fold in the cooled kale mixture.
Step 4
Lay one sheet of filo in the prepared dish, allowing edges to overhang. Brush lightly with olive oil. Repeat with 3 more sheets, brushing each with oil and rotating slightly for even coverage.
Step 5
Spoon the kale and cheese filling evenly over the filo base.
Step 6
Cover with the remaining 4 filo sheets, brushing each with oil and tucking in the edges to seal the tart. Score the top gently into slices if desired.
Step 7
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.
Step 8
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the pastry remains crisp, make sure the kale is well-drained and the sautéed mixture has cooled slightly before combining it with the dairy and eggs. Keeping your filo sheets covered with a slightly damp cloth while you work will prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If kale is not available, you can easily substitute it with spinach or Swiss chard. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that cuts through the creamy ricotta.

Serviervorschläge

This savory tart is best enjoyed with a fresh side salad and a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. It makes for a beautiful center-piece at a vegetarian brunch or a light evening meal.

Freshly baked Feta and Kale Börek reveals a vibrant green filling of kale and creamy feta cheese, garnished with fresh dill. Pin Recipe
Freshly baked Feta and Kale Börek reveals a vibrant green filling of kale and creamy feta cheese, garnished with fresh dill. | fordishes.com
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Each serving of this Feta and Kale Börek provides approximately 270 calories, 16g of fat, and 11g of protein. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it is a satisfying and wholesome meal that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen kale instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen kale works well. Thaw completely, squeeze out excess moisture, and proceed with the filling. This prevents a soggy pastry.

How do I prevent filo pastry from drying out?

Keep unused filo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while working. Brush each layer with olive oil immediately after placing it in the dish.

Can I make this börek ahead of time?

Assemble the börek up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the crispest results.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Try crumbled goat cheese for a milder tang, or use cottage cheese drained well. Each offers a different flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.

How should I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry.

Can I freeze börek?

Yes, freeze baked börek for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through and crispy.

Feta and Kale Börek

Golden filo pastry filled with feta cheese and fresh kale, baked until perfectly crisp and savory.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cooking Duration
35 mins
Complete Time
55 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Turkish-Inspired

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Details Vegetarian Option

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 8.8 oz fresh kale, stems removed, chopped
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

01 7 oz feta cheese, crumbled
02 3.5 oz ricotta cheese

Pastry

01 8 sheets filo pastry

Wet Ingredients

01 3 large eggs
02 3.4 fl oz whole milk
03 1.7 fl oz olive oil, plus extra for brushing

Herbs & Spices

01 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
02 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
03 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
04 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, adjusted to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the oven and baking vessel: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch tart or pie dish with olive oil.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables until tender: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened and translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped kale, cooking until kale becomes wilted, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly.

Step 03

Combine filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and 1.7 fl oz olive oil. Fold in crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, black pepper, nutmeg, fresh dill, and sea salt. Gently incorporate the cooled kale mixture until evenly distributed.

Step 04

Layer filo pastry base: Place one sheet of filo pastry in the prepared dish, allowing edges to extend beyond the rim. Brush lightly with olive oil. Repeat with 3 additional sheets, brushing each layer with oil and rotating slightly for uniform coverage.

Step 05

Distribute filling: Spoon the kale and cheese mixture evenly across the filo base layer.

Step 06

Cover with remaining filo: Layer the remaining 4 filo sheets over the filling, brushing each sheet with olive oil. Tuck edges inward to seal the tart completely. Gently score the surface into individual portions if desired.

Step 07

Bake until golden: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the pastry becomes crisp and develops a deep golden-brown color.

Step 08

Rest and serve: Allow the börek to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Needed Equipment

  • 9-inch tart or pie dish
  • Pastry brush
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (feta, ricotta, and whole milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat (filo pastry)
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy based on product sourcing

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 270
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 11 g