Запеканка из Творога — Farmer's Cheese Casserole

Russian Non Fasting Published April 21, 2026

Non-Fasting Recipe: This dish contains meat, dairy, or eggs and is intended for feast days and non-fasting periods.

A baked farmer's cheese casserole — lighter and more elegant than syrniki, with a slightly custardy
crumb that tastes something between cheesecake and soufflé. Served warm with sour cream and fruit
jam, this is the perfect brunch or light supper for Bright Week.

FASTING LEVEL: Non-Fasting (farmer's cheese, eggs, butter, sour cream)

SERVINGS: 6
TIME: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g farmer's cheese (tvorog), sieved until smooth
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 80 g semolina (or 60 g fine semolina + 20 g flour)
- 80 g sugar
- 60 ml whole milk
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the dish
- 60 g raisins, soaked in warm water and drained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (for the dish)

For serving:
- Sour cream
- Berry jam or fresh sliced strawberries

METHOD:
1. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Butter a 20 cm square baking dish generously and coat with breadcrumbs.
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale. Add sieved tvorog, melted butter, milk, vanilla, lemon zest, and semolina. Mix well. Let stand 15 minutes to let the semolina hydrate.
3. Fold in raisins.
4. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the cheese mixture in three additions.
5. Pour into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm with sour cream and berry jam.

NOTES:
- Semolina is the binding agent that gives zapekanka its distinctive soft-custardy crumb. Do not substitute flour alone — the texture will be wrong.
- Tvorog varies widely in moisture. If yours is very wet, drain overnight in cheesecloth first, or the casserole will weep.
- Leftovers are excellent cold the next day, sliced into squares — a traditional snack (полдник) for children.
- Try variations: add 100 g chopped apple tossed with cinnamon, or substitute 2 tablespoons of honey for the sugar.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 18 g | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Fibre: 1 g