Skip to main content

Flaky Cheese Rolls

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These crispy cheese rolls, often known as Sigara Böreği, are a staple of Mediterranean inspired snacking. This vegetarian dish combines the salty tang of crumbled feta with a generous amount of fresh Italian parsley, all encased in a shatteringly crisp pastry shell. Whether you use traditional triangular yufka sheets or delicate phyllo, the result is a light yet satisfying treat that works beautifully as a dinner party starter or a simple afternoon snack.

Preparing these homemade rolls is surprisingly straightforward, making them an excellent choice for entertaining. You can assemble the cigars up to two hours in advance and keep them chilled in the fridge until your guests arrive. Once fried to a perfect golden brown, serve them warm on a large platter with a side of thick Greek yoghurt or a fresh tomato salad for a balanced, savoury experience.

In this article:

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Flaky Cheese Rolls

  • 120g crumbled feta cheese

  • 1 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

  • 16 wedge-shaped yufka sheets with 10-inch-long sides (from 12- to 450g package) or 14x9-inch sheets phyllo pastry, thawed if frozen

  • Vegetable oil or olive oil

How to make Flaky Cheese Rolls

Mix cheese and parsley in medium bowl. Season filling with salt and pepper.

If using yufka, place 1 sheet on work surface; keep remaining sheets covered with plastic and damp towel. Shape 1 tablespoon filling into 4- to 5-inch log, 1 inch in from rounded side of wedge. Fold sides in over filling. Starting at filling end, roll toward pointed end, moisten end, and seal, forming cigar. (If using phyllo, shape 1 tablespoon filling into log, 1 inch in from 1 short side. Fold long sides in. Starting at filling end, roll toward opposite end, moisten end, and seal.) Place cigar on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling and pastry. Cover with plastic. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Chill.

Pour oil into large skillet to depth of 1/2 inch. Heat oil to 177°C. Working in batches, fry pastries until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side for yufka and 1 1/2 minutes per side for phyllo. Drain on paper towels; serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.