How many calories are in a quarter burek? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

A single quarter slice of burek can contain anywhere from 250 to over 400 calories, a range that varies significantly with the filling and preparation method. Understanding precisely how many calories are in a quarter burek requires examining the key components of this savory pastry.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a quarter burek is highly variable, depending primarily on the filling, dough preparation, and cooking method. Meat fillings are often higher in calories and fat than spinach or cheese, but a quarter slice can range from under 300 to over 400 calories. Key factors include butter or oil usage, portion size, and ingredient density.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a quarter burek can range from roughly 250 to over 400 kcal, depending heavily on the ingredients and cooking method.
Filling is Key: The type of filling has the biggest impact on the calorie count, with meat and cheese typically leading to higher numbers than vegetable-based options.
Fats are a Major Factor: The generous use of oil or butter in the flaky dough is a significant source of calories and fat.
Preparation Method Matters: Baking results in fewer calories than frying, which can dramatically increase the fat absorption.
Portion Control is Important: Due to its high energy density, a quarter burek is a satisfying but calorically-dense snack, so managing portion size is crucial.
Make a Healthier Burek: For a lower-calorie alternative, choose lighter fillings like potato, reduce the oil used in the dough, and opt for baking instead of frying.
Balanced Consumption: Enjoy burek in moderation and pair it with fresh, lighter side dishes, like salads, to create a more balanced meal.

Understanding Burek's Nutritional Profile

Burek is a beloved savory pastry enjoyed throughout the Balkans, Turkey, and beyond, but its delicious, flaky layers and rich fillings can make tracking its caloric content a challenge. While a definitive number for how many calories are in a quarter burek is elusive, it's possible to provide a detailed estimate by breaking down the key ingredients. The most significant variables affecting the final calorie count are the type of filling, the amount of fat used in the dough, and the preparation method.

The Impact of Filling on Burek Calories

Fillings are the primary driver of caloric differences between types of burek. A meat-filled burek typically uses fattier ground meat, while a cheese-filled burek uses salty, high-fat cheeses. A spinach and cheese option, while containing vegetables, can still be quite high in calories due to the added dairy and oil. For example, a 100g portion of rolled beef burek was found to have 261 calories, while a cheese-filled version can have a higher percentage of fat depending on the cheese.

Dough and Preparation: The Hidden Calorie Contributors

The burek's dough is often a rich phyllo dough prepared with liberal amounts of oil or butter. This is a crucial element of its flaky texture but also a major source of calories and saturated fat. The cooking method, whether baked or fried, also significantly affects the final calorie count. A deep-fried burek will absorb more oil than a baked one, adding hundreds of extra calories.

Comparison of Quarter Burek Calories by Filling

This table provides a general estimate for the calories in a quarter burek. Note that these values can vary based on the specific recipe, portion size, and ingredients used. Values are based on extrapolations from reported portion sizes or per-100g data found in nutritional databases.


Burek Filling	Estimated Quarter Burek Calories	Notes
Meat (Beef)	~250–300 kcal	Based on a standard quarter-slice serving.
Cheese (Feta/Cottage)	~270–320 kcal	Cheese can vary in fat content. A 100g portion of rolled cheese burek is around 276 kcal.
Spinach & Cheese	~280–330 kcal	High-fat cheese contributes significantly to the calorie count.
Potato	~220–280 kcal	Usually lower in fat than meat or cheese fillings.

A Closer Look at the Macros

Beyond just calories, the macronutrient profile of a quarter burek is important for a balanced diet. A typical quarter slice is high in fat and carbohydrates due to the oily dough and often rich filling. Protein content varies depending on the filling, with meat and cheese options offering a good source. For instance, a 150g serving of burek can have 14.2g of protein, while other reports for meat burek show even higher protein values.

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their calorie intake, there are ways to enjoy burek without overdoing it. Some bakeries offer smaller, individual portions, and opting for a potato or spinach-based filling over a meat or fatty cheese one can make a difference. When making burek at home, consider using less oil or butter, and selecting a leaner filling. The baking method can also be modified to use air frying, which uses significantly less oil, for a crispy finish with fewer calories.

Conclusion: The Calorie Range is Wide

In summary, there is no single answer to how many calories are in a quarter burek. The figure is highly dependent on the recipe, preparation, and filling. A basic quarter burek might start around 250 calories, but can easily exceed 400 calories with a particularly rich filling and generous use of fats. By being mindful of these variables, you can better estimate the caloric impact and make a more informed choice. For specific nutritional data on pre-packaged or restaurant burek, it is always best to consult the manufacturer's or restaurant's information. For general nutritional guidance, the National Institutes of Health provides valuable resources on dietary guidelines. A smart approach is to consider burek an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple, and to pair it with a light, fresh salad to balance the meal.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized health and nutrition guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a potato-filled burek has the lowest calorie count, as it uses less high-fat dairy or meat compared to cheese or beef versions.

Homemade burek can be healthier because you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use less oil, leaner fillings, and reduce salt content. Store-bought versions often prioritize flavor and shelf-life, which can involve more fat and sodium.

To reduce calories, you can: 1) use less oil or butter in the phyllo layers, 2) choose a leaner filling like potato or spinach with low-fat cheese, 3) bake the burek instead of frying it, and 4) make smaller portions.

Yes, especially if the burek is filled with meat or cheese. A quarter slice of meat burek can provide a decent amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety.

The primary sources of calories in a burek are the fat from the dough (phyllo and oil/butter) and the fat from the filling (cheese, meat, or additional oil).

The type of dough and how it's prepared has a significant impact. Burek made with phyllo dough and butter or oil is high in fat, contributing substantially to the total calories. Less fat in the dough leads to fewer calories.

The calorie count is directly proportional to the portion size. A quarter burek is a standard measurement, but sizes can vary significantly between bakeries or recipes. Always consider the total weight of your portion for a more accurate estimate.

While most traditional fillings contain some fat, the fat content varies. Cheese and meat fillings are typically higher in fat. Potato fillings are generally lower in fat, but the final count depends on how much oil or butter is used in the preparation.