Presnac / Feta Cheese Crustless Pastry

Every lazy weekend morning can benefit from a warm piece of Presnac or Prijesnac, and a cup of kiselo mleko or yogurt. Feta cheese, kajmak, and fresh eggs make this souffle-like pastry a nostalgic experience. Did I mention this is child-friendly? No fuss, a few ingredients, and you’ve got yourself a quick meal for the whole family.

While I never knew what this was called until recently, I’ve definitely had this and similar “pite” growing up, but especially when spending summer vacations back home. Usually baked in the early morning before the temperature outside rose to extremes, it was mostly piled on top of a dinner plate, in the middle of the table, and served with a big bottle of yogurt on the table. A perfect quick, on the go snack as we ran out the door to play with friends.

Through my research I’ve been able to find that this recipe hails from either Hercegovina or Croatia, depending on who you ask. Others say it’s a south Serbian dish. But the origin isn’t as important to me as relaying this amazingly easy dish to you all. I know you’re going to love its simplicity and versatility. Next time I may add some ham or salami in the mix for those in my family who are meat lovers. As for me, I’m happy with just the cheese and kajmak combination. Any cheese pastry really is my preferred choice.

If you too decide to make it, I’d love to hear how you like it. Better yet, head on over to my Instagram page and send me a photo if you’re up for it. I love sharing how my recipes turn out for you.

Looking for more baked goods like this? Check out the bakery section!

Presnac / Feta Cheese Crustless Pastry

Recipe by The Balkan HostessCourse: BakeryCuisine: Balkan

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Presnac or Prijesnac, depending on who you ask is an easy and delicious old-fashioned treat perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs

• 1 cup (300 ml) Milk

• 1/3 cup (75 ml) oil

• 2.5 cups (300 g) feta cheese

• 2-3 heaping tablespoons (120 g) Kajmak spread, optional

• 1.5 cups (170 g) Flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (pola kesice)

• Salt, to taste

• Oil, for greasing pan

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 F / 175 C.
• In a large bowl whisk the eggs and then add in the milk. Whisk again and add in oil and salt. Determine how salty your cheese is and then adjust the amount of additional salt to use based on your preference.
• Next, add in the Kajmak if using and whisk until incorporated into the liquid mixture as much as possible. Add in the crumbled feta cheese and switch to a spatula. Stir.
• Lastly, add in the flour and baking powder. Stir everything well to combine and set aside.
• Grease a round baking dish with a couple of tablespoons of oil. Use a small pan if you’d like your slices to be taller. If you like a thinner pastry use a larger pan.
• Once greased, place the baking pan into the oven for 5 minutes until the oil becomes hot.
• After 5 minutes, carefully remove the greased pan from the oven and place on a flat surface. Pour in the batter and level the top. Return to the oven and bake until golden brown on top.
• Once baked, remove from the oven, cover with a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil and allow to cool slightly.
• Slice and serve alongside yogurt or beverage of choice.

Notes

• See the step by step process on my Instagram page!