Dive into the Flavors of Armenia with Our Quick and Easy Bunyer Cheese Spread Recipe.
Embrace the vibrant culinary heritage of Armenia with our traditional bunyer recipe, a delightful cheese spread that's as quick to prepare as it is delicious.
Known simply as "bunyer" in our family, this recipe combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese with the tang of tomato paste and the freshness of Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, and olives. Seasoned with aromatic spices such as cumin and oregano, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil, this cheese spread is a testament to the simple yet profound flavors of Armenian cuisine.
Perfect for serving in small bowls accompanied by warm pita bread, this Armenian cheese spread recipe is ideal for a light lunch, a quick and easy salad alternative, or as a flavorful appetizer at your next gathering. Whether you’re introducing friends to Armenian flavors or revisiting family favorites, this bunyer recipe is sure to please palates and invoke the warmth of shared meals. Get ready to spread the joy and the cheese with this beloved family recipe!
⦁ 1 cup of smooth cottage cheese
⦁ 2 tablespoons of feta cheese, crumbled
⦁ 1/4 cup of tomatoes, finely diced
⦁ 1 tablespoon of green onion, finely chopped
⦁ 1/4 cup of green peppers (bell, mild frying, or chile peppers), chopped
⦁ 2 tablespoons of black olives, finely chopped
⦁ 1 tablespoon of concentrated tomato paste
⦁ 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
⦁ A small pinch of ground cumin
⦁ A small pinch of dried oregano
⦁ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusted to taste
1. Blend the Base: Combine the tomato paste with the cottage cheese, using about 1 tablespoon of paste for each cup of cheese to create a smooth mixture.
2. Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and black olives.
3. Season: Lightly sprinkle cumin and oregano over the mixture to add depth to the flavors.
4. Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
5. Finish with Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top for a rich finish
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Cottage Cheese (Bunyer/Booner) – Use full-fat, creamy cottage cheese or a farmer-style cheese with small curds
✔ Scallions (Green Onions) – Finely chopped for mild onion flavor
✔ Fresh Herbs – Parsley, dill, cilantro, and sometimes tarragon; bright and aromatic
✔ Cucumbers – Optional, for crunch and freshness
✔ Tomatoes – Optional; cherry tomatoes or finely diced regular tomatoes work best
✔ Red Pepper or Aleppo Pepper – For a touch of warmth and color
✔ Salt & Black Pepper – To enhance all the fresh flavors
✔ Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil – A drizzle for richness and balance
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Drain Excess Liquid – If cottage cheese is too watery, drain slightly for a thicker, more cohesive salad
✔ Chop Herbs Finely – You want even distribution and maximum flavor in every bite
✔ Add Veggies Last – Especially if using cucumbers or tomatoes; add right before serving to avoid watering down the salad
✔ Season Lightly First – Cottage cheese may already have salt; taste and adjust
✔ Mix Gently – Fold ingredients together without breaking down the curds too much
🔥 Optional Flavor Enhancers
✔ Dash of Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and cuts through creaminess
✔ Crushed Garlic – For a punchier, more savory version
✔ Chili Flakes or Aleppo Pepper – Mild heat with a fruity depth
✔ Chopped Walnuts – Adds texture and earthy contrast
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Creamy Base + Fresh Crunch – Cottage cheese pairs beautifully with raw vegetables
✔ Herbs Are Key – The salad should be herbaceous, not just cheesy
✔ Keep It Light – A small drizzle of oil is enough; don’t overload
✔ Mild vs. Tangy – For a tangier twist, mix in a spoonful of plain yogurt or kefir
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Keeps 2–3 days in an airtight container
✔ Best Fresh – For optimal texture, enjoy within a day
✔ Prep in Advance – You can prep cheese + herbs and mix with veggies right before serving
✔ Avoid Freezing – Dairy and fresh herbs won’t hold up well in the freezer
🍽 Serving
✔ Serve Cold or Room Temp – Refreshing and best not too chilled
✔ With Lavash or Bread – Scoop up with warm lavash or rustic bread
✔ Part of a Mezze Spread – Pairs beautifully with olives, pickled veggies, and grilled meats
✔ Great for Breakfast, Brunch, or Light Dinner – Nutritious, simple, and satisfying