There are few things as satisfying as biting into Turkish Cigars: golden, crisp parcels filled with creamy cheese and fragrant herbs, all wrapped up in delicate phyllo pastry. These irresistible appetizers make any gathering feel special, and their playful shape always sparks conversation! Whether you fry or bake them, Turkish Cigars turn simple ingredients into something truly celebratory, bursting with flavor, crunch, and a delightful hint of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Turkish Cigars is that each piece of the puzzle is simple yet crucial. Every ingredient brings its own unmistakable taste, from the tangy cheeses to the fresh pop of parsley, creating a wonderfully balanced filling wrapped up in buttery, flaky pastry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Phyllo pastry (12 sheets, thawed if frozen): Paper-thin and delicate, phyllo is the crisp, golden wrapper that gives Turkish Cigars their famed crunch.
- Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled): Feta brings salty richness and that classic Mediterranean flavor to the filling.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Ricotta balances the feta with creamy mildness, creating a luscious texture.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): For a fresh, herbal note and a splash of vibrant green color in every bite.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of warmth and spice that brightens the cheeses without overpowering them.
- Egg (1, lightly beaten): This binds the filling together, making it perfectly scoopable and smooth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, plus more for brushing): Essential for brushing the pastry and enhancing its deep golden color.
- Water (for sealing edges): A simple trick for keeping each Turkish Cigar tightly rolled and tidy.
- Oil for frying (or optional baking): Choose a neutral oil for frying, or simply brush more olive oil for the baked version.
How to Make Turkish Cigars
Step 1: Make the Cheese Filling
Start by combining the crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, chopped parsley, black pepper, and the beaten egg in a medium bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, slightly speckled filler. The ricotta mellows out the sharpness of the feta, while the parsley adds color and a fresh bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Pastry
Lay out one sheet of phyllo on a clean work surface; make sure to cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel so they don’t dry out. Using a sharp knife, cut this phyllo sheet into three long strips. Lightly brush each strip with olive oil to add flavor and help create those irresistibly crisp layers.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Turkish Cigars
Place a heaping teaspoon of your cheese mixture at the end of each oiled strip. Fold the outer edges of the phyllo over the filling, then roll up tightly just like a cigar. Finish by dabbing a little water on the pastry to seal the tip, so your filling stays exactly where it should while cooking. Repeat this process with the rest of the phyllo and cheese mixture.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
If you’re frying, heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry your Turkish Cigars in batches, 2 to 3 minutes per side, until gorgeously golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Prefer to bake? Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with a little extra oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once if you love an even crust.
How to Serve Turkish Cigars
Garnishes
Elevate your Turkish Cigars with a scattering of extra chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of sumac for tang, or a light dusting of black sesame seeds if you have them. These bright and flavorful finishing touches make the cigars look and taste even more appetizing!
Side Dishes
For the perfect table spread, serve your Turkish Cigars with cool yogurt-garlic sauce, tangy tzatziki, or a small bowl of sweet chili sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with crisp salads, marinated olives, and a platter of crunchy fresh veggies for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile Turkish Cigars high on a vibrant platter for sharing, tuck them standing in a tall glass for cocktail hour, or arrange them alongside a mezze board bursting with dips, cheeses, and pickles. Their cigar shape looks playful and sophisticated all at once.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Turkish Cigars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, perfect for snacking or as a quick appetizer.
Freezing
Turkish Cigars are surprisingly freezer-friendly! Simply assemble them up to the rolling stage and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. No need to thaw before cooking—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake or fry time for a crispy treat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To restore maximum crunch, reheat Turkish Cigars in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes or until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the pastry.
FAQs
Can I use only feta cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! If you adore a stronger feta flavor, feel free to skip the ricotta and use 1.5 cups of feta. It will be tangier and a bit more robust in taste and texture.
Are Turkish Cigars best fried or baked?
Both methods produce delicious results. Frying gives the crispiest bite and a rich golden color, while baking is a lighter, less oily option that still turns out satisfyingly crunchy. Pick your favorite!
What sauce goes best for dipping?
A garlicky yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or even sweet chili sauce are fantastic dippers. Their creamy or tangy flavors balance the savoriness of the Turkish Cigars beautifully.
Can I make Turkish Cigars in advance for a party?
Yes, you can assemble them a day or two ahead and store covered in the fridge, or freeze before cooking. Cook them off just before serving for best results, so they’re piping hot and perfectly crisp.
Is it possible to use whole wheat or gluten-free pastry?
If you can find whole wheat or gluten-free phyllo, go ahead and experiment. Textures may differ, but the spirit of Turkish Cigars remains delightfully the same!
Final Thoughts
Homemade Turkish Cigars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether as an elegant appetizer, a cozy snack, or the centerpiece of a mezze feast. With their shatteringly crisp pastry and rich, cheesy filling, they’re every bit as fun to make as they are to eat. Treat yourself and your loved ones—once you try these, you might just find yourself inventing reasons to make Turkish Cigars again and again!
Print
Turkish Cigars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 cigars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Turkish Cigars are crispy, savory appetizers filled with a blend of feta and ricotta cheeses, fresh parsley, and seasonings, wrapped in delicate phyllo pastry and fried or baked to perfection. They make a delightful addition to any gathering or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Phyllo Pastry:
- 12 sheets phyllo pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- Water for sealing edges
- Oil for frying (or optional baking)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine feta, ricotta, parsley, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble Cigars: Lay out phyllo pastry, cut into strips, brush with oil. Place filling, roll into cigars, seal edges.
- To Fry: Fry cigars in oil until golden and crisp.
- To Bake: Bake cigars until golden.
Notes
- Best served warm and crispy.
- Can freeze before cooking.
- Serve with dipping sauces like yogurt-garlic or sweet chili.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cigar
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
