CHEESE IN OVEN (SIRENJE VO FURNA)

Baked cheese, or "cheese in the oven," is a beloved Macedonian specialty often served in restaurants and pizzerias alongside golden, sesame-sprinkled crispy bread. This indulgent dish combines two or three types of cheese, melted into creamy perfection. For a heartier version, mushrooms, bacon, or cured meats can be added, enriching the flavor and turning it into a true comfort classic.
cheese in oven

Ingredients:

  • 250 g white cheese (preferably sheep cheese)

  • 100 g yellow cheese (kaškavalj or similar), grated

  • 2–3 tablespoons tomato paste, sauce, or ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon sour cream

  • Oregano

  • Butter or oil (for greasing)

Optional additions: chopped mushrooms, dried or smoked meat (like suvo meso or bacon)

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

  2. Grease two small earthen pots (or ramekins) with a bit of butter or oil.

  3. Crumble half of the white cheese and press it lightly on the bottom of each pot using a fork.

  4. Add a spoonful of tomato paste over the cheese and sprinkle a pinch of oregano for aroma.

  5. Add a layer of grated yellow cheese.

  6. Top with the rest of the crumbled white cheese.

  7. Finish with another layer of grated yellow cheese, and dot a bit more tomato paste and a small spoon of sour cream on top.

  8. Bake until the top cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden – around 15–20 minutes.

  9. Serve hot with freshly baked, crispy bread, preferably sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Tip: If you’re adding mushrooms or dried meat, place them right after the first layer of white cheese, before continuing with the other ingredients.

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