Sides · Bulgarian

Keto Banitsa

Sofia Romano

Recipe by Sofia Romano

Pasta & Mediterranean · July 21, 2026

This low carb take on the classic Bulgarian cheese pastry skips the phyllo but keeps everything you love: buttery richness, salty feta, and a golden top. It comes together in one bowl with just a whisk, so it is perfect for a lazy morning or an easy side. Cut it into squares and serve warm.

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Keto Banitsa

Why you'll love this

  • One bowl and a whisk, no fancy equipment.
  • Naturally low carb and gluten free.
  • Salty, cheesy, and satisfying with almost no effort.
  • Great warm or cold, morning or night.

EveryDayMeal recipe

Keto Banitsa

Prep
10m
Cook
20m
Total
30m
Serves
6
Level
Easy

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup (about 4 ounces) shredded mozzarella
  • 1 ounce cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 ounces crumbled feta
  • 1 tablespoon (optional) sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 8x8 inch baking dish

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 360 degrees F so it is fully hot by the time the batter is ready.
  2. Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until smooth and a little frothy. No mixer needed here, a whisk does the job.
  3. Pour in the melted butter slowly while whisking, so it blends in evenly instead of pooling.
  4. Add the mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese and stir until the cheeses are spread throughout the batter.
  5. Whisk in the baking powder until no lumps remain, which helps the banitsa puff slightly as it bakes.
  6. Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with butter, pour in the batter, and scatter sesame seeds over the top if using.
  7. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top is golden and set with no wet center.
  8. Let it rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes so it firms up, then cut into squares and serve warm.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Soften the cream cheese first so it melts into the batter instead of leaving little cold lumps.
  • Grate your own mozzarella if you can, since pre-shredded cheese has starches that can dull the texture.
  • Watch the last few minutes closely; the top browns quickly once it sets.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 250 cal · 11g protein · 2g carbs · 22g fat

Make it your own

  • Swap the feta for crumbled goat cheese for a tangier bite.
  • Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or dill for a fresh, herby version.
  • Top with everything bagel seasoning instead of plain sesame seeds.

Storing & make-ahead

Store cut pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven or toaster oven to bring back the crisp top, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

Good to know

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake it, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat squares in a 350 degree F oven for a few minutes before serving.
Why is my banitsa watery in the middle?
It likely needed a few more minutes. Bake until the center is fully set and the top is golden all over.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Any good melting cheese works in place of mozzarella, and goat cheese or ricotta salata can stand in for feta.
Is it really keto?
Yes, it is built on eggs and cheese with no flour, so it stays very low in carbs.

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