What is štrukli, the delicious Croatian speciality?

Much more than just a dish, štrukli is a true cultural heritage: it’s a Croatian culinary specialty deeply rooted in the country’s traditions. Here’s a closer look at a delicious recipe that’s sure to make your mouth water…

Be aware: reading this article might make you want to immediately book a trip to Croatia in order to taste the country’s pride and joy, also known as štrukli.

Planning a trip to Croatia? Read more on the topic:

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Štrukli, a symbol of Croatian gastronomy

” — has been a beloved dish in Croatia for generations now. Originating from the Zagorje region, near Zagreb, it has become a culinary symbol of central Croatia, although variations of it can be found throughout the country.

Originally made with simple, local ingredients like flour, eggs, fresh cheese and cream, štrukli has deep roots in Croatian peasant cuisine. The recipe has now evolved over time and become more refined, turning it into a favourite dish for special occasions, celebrations and family gatherings.

How to bake štrukli ?

There are two main variants of štrukli: baked in boiling water and baked in the oven. In both cases, the dough is made with flour, salt, egg, warm water and oil, then left to rest before being stretched and stuffed with dairy cheese.

• in this version, the dough filled with cheese is cut into pieces and cooked in salted water. The pieces are then often served with melted butter or a cream-based sauce. This version is lighter and usually served as an appetiser or as an accompaniment to soup.

• the stuffed dough is baked in the oven, usually in a dish, with a layer of sour cream or fresh cream on top. This cooking method gives the dish a crisp, golden crust, while preserving the soft filling inside ; delicious! This richer version can be served as a main course.

In addition to these two main recipes, there are many regional or seasonal variations of štrukli. Some štrukli are for instance filled with fruits (such as apples, cherries or plums), while others can be made with vegetables (such as spinach) or nuts.

Where to eat štrukli ?

, located in the Croatian capital, which only serves štrukli. But štrukli has also gained in popularity outside Croatian borders, and can be found on the menus of international restaurants.

’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Croatian minister of Culture, attesting the importance of this speciality in the country’s culture and culinary traditions.

How to enjoy štrukli ?

, you will quickly realise that štrukli is often shared with family and friends, and is an illustration of Croatian hospitality and generosity.