Banitsa (Bulgarian: баница), also transliterated as banica and banitza, is a traditional pastry made in Bulgaria.

Banitsa is prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, plain yogurt, and pieces of white brined cheese between filo pastry and then baking it in an oven.

More recently, people have started writing happy wishes on small pieces of paper and wrapping them in tin foil.

Banitsa is served for breakfast with plain yogurt, ayran, or boza; it can be eaten hot or cold.

Some varieties include spinach—"спаначник" (spanachnik)—or a sweet version, with milk—"млечна баница" (mlechna banitsa)—or pumpkin—"тиквеник" (tikvenik).

At home, the sheets can be spread by continuously pulling the dough with one's fingers until it becomes less than a millimeter thin, or by using a rolling pin in several stages, with sunflower oil sprinkled between the partially spread leaves, or by a difficult technique consisting of waving movements of the entire sheet over the head, which resembles pizza-making techniques.

In a large greased baking dish, individual sheets are layered one by one with small amounts of filling and sunflower oil and/or melted butter between them.

In some recipes, just before the banitsa is finished, a glass of lemonade or sparkling water is poured into the tray, and the baking continues for several more minutes.

Alternatively, or in addition to the kasmeti, some add a coin or little pieces of paper wrapped in tinfoil, with written fortunes on them.

For example, a police officer can make a remark to someone about letting his or her passport "become like a banitsa" (станал е на баница); a teacher might say this about a pupil's notebook.