Cheese 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/cheese-fatayer-recipe/
