Cheese Fatayer is a delightful Middle Eastern pastry filled with a savory, creamy cheese mixture and baked to a beautiful golden brown. With a light, flaky crust and a rich, flavorful filling of feta and mozzarella cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon zest, these fatayer are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a Mediterranean meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheese Fatayer are packed with flavor and have the perfect balance of crispy, flaky dough with a creamy, savory cheese filling. The dough rises beautifully, becoming light and airy, while the filling stays rich and satisfying. The fresh parsley, mint, and lemon zest add a vibrant, herby freshness to the filling, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family meal, or just a cozy snack, these pastries will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon instant yeast
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1 teaspoon sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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¾ cup warm water (more if needed)
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1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 egg, beaten
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1 tablespoon water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
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Add the olive oil and warm water, and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Add more water if needed to bring everything together.
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Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, chopped mint, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Form the Fatayer:
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Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls (about 12).
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On a lightly floured surface, flatten each ball into a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
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Spoon a generous amount of cheese filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling should be contained within the dough.
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Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a triangle shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
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Egg Wash:
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In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the egg wash over each fatayer to give them a golden, glossy finish.
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Bake the Fatayer:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Let the fatayer cool for a few minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 fatayer
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Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
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Add Spices: If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of cumin or paprika to the cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.
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Use Different Cheeses: You can substitute feta with goat cheese or add a bit of ricotta to make the filling even creamier.
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Make Them Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use dairy-free cheeses and an egg replacement for the egg wash, like a flaxseed mixture or non-dairy milk.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover fatayer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the fatayer in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use all mozzarella cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can use all mozzarella cheese, but the feta adds a nice salty and tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella well. You might want to add a little salt to make up for the missing feta flavor.
2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Let it rise, then store it in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and filling.
3. Can I freeze these fatayer?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked fatayer. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. How can I make these fatayer smaller?
You can divide the dough into smaller balls and make the fatayer about 2-3 inches in diameter for mini-sized pastries. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for golden brown color.
5. Can I use store-bought dough instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry as a shortcut, but the homemade dough gives the fatayer a wonderful texture and flavor.
6. Can I make these fatayer ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the fatayer ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. Bake them just before serving for a fresh, warm treat.
7. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted peppers to the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.
8. What’s the best way to serve these?
These fatayer are great served with a side of hummus, tahini, or yogurt-based dipping sauce. They also pair well with a fresh salad or tabbouleh.
9. How can I adjust the seasoning in the filling?
Taste the cheese mixture before filling the dough and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to match your preferences.
10. How do I know when the fatayer are done baking?
The fatayer should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also check by tapping the bottom—if it sounds hollow, they’re done!
Conclusion
These Cheese Fatayer are the perfect combination of crispy, flaky dough and creamy, flavorful cheese filling. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch, they’re a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy.
Print
Irresistible Cheese Fatayer Recipe with Golden Flaky Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fatayer
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheese Fatayer are a delicious Middle Eastern pastry with a golden, flaky crust filled with a savory cheese mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these fatayer are made with a blend of feta, mozzarella, and fresh herbs, baked to crispy perfection. A must-try for cheese lovers and anyone craving savory pastries!
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
Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add olive oil and warm water, then knead until the dough is smooth. Let it rise for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, mint, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Form the Fatayer:
Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls.
Flatten each ball into a circle.
Spoon the cheese filling into the center of each dough circle and fold the edges to form a triangle.
Bake the Fatayer:
Brush the fatayer with the egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water).
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Let the dough rest for the best texture and ease when working with it.
Adjust the amount of salt in the filling based on the saltiness of the feta cheese used.
For the best taste, serve these fatayer warm right out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
