Cheese Fatayer is a delightful pastry that fills the air with an irresistible aroma, making it tough to resist. Picture a golden, flaky crust cradling melted cheese, sprinkled with aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Breakfast finger foods
Let me take you back to my childhood when my grandmother would whip up these cheesy delights during family gatherings. The anticipation would build as we waited for the first batch to come out of the oven, and the moment they did, we’d pounce like hungry little hawks on those savory treasures. Cheesy chicken recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cheese Fatayer is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor
- The warm golden crust and gooey cheese create an irresistible combination
- Visually appealing and perfect for any occasion, these pastries can be served as appetizers or snacks
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite fillings, they’ll become a family favorite in no time
I still remember the first time I made Cheese Fatayer for my friends; their wide-eyed expressions and joyful munching were priceless. For more inspiration, check out this smoked mac and cheese recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Puff Pastry: Use store-bought for convenience; it puffs beautifully and saves time on preparation.
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Feta Cheese: Opt for creamy feta; it brings a tangy flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly. Cream cheese dessert recipes.
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Shredded Mozzarella: This adds wonderful stretchiness and keeps the filling gooey.
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Fresh Parsley: Chop finely for a burst of freshness and color in each bite.
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Egg Yolk: Brush on top before baking for a shiny, golden finish.
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Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these simple spices enhance all the rich flavors.
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Water: Just a splash helps bind the filling ingredients together without making it too wet.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparation of Pastry Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until thin, ensuring it’s even throughout.
Mixing the Filling: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully blended for an even distribution of flavors.
Shaping the Fatayer: Cut circles from the rolled-out pastry using a large cookie cutter or bowl. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle for maximum cheesy goodness.
Sealing the Edges: Moisten the edges of each circle with water. Fold over to create half-moons and pinch tightly to seal in all that cheesy goodness.
Baking Time!: Place your fatayer on a lined baking sheet. Brush each one with egg yolk for that beautiful golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
Cooling & Serving Suggestions: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving; this allows the cheese to set slightly but stays wonderfully melty inside. Greek-inspired side dishes Enjoy warm with some fresh salad or even alone as delightful snacks!
You Must Know
- Cheese Fatayer are savory pastries that fill the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
- Perfect for parties or lazy weekends, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors
- These little pockets of joy are sure to impress both family and friends, making every bite an experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough and letting it rest while you make the cheese filling. This ensures a perfectly soft texture for your Cheese Fatayer.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different cheeses like feta or mozzarella to create your ideal flavor profile. Adding herbs or spices will elevate your Cheese Fatayer even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cheese Fatayer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing Cheese Fatayer, ensure your dough is well-kneaded for optimal elasticity
- Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking
- For extra richness, brush with melted butter before serving
I remember the first time I made Cheese Fatayer; my friends were skeptical about these ‘mysterious’ pastries. One bite later, they were fighting over the last piece!
FAQ
What type of cheese is best for Cheese Fatayer?
Feta cheese offers a tangy flavor, while mozzarella provides a gooey texture.
Can I freeze Cheese Fatayer?
Yes! Freeze them raw and bake directly from frozen when you’re ready.
How can I make my dough softer?
Incorporate yogurt into your dough for an extra soft and tender texture.
Cheese Fatayer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cheese Fatayer are delectable Arabic pastries filled with creamy cheese and herbs, encased in a flaky golden crust. These mouthwatering delights not only evoke nostalgia from family gatherings but also make for perfect appetizers or snacks at any occasion. With their gooey filling and inviting aroma, Cheese Fatayer are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (for sealing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until thin and even.
- In a bowl, mix crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cut circles from the pastry using a cookie cutter. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in each circle.
- Moisten edges with water, fold over to form half-moons, and pinch to seal.
- Arrange on a lined baking sheet; brush with egg yolk for shine.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Arabic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 325mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
