A Guide to Štrukli: Croatia's Beloved Cheese Pastry
Štrukli are a beloved Croatian comfort food, a dough filled with cheese and baked or boiled. Here's what to know and where to find them.
Illustration: AI-generated image
Štrukli (pronounced shtrook-lee) are one of Croatia's most cherished traditional dishes. A simple yet satisfying pastry made from dough and fresh cow's cheese, they can be boiled or baked, sweet or savoury, and are found on tables from family kitchens to fine-dining restaurants.
What are štrukli?
At their heart, štrukli are a type of filled pastry. The dough is rolled thin and filled with a mixture of fresh cow's cheese, eggs, and sometimes sour cream. The filling can be enhanced with herbs, spinach, or pumpkin, and for sweet versions, sugar and vanilla are added. The pastry is then either boiled like large ravioli or baked in a dish until golden and bubbling.
A dish with deep roots
Štrukli are particularly associated with the region of Zagorje, north of Zagreb, and with the capital itself. The dish has humble origins as a filling peasant meal, but over time it has become a symbol of Croatian home cooking. In 2007, štrukli were added to Croatia's list of intangible cultural heritage, cementing their place in the national culinary identity.
Boiled or baked: two ways to enjoy
The two main preparations offer distinct experiences. Boiled štrukli are soft and delicate, often served in a light broth or tossed with browned breadcrumbs and butter. Baked štrukli, known as štrukli u tepsiji, are layered in a dish, topped with cream, and baked until the top is crisp and the inside is creamy. Many restaurants offer both, and some serve a sweet version for dessert.
Where to try them
You'll find štrukli on menus throughout Croatia, but they are most authentic in Zagreb and the surrounding regions of Hrvatsko Zagorje. Traditional restaurants, known as konobe, often serve them as a starter or side dish. For a quick taste, look for them at local markets or bakeries, where they may be sold as individual portions. If you're visiting during winter, štrukli are a popular warming dish at Christmas markets.
Making štrukli at home
While the recipe is straightforward, rolling the dough thin enough takes practice. Many Croatian families have their own variations, and recipes are passed down through generations. If you're keen to try, look for cooking classes in Zagreb that focus on traditional dishes – a hands-on way to learn the technique and enjoy the results.
