Description
Cheese Fatayer is a delightful Middle Eastern savory pastry filled with a flavorful blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses, herbs, and spices, encased in a soft, fluffy dough baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these hand pies deliver a delicious combination of tangy and creamy cheese filling with a tender, slightly chewy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and black pepper, mixing well to create the filling.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Dough and Fill: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a small oval or circle. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each dough piece, then fold inward to form a boat shape with an open center.
- Egg Wash and Toppings: Arrange the fatayer on the baking sheet. Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overfill the pastries to prevent cheese leaking during baking.
- You can substitute other cheeses like akkawi or ricotta for variation.
- Allow the dough to rise fully to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
