Cheese Fatayer Recipe
Introduction
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern pastry filled with a savory cheese mixture. It’s perfect as a snack or appetizer and pairs wonderfully with tea or fresh salads.
Ingredients
- Dough (enough for 8-10 fatayers)
- Cheese (such as feta or akkawi), 1 cup, crumbled
- Egg, 1 (for brushing)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the dough into small circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Step 2: Place a spoonful of the crumbled cheese in the center of each dough circle.
- Step 3: Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangular shape, pinching the edges tightly to seal.
- Step 4: Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the fatayers are golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and feta for a creamier filling.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint to the cheese for extra flavor.
- Brush with olive oil instead of egg for a vegan option.
Storage
Store leftover fatayers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispness. They can also be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made dough for Cheese Fatayer?
Yes, pre-made puff pastry or pizza dough works well if you’re short on time. Just adjust baking time as needed.
What types of cheese are best for fatayer?
Traditional fatayer usually use salty white cheeses like feta or akkawi, but you can also experiment with mozzarella, ricotta, or a blend for different textures and flavors.
PrintCheese Fatayer Recipe
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese and egg, baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a delightful blend of crispy dough and creamy cheese filling, perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 fatayer pastries 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
Filling
- 1 cup crumbled cheese (such as feta or akkawi)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix crumbled cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend well to ensure the cheese and egg form a creamy filling.
- Assemble the Fatayer: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (about 12). Roll each portion into a small circle of approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangular shape, pinching the edges to seal well.
- Bake the Fatayer: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little olive oil or beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Cheese Fatayer is best enjoyed warm as a snack, appetizer, or part of a mezze platter.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheese blend with your favorite soft cheese like ricotta or a mix of mozzarella and feta for a milder taste.
- Ensure the dough is well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Add herbs like thyme or oregano to the filling for extra flavor.
- For a vegan variation, use plant-based cheese and an egg substitute such as flax eggs or omit egg completely.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, olives, or a side of yogurt dip.
Keywords: Cheese Fatayer, Middle Eastern pastry, savory pastry, baked cheese pastry, appetizer, vegetarian snack
