Phyllo Custard Pie (Bougatsa) | Akis Petretzikis

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta offers a similar texture with fewer calories.

custard

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: chickpeas

Lentils provide protein and fiber at a lower cost.

phyllo pastry

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry

💰Cheaper: homemade dough

Whole wheat adds nutrients and homemade can be more affordable.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) set to fan.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Using a pastry brush, brush a 30x35 cm baking pan generously with butter.

Brush a sheet of phyllo dough with butter and place it in the pan. Brush another sheet with butter and place it on top.

Do not brush the rest of the phyllo sheets with butter; instead drizzle some butter on to them, one at a time. Crumple each sheet, folding it like an accordion and transfer to the pan.

Be careful not to press down on them so they don’t flatten.

Continue in the same way, placing each folded sheet of phyllo gently next to the other, until all of the sheets of phyllo dough are in the pan.

Drizzle the leftover butter over the top of the folded phyllo in the pan.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the phyllo turns golden brown and crunchy. To make sure it does become as crunchy as possible, place the baking pan on the highest rack in the oven so the air is able to reach both the top and bottom of the pan. This method of adding the phyllo sheets in the pan also allows the air to circulate between the phyllo giving you the crunchiest result possible.

While the phyllo is baking, prepare the custard. Start by beating the 4 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and sugar in a bowl, using a hand whisk. Beat until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Add the vanilla, baking powder, milk, heavy cream, salt similar to a crème anglaise.

When the sheets of phyllo dough are ready, remove from the oven. Turn the heat down to 180°C (350°F).

Pour the custard mixture over the phyllo. You can use a large measuring jug to make it easier and less messy.

Sprinkle soft brown sugar over the top. This will give the surface a sweet crunch.

Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes more.

When ready, remove from the oven and set aside to cool for a bit.

Sprinkle with icing sugar and cinnamon. Cut into pieces and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens