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Cheese Fatayer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 126 reviews

Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a blend of mozzarella, feta, parsley, and mint. This recipe yields soft, fluffy dough pockets baked to golden perfection, making a perfect appetizer or snack. The combination of cheeses and fresh herbs creates a flavorful filling complemented by a light sesame seed topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 3 cups All purpose flour (420 grams)
  • 2 ¼ tsp Instant yeast (7 grams)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (12.5 grams)
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt (5 grams)
  • ½ cup Water, warmed (120 grams)
  • ½ cup Milk, warmed (120 grams)
  • ¼ cup Olive oil (53 grams)

Filling

  • 1 ½ cups Mozzarella, shredded (340 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups Feta, crumbled (340 grams)
  • ¼ cup Parsley, fresh, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Mint, fresh, finely chopped

Topping

  • 1 Egg, beaten
  • 1–2 tbsp Sesame seeds (black and/or white, untoasted)

Instructions

  1. Mix: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water, warm milk, and olive oil. Using the dough hook, mix until a ball of dough forms, about 5-7 minutes. Add more flour one tablespoon at a time if the dough sticks to the sides.
  2. Rise: Lightly rub the dough ball with oil on all sides, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
  3. Prepare Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, mix together the shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, finely chopped parsley, and mint in a bowl.
  4. Divide and Shape: After rising, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces for standard size or 18 for mini fatayers. Shape each piece into a tight ball and let them rest covered for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
  5. Flatten: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Roll each dough ball into a ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick circle. Place the rolled dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the sticky side facing up for easier sealing.
  6. Fill and Shape: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Pinch opposite edges together to form a diamond or boat shape, creating a pocket and ensuring the sides are well sealed.
  7. Egg Wash and Sprinkle: Brush the edges of each shaped fatayer with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese filling melts. Monitor closely to avoid burning. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For evenly sized fatayers, use a kitchen scale when dividing the dough.
  • If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually during mixing or shaping.
  • Flipping the dough circles upside down (sticky side up) before sealing helps with easier pinching.
  • Adjust baking time and temperature based on your oven’s characteristics.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and mint can be adjusted to taste or substituted with other herbs.

Keywords: cheese fatayer, Middle Eastern pastry, savory pastry, baked cheese pockets, feta cheese recipe, mozzarella cheese pastry, easy appetizer, baked Middle Eastern snacks

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