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Cheese Fatayer Recipe

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4.8 from 80 reviews

Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of mozzarella and feta cheese, combined with herbs and spices. Wrapped in a soft, slightly chewy dough and baked to golden perfection, these cheese-filled pies make a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Ingredients

Cheese Filling

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon nigella seeds

Dough

  • 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, additional as needed
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

For Assembly

  • Milk or heavy cream, for brushing

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, lukewarm water, sugar, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Use a hook attachment on a stand mixer, wooden spoon, or rubber spatula to bring the dough together. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add more flour if needed. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, mix together the shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, beaten egg, onion powder, dried mint, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and nigella seeds in a bowl. Set aside for assembly.
  3. Shape and Fill the Fatayer: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a tight ball, then stretch and elongate each ball into an oval or football shape. Place a generous spoonful of the cheese filling into the center of each oval. Fold the left and right sides over the filling, pinching the top and bottom edges to seal and form a boat-like shape. Place each prepared fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the edges of each fatayer with milk or heavy cream to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  5. Cool and Serve: Remove the fatayer from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy these flavorful cheese pastries fresh out of the oven.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Aleppo pepper.
  • The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable; add flour gradually if too wet.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the cheeses and herbs.
  • Fatayers are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for crispness.
  • If you prefer, substitute nigella seeds with sesame seeds or omit them.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/cheese-fatayer-recipe/