Cheese Fatayer Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Fatayer is a delightful Middle Eastern pastry filled with a savory blend of cheeses and fresh herbs. These golden, triangular pies are perfect as a snack or appetizer, offering a satisfying combination of crispy dough and flavorful filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup warm water (more if needed)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients, then knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, chopped mint, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into small balls, then flatten each ball into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
5. Step 5: Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges up and pinch them together to form a triangle shape, sealing the filling inside.
6. Step 6: Mix the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this over each fatayer to help them brown during baking.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the fatayer for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try adding chopped spinach or sautéed onions to the cheese filling.
• Replace mozzarella with other cheeses like ricotta or halloumi for varied textures.
• If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth and pliable.

Storage

Store leftover cheese fatayer 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 restore crispiness before serving. These also freeze well; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you’ll need to activate regular yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and feel soft and slightly puffy when gently pressed with a finger.

Cheese Fatayer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 82 reviews

Cheese Fatayer is a delightful Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of feta and mozzarella cheeses, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon zest. This recipe yields golden, crispy triangular pastries that are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal. The dough is soft and tender, complemented by the rich, tangy cheese filling, baked to perfection.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 fatayers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup warm water (more if needed)

Filling

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Toss together until evenly mixed to ensure proper dough consistency.
2. Prepare the dough: Add olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Knead the mixture until a smooth and elastic dough forms, adding a little more water if the dough feels too dry. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
3. Make the cheese filling: In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, chopped mint, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be well combined to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small equal-sized balls. Flatten each ball into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
5. Fill the dough: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough edges over the filling to form a triangular shape, pinching the edges firmly to seal and prevent any filling from leaking out.
6. Apply egg wash: Mix the beaten egg with a tablespoon of water and brush this egg wash over the tops of each fatayer to give a beautiful golden and glossy finish after baking.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a softer dough, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
• If you prefer spicier filling, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sumac to the cheese mixture.
• Ensure the dough circles are not too thin to avoid tearing when folding.
• Serve warm with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Leftover fatayers can be stored in an airtight container and warmed up in the oven before serving.

Keywords: Cheese Fatayer, Middle Eastern Pastry, Feta Cheese Recipe, Savory Pastry, Baked Pastry, Vegetarian Snack, Cheese Filled Triangles