Description
Cheese Fatayer are delightful Middle Eastern savory pastries filled with a luscious blend of mozzarella and tangy feta cheeses, enhanced by fresh parsley and a hint of black pepper. These irresistibly cheesy pastries feature a soft, tender dough that is easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack. Baked to golden perfection, they provide a warm, melty cheese experience wrapped in a fluffy, satisfying crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (whole wheat flour can be used for added nutrition)
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 cups olive oil
Cheese Filling Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 0.25 cups chopped parsley (or substitute with dill or basil)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, warm water, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir together until a soft dough begins to form, ensuring that ingredients are well incorporated.
- Knead the dough: Add olive oil to the dough mixture. On a floured surface, knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten needed for a tender texture.
- First rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, indicating that the yeast is active and the dough is ready.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even cheese filling.
- Shape and fill fatayer: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (commonly circles or triangles). Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each piece, then seal by pinching the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking.
- Second rise: Arrange the assembled fatayer on a greased baking sheet. Let them rise again for 30 minutes to develop a light texture and puffiness during baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the fatayer for 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed up, signaling they are perfectly cooked inside and out.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to increase the nutritional value, but the texture might be slightly denser.
- Ensure yeast is fresh for optimal dough rise.
- Adjust black pepper to taste or add other herbs like dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- For a crispier crust, brush the fatayer with a little olive oil before baking.
- Fatayer can be refrigerated after shaping and baked within 24 hours, or frozen for longer storage.
