Dairy-Free Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa

Discover the comforting flavors of a classic Balkan delight with this Dairy-Free Traditional Bulgarian Banitsa recipe—a plant-based twist on a beloved dish. Featuring delicate layers of crispy phyllo dough wrapped around a savory filling made from crumbled tofu, unsweetened plant-based yogurt, and a hint of nutritional yeast for a cheesy depth, this dairy-free version is just as satisfying as the original. The addition of a light olive oil and plant-based milk mixture ensures each bite is perfectly flaky and golden. Coiled into an eye-catching spiral, this Banitsa is baked to perfection and makes a stunning centerpiece for any table. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack, it’s a must-try for those seeking a dairy-free take on authentic Bulgarian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 sheets Thin phyllo dough sheets
• 400 grams Firm tofu (for cheese substitute)
• 100 grams Unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon White vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 100 milliliters Plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk)
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and lightly grease a round or rectangular baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, crumble the firm tofu with your hands or a fork until it resembles a ricotta-like texture.

Step 3

Add the unsweetened plant-based yogurt, nutritional yeast, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper into the bowl with the tofu. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined, forming the filling.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the plant-based milk, and baking soda to create a liquid mixture that will be used for layering.

Step 5

Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and drizzle some of the liquid mixture lightly over it. Spread a thin layer of the tofu filling evenly over the sheet.

Step 6

Roll the sheet carefully into a loose cigar-like shape and then coil it gently into a spiral shape.

Step 7

Place the spiral into the center of the baking dish. Repeat the process with the remaining sheets of dough, layering them around the central spiral to form a concentric pattern.

Step 8

Brush the top of the assembled Banitsa with the remaining olive oil to ensure crispiness.

Step 9

Bake the Banitsa in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Allow the Banitsa to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1822.5

Total Fat 101.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4178.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 5.2g
Protein 90.8g	0%

Vitamin D 42.3IU	0%
Calcium 2981.9mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 1449.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 29.0%