Bulgarian cuisine is full of vegetarian recipes which are well suited for a variety of different occasions.
You can serve these dishes for breakfast, use them as a snack or turn them into a party appetizer.
Some of the recipe ideas I’ll share are made with regional ingredients such as Bulgarian cheese and yogurt but you can substitute those for their non-Bulgarian alternatives.
So let’s get started and let me show you the best vegetarian recipes from Bulgarian cuisine!
16 Best Bulgarian Vegetarian Recipes
Authentic Bulgarian Banitsa
Banitsa is one of the hallmark dishes of Bulgarian cuisine. It’s essentially a pie that’s made of layers of phyllo dough and a savory egg and cheese filling.
There are a few different ways in which you can prepare banitsa.
The most common one, which I’ve also used in this recipe, is to roll the sheets into logs and assemble the banitsa in a round baking pan.
You can also layer the sheets with the filling and stack them together if you don’t have a round baking pan.
Make It Even Better 🌟
For a richer flavor, try adding some crumbled feta or Bulgarian sirene cheese to the filling.
This simple addition will make the dish even more creamy and tangy!
Get the recipe: Banitsa
Bulgarian Spanakopita
Bulgarian Spanakopita is a pastry dish that’s a spin off of the classic Greek spinach pie.
It’s quite similar to banitsa, but it’s made with a filling of ricotta, feta and spinach instead of plain brine cheese.
The filling is also seasoned with a bunch of scallions, spearmint, parsley and dill.
What We’d Serve This With 🥒
Pair this Spanakopita with a refreshing Greek-style cucumber salad for a light, flavorful meal.
It would also be perfect with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Get the recipe: Spanakopita
Leek Pie
Even though it’s made with a handful of ingredients, leek pie still packs a ton of amazing flavors because each ingredient is carefully picked to contrast with the rest.
Leek pie for those of you who aren’t familiar is a pastry dish made of layers of tender dough and a savory leek filling.
Making it the traditional way will require a bit of effort since you’ll need to knead and roll out the dough yourself.
However, you can skip this altogether by simply using phyllo pastry sheets instead of dough.
Our Flavor Twist 🌱
Add a handful of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing element.
It’s a simple trick to elevate the dish with a burst of flavor!
Get the recipe: Savory Leek Pie
Peach cookies did not exactly originate from Bulgaria but they’re certainly one of the most popular homemade cookies out there.
They’re made from hollowed out cookies which are filled with jam, joined together and rolled into sugar.
I recommend trying these cookies out with your morning coffee or over some afternoon tea.
When We’d Serve This 🍵
These cookies are perfect for an afternoon treat or a delightful snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
They’re also fantastic for holiday baking or sharing with friends!
Get the recipe: Peach Cookies
Easy Biscuit Cake Recipe
Indulge in a slice of Bulgarian delight with this easy biscuit cake recipe, a beloved treat across the Balkans.
This dessert features layers of pillowy soft cookies and creamy vanilla custard, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and crushed walnuts.
Perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
The secret lies in its creamy layers and the rich flavor of vanilla, creating a texture that’s both light and indulgent.
Discover the magic of Bulgarian cuisine with this delightful and irresistible cake!
Our Flavor Twist 🍫
For a twist, try adding a layer of melted dark chocolate between the cookie layers.
It will create a richer, more decadent version of this already delicious cake!
Get the recipe: Easy Biscuit Cake Recipe
Patatnik
Patatnik is a potato omelet that’s quite similar to Spanish tortilla.
It’s made with shredded potatoes which are pan fried along with whipped eggs and onions.
However, unlike tortilla it also includes a bit of white Bulgarian cheese also known as sirene.
If you can’t find Bulgarian cheese you can easily swap it with Feta.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍳
For a crispy crust, make sure to press the mixture down firmly into the pan as it cooks.
This will create a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Check recipe at: Nomad Paradise
Bulgarian Tarator Soup
If you’re looking for a cold soup or an appetizer for your white food party, then you gotta try Bulgarian tarator.
Bulgarian tarator is a vegetarian cold soup that’s made with finely chopped cucumbers, garlic, yogurt and dill.
In some instances like this recipe, it is also garnished with some chopped walnuts.
What We’d Serve This With 🥒
This refreshing soup pairs beautifully with some crusty bread or a light salad.
It’s also a great starter for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Check recipe at: Orgasmic Chef
Shopska Salad
The first dish most people get a taste of whenever they visit Bulgaria is Shopska Salad.
Shopska salad features chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions which are tossed in sunflower oil and garnished with shredded Bulgarian cheese.
You can also throw in some fresh green peppers or roasted red peppers for additional flavor.
Make It Even Better 🧀
Add a handful of Kalamata olives or some roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
These simple additions will enhance the Mediterranean feel of this refreshing dish!
Check recipe at: The Passport Kitchen
Mekitsi
Most cuisines around the world have some variation of a fried dough pastry and in Bulgaria’s case it’s mekitsi.
Mekitsi are typically made for breakfast and are usually served with some fruit jam or powdered sugar.
Their soft pillowy texture and crispy exterior are very similar to doughnuts. However, they don’t necessarily have a uniform round shape like doughnuts.
When We’d Serve This 🍯
Mekitsi are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch with family.
Serve with some honey or jam for a delightful sweet treat!
Check recipe at: Chocolates And Chai
Easy Bulgarian Baked Beans
This Baked Beans recipe is for anyone who’s looking for a comforting meal that can be served over a chilly winter evening.
It packs a lot of flavor and it’s made with only a handful of simple ingredients.
All you need to make it are some dry white beans, carrots, onion, roasted red pepper and spices.
The key that makes this recipe such a hit is that the beans are soaked overnight. This ensures that they stay tender and prevents them from getting mushy.
What We’d Serve This With 🥖
Pair these baked beans with some crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a hearty, balanced meal.
They also work wonderfully with grilled meats for a complete, filling dinner.
Check recipe at: Cooking LSL
Tutmanik
Tutmanik is a Bulgarian cheese bread that’s made of layers of dough and a savory cheese filling.
Each layer is covered in a herb butter which ensures that it stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
The filling for this particular recipe also includes a bunch of sun dried tomatoes which complement the taste of the cheese.
What We’d Serve This With 🧀
This rich cheese bread would pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a light tomato soup.
You can also serve it alongside a creamy dip like tzatziki for a fuller meal.
Check recipe at: Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Bulgarian Eggplant Dip
Bulgarian Eggplant Dip more commonly known as kyopolou, is made of roasted bell peppers, eggplant, garlic and tomatoes.
It’s typically served with some toasted bread or crostini. In order to make it, you’ll simply need to blend all of the roasted veggies with some olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley and dill.
Our Flavor Twist 🌶️
For a little kick, add some chili flakes or a touch of smoked paprika to the dip.
It’ll give the dip a smoky, spicy depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the roasted veggies.
Check recipe at: The Indigo Kitchen
Vegan Sarma (Dolma)
Sarma is a traditional Balkan dish that’s typically made from minced meat and rice, which are enveloped in a sauerkraut leaf.
In this particular recipe, the meat is substituted with a mixture of chopped bell peppers, onions and eggplant.
This balances the tanginess of the sauerkraut and leads to a more nuanced overall flavor.
What We’d Serve This With 🥗
Pair this savory dish with a side of tangy yogurt or a cucumber salad to complement its rich, savory flavors.
It’s also great served with some pita bread for a more filling meal.
Check recipe at: Pakovska
Bulgarian Bean Soup
Any serious list about Bulgarian cuisine wouldn’t be complete without Bulgarian Bean Soup or Bob Chorba.
This simple appetizer has a comforting savory flavor which makes it ideal for the colder months of the year.
The only ingredients you’ll need beside the beans are some carrots and celery, onions and a few chili peppers.
Making it can be a bit time consuming, but its taste makes every second completely worthwhile.
Make It Even Better 🍲
For a heartier soup, add some smoked paprika or a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking.
This will add depth to the flavor and a fresh, earthy element to the dish!
Check recipe at: Chasing The Donkey
This dessert has probably escaped your radar since it’s most often referred to as biscuit cake.
And it’s actually made with what in the US is called cookies and in the UK – biscuits.
Leaving semantics aside, this cake features layers of rectangular cookies which are coated with a creamy vanilla custard.
The top of the cake is also coated in cocoa powder and shaved chocolate. It’s an overall simple dessert which is worth giving a shot.
What We’d Serve This With 🍮
Serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
It’s also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the sweetness.
Check recipe at: The Mindful Meringue
Shredded Potato Casserole With Feta Cheese
This shredded potato casserole is something you’ll find cooked in some regions of Bulgaria.
It follows the sure-win formula of mixing potatoes, feta cheese, the savory spice and black pepper.
Although it’s made from just a few ingredients it’s loaded with flavors and it’s one of those dishes that make you instantly hungry when catch the smell of it.
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, this shredded potato casserole will be delicious and so could potentially turn into your family’s new favorite dish. I definitely recommend trying it.
When We’d Serve This 🕰️
This comforting casserole is perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or a holiday spread with family and friends.
It’s also great for meal prepping to enjoy throughout the week!
Get the recipe: Shredded Potato Casserole With Feta Cheese
Wrapping up
Bulgarian cuisine offers a rich variety of vegetarian dishes which can be enjoyed on their own or as a part of a larger meal.
And some of them are also well suited if you’re following a vegan diet plan. Make sure to drop down a comment if you found any of the recipes on this list useful.