Why You’ll Love Sigara Boregi (Crispy Cheese Rolls) Recipe
These crispy cheese rolls — light, crunchy pastry filled with a gooey, herby cheese mixture — are perfect whether you want a snack, appetizer, or party finger food. The contrast between the crunchy outer shell and the soft, melty filling makes them irresistible. They’re also surprisingly easy to prepare, and you can even freeze them ahead of time for quick frying later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling
-
350 grams feta cheese, crumbled
-
200 grams mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
-
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
-
3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
Other
-
50 spring roll pastry sheets (square shaped)
-
1 tablespoon flour
-
1 tablespoon water
-
Oil for frying
Directions
-
If your pastry sheets are frozen, thaw them at room temperature (do not remove them from packaging until fully thawed).
-
Mix the crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, parsley, and chives in a bowl — that’s your filling.
-
Combine the flour and water to create a paste that will act as “glue” to seal the rolls.
-
Lay out one pastry sheet in a diamond shape. Place about one tablespoon of filling at the bottom center. Fold the bottom tip over the filling and roll once to secure.
-
Then fold in the two side edges (about 1.5 inches on each side) to keep the filling from leaking. Continue rolling forward, then use the flour‑water paste to seal the final edge.
-
Repeat until all filling is used. At this point, you can freeze the rolls for later, or fry right away.
-
To fry: heat oil to roughly 190–195 °C (375 °F). Gently place a few rolls into the oil — avoid crowding the pan. Fry 20–30 seconds per side until golden and crisp.
-
Remove with tongs and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve hot — the contrast of warm, melty cheese inside crisp pastry is best right away.
Servings and timing
Makes approximately 50 rolls.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking (frying) time: 15 minutes
Total: ≈ 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
You can freeze the rolls before frying. Lay them in a single layer in a freezer‑safe container lined with parchment paper, separated by additional parchment layers if stacking. Once frozen solid, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, fry them directly from frozen — no need to thaw. If you fry them and have leftovers, note that reheated fried pastry may lose some crispiness.
FAQs
What kind of pastry can I use for Sigara Boregi?
You can use traditional yufka dough if available, but spring roll pastry or thin phyllo (filo) dough work very well. Spring roll pastry sheets are especially convenient because they’re pre‑cut squares and roll easily.
Can I bake Sigara Boregi instead of frying?
Yes — some people bake them to reduce oil. However, frying produces the crispiest and most classic texture. Baking may result in softer pastry and more chance of the cheese filling oozing out.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can roll them ahead and freeze them for later frying. This makes them very handy for gatherings or quick snacks.
Do they reheat well?
Reheating is possible, but reheated fried pastry may lose some of its original crispiness. For best results, consume them freshly fried or soon after.
Can I use different cheeses or fillings?
Yes. While the classic filling uses white cheese (like feta or a Turkish equivalent) and herbs, you can experiment — for example, use different cheeses, add herbs or spices, or even try variations with spinach or potatoes.
Are they suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. As long as the filling is cheese and herbs (no meat), they are vegetarian-friendly.
How long do they keep in the freezer?
If properly frozen in an airtight container, they can stay good for several months.
Do I need to thaw them before frying?
No — you can fry them directly from frozen, which helps preserve pastry texture and reduces the risk of oil splatter.
Can I make fewer rolls instead of 50?
Yes — simply scale down the filling and pastry sheets proportionally based on how many rolls you want.
What’s the best way to serve them?
They are often served hot as snacks or appetizers. They pair nicely with yogurt dips, fresh salads, or as part of a mezze spread.
Conclusion
Sigara Boregi offers a delicious harmony of crunchy pastry and soft, flavorful cheese filling — perfect for snacks, appetizers, or parties. They’re easy to prepare, freeze well for later, and impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic cheese‑herb filling or experiment with variations, these little rolls are sure to become a favorite.
