Cheese Fatayer are savory Middle Eastern pastries filled with a delicious cheese mixture, typically made from feta, mozzarella, or a combination of both. These pocket-shaped pastries are baked until golden brown, with a crispy exterior and a soft, melty cheese center. Often seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, they are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or just craving something cheesy, these pastries will satisfy your taste buds. The versatility of the filling makes them easy to customize, and they freeze well for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheese Fatayer is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite for several reasons:

1. Irresistible Cheese Filling: A combination of feta and mozzarella creates a creamy, tangy, and melty texture that’s hard to resist.

2. Soft, Flaky Dough: The dough is buttery and soft with just the right amount of flakiness to complement the cheese filling.

3. Quick and Easy: These pastries come together quickly and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal.

4. Versatile Filling: Customize the filling by adding herbs, spices, or even olives for added flavor.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep: Freeze them and reheat when needed for a fast and delicious snack or meal.

6. Fun to Make: Rolling out the dough and filling the fatayer is a fun, hands-on activity, perfect for family or friends.

7. Great for Any Occasion: These pastries are suitable for breakfast, brunch, parties, and gatherings.

8. Easy to Store: They stay fresh for a few days and can be reheated without losing their crunch.

9. Customizable: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or try different cheeses for a new twist.

10. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a dinner party or casual get-together, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the 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)

For the Cheese 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

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tablespoon water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Dough:

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.

4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.

5. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

1. Mix Cheese and Herbs: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, parsley, mint, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Assemble the Fatayer:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Divide Dough into Balls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 16 equal portions.

3. Roll Out Dough: Roll each portion into a small circle, about 4 inches in diameter.

4. Fill the Dough Circles: Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.

5. Shape the Fatayer: Fold the edges of the dough to form a triangle, pinching the corners to seal the filling inside.

6. Brush with Egg Wash: Place the fatayer on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.

Bake the Fatayer:

1. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

2. Cool Slightly: Let the fatayer cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

Enjoy these cheese-filled pastries as a snack or appetizer!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 fatayers

• Total Time: 2 hours

  • Preparation: 45 minutes

  • Cooking: 15 minutes

  • Resting: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the fatayer in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry or pizza dough for a quicker version of this recipe.

How long do these last?

The fatayer can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked fatayer. Bake them from frozen for about 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I make them without cheese?

Yes, you can fill them with vegetables, meats, or even olives for a different take on fatayer.

Can I bake them in advance?

Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving.

What kind of cheese works best?

Feta and mozzarella are traditional, but you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a unique flavor.

Can I add more herbs to the filling?

Absolutely! You can add herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill to the filling to suit your taste.

How do I know when the fatayer are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Can I make these in a larger size?

Yes, you can make the fatayer larger by rolling out bigger circles of dough. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I skip the egg wash?

Yes, but the egg wash helps the fatayer turn golden and gives them a beautiful shine.

Conclusion

Cheese Fatayer are the perfect balance of soft, flaky dough and savory, creamy cheese filling. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a snack, these pastries are sure to impress. With endless variations and easy preparation, they make a versatile, delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfy your cheese cravings with every bite!