If you have a craving for something warm, cheesy, and utterly comforting, then this Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful triangular pastries are packed with a luscious blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses, enveloped in a soft, fluffy dough that bakes to golden perfection. Originally a beloved Middle Eastern snack, cheese fatayer brings a wonderful balance of tangy, salty cheese and herby freshness wrapped in an inviting homemade bread crust. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or packed for lunch, these flavorful pockets promise to become a fast favorite on your appetizer or snack rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward and essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build that perfect tender dough and rich, delicious filling. You’ll find the ingredients are pantry staples, yet together they create a magic that’s hard to beat.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and balance flavors subtly.
- Salt: Highlights the flavors in both dough and filling, never to be skipped.
- Instant yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully and become airy.
- Warm milk: Adds softness and richness to the dough while activating the yeast.
- Plain yogurt: Contributes a tender crumb and slight tang for depth.
- Olive oil: Brings moisture and a subtle fruity aroma to the dough.
- Crumbled feta cheese: The starring tangy, salty filling element full of character.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy meltiness and balances the feta’s sharpness.
- Chopped fresh parsley or mint: Infuses herbal freshness that wakes up every bite.
- Egg white (optional): Acts as a binder to keep the filling nicely together inside the pastry.
- Egg yolk mixed with milk: For brushing, creating a gorgeous golden shine.
- Sesame or nigella seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for added texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast—in a large bowl. Then add the warm milk, plain yogurt, and olive oil. Stir everything gently until it comes together into a soft dough. Knead by hand for about 8–10 minutes, or if you have a stand mixer, 5 minutes on medium speed until the dough feels smooth and elastic to the touch. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise is crucial for creating that pillowy texture that’s so addictive.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
While the dough is rising, mix your cheese filling. Combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, and your choice of fresh parsley or mint in a bowl. If you want your filling a little more cohesive and less crumbly, stir in an egg white. This simple yet flavorful blend will be the heart of each fatayer, bursting with creamy, savory goodness.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Fatayer
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each ball into a circle roughly 4 to 5 inches wide. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the cheese filling onto the center of each circle. Then fold the dough into a triangle shape by bringing three corners over the filling, firmly pinching the edges to seal so the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking. This shaping step is where your fatayer start looking just like those you’d find in a Middle Eastern bakery.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the shaped fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the egg yolk and milk wash to get that irresistible glossy finish. If you like a bit of crunch and a nutty note, sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top. Then pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep an eye on them; once they’re beautifully golden brown, they’re ready to come out and fill your kitchen with that wonderful aroma!
How to Serve Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few leaves of mint brighten these fatayer at serving time. For a little extra tang, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top right before digging in. These simple touches elevate the fresh flavors beautifully, making each bite a joy.
Side Dishes
Cheese Fatayer pairs wonderfully with traditional Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh, fattoush salad, or a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad. You can also serve them alongside warm hummus or baba ganoush for a mezze platter that will impress all your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these fatayer as part of a breakfast or brunch spread with a variety of dips, olives, and fresh veggies. You can also skewer them with cherry tomatoes and herbs for a playful appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. Their handheld size makes them great for picnics or packed lunches as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cheese fatayer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps keep the crust soft while maintaining the cheesy filling’s deliciousness.
Freezing
Cheese Fatayer freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring your cheese fatayer back to life, heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough chewy instead of nicely crusty.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the filling?
Absolutely! Akkawi or halloumi cheeses are fantastic substitutes if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Mixing cheeses keeps things interesting and can tailor the fatayer to your taste.
Is the dough suitable for making other pastries?
Yes, this soft and elastic dough works well for a variety of Middle Eastern pastries and savory pies. It’s versatile enough to adapt to fillings like spinach, meat, or even sweet cheeses.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While the traditional recipe isn’t vegan due to cheese and egg wash, you can substitute with plant-based cheese and use a simple olive oil and water mixture for the wash. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ but can still be delicious.
How do I know when my fatayer are done baking?
Look for a deep golden brown color on the crust and a slightly firm texture when touched. The smell of toasted bread and melted cheese wafting from the oven is always a great indicator too!
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and rise again before shaping and filling to maintain that perfect fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe is like inviting a little slice of Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality into your kitchen. Simple ingredients come together to create something magically delicious and comforting that you’ll want to share with loved ones again and again. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy homemade cheesy goodness that’s sure to brighten any day.
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Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 fatayer 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Fatayer is a delicious Middle Eastern savory pastry featuring a soft, elastic dough filled with a flavorful blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses mixed with fresh herbs. Baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with sesame or nigella seeds, these hand pies make a perfect appetizer or snack for mezze platters or lunchboxes.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
- 1 egg white (optional, for binding)
For Brushing:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Add warm milk, plain yogurt, and olive oil, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for 8 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the cheese filling: While the dough is rising, combine the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley (or mint) in a bowl. If desired, add the egg white to help bind the filling and mix thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the fatayer: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal balls. Roll each ball into a 4 to 5 inch wide circle on a lightly floured surface. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal: Fold the edges of each dough circle over the filling to form a triangle shape, pinching the edges tightly to ensure the filling does not spill out during baking.
- Apply egg wash and add seeds: Place the shaped fatayer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg yolk and milk mixture to create a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the fatayer in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the fatayer from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a variation, substitute the feta and mozzarella filling with akkawi or halloumi cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese fatayer are excellent served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for mezze platters, snacks, or lunchboxes.
