Bosnian Popara - Make Delicious Bread with Cottage Cheese Today

Ever wonder how to turn humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary? Say hello to Bosnian Popara! This traditional comfort food is a heartwarming dish that brilliantly transforms stale bread with cottage cheese into a savory, satisfying meal. Forget food waste; Popara is a delicious testament to resourcefulness, perfect for anyone looking to make a meal with what they have. Whether you're craving a taste of the Balkans, exploring recipes using bread, or simply seeking a cozy breakfast or light dinner, this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish hits all the right notes. Get ready to discover why Popara, often enriched with creamy fresh feta cheese and a generous amount of butter for bread, is a beloved staple in Bosnian kitchens and an absolute must-try for your own. It’s more than just cheese and bread; it’s a bowl of pure comfort.

Ingredients

Directions

Bosnian Popara - Make Delicious Bread with Cottage Cheese Today

Serves: 4 People
Prepare Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Calories: -
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

4-5 cups stale bread (about 1/2 a loaf), torn or cut into 1-inch pieces (crusts okay!)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large onion, finely chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
3 cups hot water or milk (or a mix for creamier results)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat recommended for best flavor
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or sirene cheese), plus extra for garnish
Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika

Directions

Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): In a large, deep skillet or pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, but not browned. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If skipping the onion, proceed to the next step.
Combine & Soften: Add the torn bread pieces to the pot. Pour in the hot water or milk (or your preferred liquid mix). Stir gently to ensure all the bread pieces are submerged and start to absorb the liquid.
Simmer & Mash: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread has softened considerably and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The mixture should be thick and porridge-like. You can use a wooden spoon to gently mash any larger bread chunks if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Add the Cheeses & Butter: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cottage cheese, crumbled feta cheese, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix well until the cheeses are melted and evenly distributed, and the butter has fully incorporated, making the Popara rich and creamy.
Season & Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese is salty, so adjust accordingly. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with extra crumbled feta, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!

Recipe Nutritional Values

The following nutritional values are per serving (one piece of cake)

Calories

~350-400 kcal per serving

Carbohydrates

~35-45g per serving

Protein

~15-20g per serving

Fat

~15-20g per serving

Additional Information

350-400 kcal per serving Carbohydrates: ~35-45g per serving Protein: ~15-20g per serving Fat: ~15-20g per serving Additional Information A good source of quick energy thanks to the bread.
A good source of quick energy thanks to the bread.
Provides calcium and protein from the various cheeses.
Offers dietary fiber, especially if using whole-grain bread.

Recipe Success Tips

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Bread Choices: While stale white bread is traditional, feel free to experiment! Sourdough, whole wheat, or even day-old rolls can work. Avoid overly sweet breads. The key is that it's stale, which helps it absorb liquid without becoming too mushy.
Cheese Options: Don't have feta or cottage cheese? You can use other soft, savory cheeses like sirene, ricotta, or even a mild goat cheese. A little cream cheese can also add extra creaminess. For a sharper flavor, a sprinkle of grated hard cheese like Parmesan at the end can be nice, though less traditional.
Liquid Alternatives: For a richer Popara, use all milk or a mix of milk and chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. For a lighter version, stick with water.
Flavor Boosters: Sautéing a clove or two of minced garlic with the onion adds another layer of savory goodness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat. Fresh herbs like dill or oregano, stirred in at the end, also complement the flavors beautifully.
Hearty Additions: For a more substantial meal, you can stir in cooked, shredded chicken or ham, or even a handful of spinach or other greens during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cultural Variations

Popara is a beloved dish across the Balkans, with slight regional differences. In some areas, it might be made with solely milk, creating a sweeter, more breakfast-like porridge. Others might add fried eggs on top, or include different types of local cheeses. The core idea of utilizing stale bread and turning it into a comforting, simple meal remains consistent, reflecting the resourcefulness and warmth of Balkan cuisine.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

Popara is best enjoyed fresh and warm, as the texture is at its peak. However, if you have leftovers:
Storage: Store any leftover Popara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up, as it can thicken considerably in the fridge. Avoid high heat, which can make the texture rubbery. Microwaving is also an option, heating in short bursts and stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Kitchen Tools

Tools and ingredients that can help you cook more easily and consistently.

Time-Saving Tools & Ingredients

Sometimes, a little help in the kitchen can make all the difference, especially when you're craving comfort food but are short on time. Here are a few things that can speed up your Popara making:

Food Processor for Bread

Problem: Tearing stale bread by hand can be a bit messy and time-consuming, and you might end up with uneven pieces.
Agitate: Uneven bread chunks can lead to some parts of your Popara being too soggy and others still a bit dry, making for an inconsistent texture.
Solution: A food processor can quickly pulse your stale bread into perfectly uniform, bite-sized pieces, ensuring even absorption and a consistent, delightful texture every time. Just a few pulses, and you're good to go!

Microwave for Heating Liquids

Problem: Heating milk or water on the stovetop can take a few minutes, and you have to keep an eye on it to prevent scorching or boiling over.
Agitate: Waiting for liquids to heat up can interrupt your flow, and nobody wants burnt milk!
Solution: A microwave is your best friend for quickly heating milk or water. Just a minute or two, depending on the amount, and your liquid is ready for the bread, saving you precious time and stovetop space.

Potato Masher or Sturdy Fork

Problem: Mixing and mashing the cottage cheese and butter into the softened bread can sometimes feel like a bit of a workout.
Agitate: You want that lovely, creamy consistency, but achieving it with a flimsy utensil can be frustrating and leave lumps.
Solution: A good old potato masher or a sturdy fork makes quick work of incorporating the cheese and butter into the bread mixture. It helps break down the bread further and creates that desired smooth, comforting texture with minimal effort.

Calories per Ingredient

Click any ingredient for detailed nutritional information:

Bosnian Popara - Make Delicious Bread with Cottage Cheese Today