Description
Cheese Fatayer is a traditional Middle Eastern stuffed bread featuring a flavorful blend of mozzarella and feta cheeses mixed with herbs and spices. These savory pastries are made with a soft yeast dough, filled generously with the cheese mixture, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter, Cheese Fatayer offers a delicious combination of creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors wrapped in a pillowy, slightly crispy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (plus more 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 Brushing
- Milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the lukewarm water, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Mix together until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, beaten egg, onion powder, dried mint, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and nigella seeds. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the spices and herbs throughout the cheese.
- Shape the Fatayer: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle, about 5 inches in diameter, on a lightly floured surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle or boat shape, pinching the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Final Rise: Place the shaped fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to rise slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the fatayer with milk or heavy cream to give them a nice golden color during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the fatayer from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a savory treat or part of a Middle Eastern mezze.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with any mild melting cheese if unavailable.
- For a spicier version, increase the Aleppo pepper or add chili flakes.
- Make sure the dough is well kneaded to get a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint if possible for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
