Lebanese Cheese Boats, also known as Cheese Fatayer or Fatayer Jibni, are a beloved snack in Lebanese cuisine. These delightful pastries are shaped like small boats and filled with a delicious combination of melted mozzarella and Akkawi cheese, offering a perfect balance of flavors. The dough is soft, slightly crispy on the outside, and wonderfully chewy on the inside, making each bite irresistible.
What makes these cheese boats so special is their versatility. Whether served as a light lunch, a quick snack, or an appetizer at gatherings, they are always a hit. My kids absolutely love them and often ask for them as a treat. In fact, they are so popular in our household that I make them regularly its hard to resist the joy of seeing their faces light up when they get to enjoy these warm, cheesy delights.
why you should make Lebanese cheese boats
You should make Lebanese cheese boats because they offer the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and fun. First, these cheesy delights are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a light lunch, or an appetizer for a gathering, they’re guaranteed to satisfy everyone.
Moreover, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The boat-shaped dough adds a fun and unique touch, and it’s a great opportunity for kids to help in the kitchen. As a bonus, you can personalize the filling by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even vegetables, making the dish even more special.
Additionally, Lebanese cheese boats are always a crowd-pleaser. They introduce people to the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine while offering a warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, simple, and crowd-pleasing recipe, these cheese boats are the perfect choice!
Lebanese cheese boats ingredients
Dough
all-purpose flour, providing the base for a soft, chewy texture.
Warm milk activates the yeast, helping the dough rise and become light and soft.
Vegetable oil adds richness and keeps the dough soft.
Instant yeast ensures the dough rises quickly and evenly.
Sugar balances the flavors and supports the yeast activation.
Salt enhances the overall taste, bringing the dough to life.
cheese mix
shredded mozzarella gives a creamy and stretchy texture.
Shredded Akkawi cheese adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the filling.
How to make Lebanese cheese boats
Step 1: Make the dough
Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until combined, then let it sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. Once the mixture doubles in size, add the vegetable oil and most of the flour, leaving a little aside. Mix until it starts coming together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and slightly sticky. Add a little oil and rub it over the dough. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the filling
While the dough is resting, combine the mozzarella, Akkawi cheese, and parsley in a bowl. Mix them together until evenly distributed, ensuring the filling is well-flavored.
Step 3: Roll and shape the dough
After the dough has rested, sprinkle flour on a flat surface. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin until its about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use a cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each circle. Gently fold the sides of the dough around the filling, shaping them into a boat-like form.
Step 4: Bake the cheese boats
Next, place the shaped boats on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the dough starts to puff and turn golden. For a crispier, golden top, switch the oven to broil for an additional minute.
Step 5: Serve and Store
Once baked, remove the cheese boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. If serving immediately, enjoy them warm! To store, place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before freezing. For the best flavor and texture, serve them fresh and warm.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can! If you want to save time, prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Can I freeze the cheese boats?
Absolutely! After baking, let the cheese boats cool completely. Then, place them on a cooling rack and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment! While mozzarella and Akkawi are traditional, you can use other cheeses like feta, ricotta, or even a blend of your favorites for a unique twist.
4. How do I reheat leftover cheese boats?
To reheat leftover cheese boats, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their crispness and warmth. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but they might not be as crispy.
5. Can I make the dough without yeast?
While yeast is key for the dough rise and texture, you could try using baking powder as a substitute. However, the texture and flavor will be different, so it’s best to stick with yeast for the traditional result.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use Warm Milk for a Softer Dough:
For a rich and soft texture, use warm milk instead of water. It helps create a smoother, fluffier dough.
2. Knead the Dough Thoroughly:
Knead for 5 minutes to ensure the dough becomes soft and smooth. If its sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it.
3. Rest the Dough for Better Texture:
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape.
4. Don’t Overfill the Boats:
Use just a generous spoonful of cheese. Overfilling makes sealing difficult and can cause the cheese to spill out.
5. Brush with Oil for a Crispier Finish:
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil before baking. This gives the boats a golden, crispy finish.
6. Bake at High Temperature for Softness:
Bake at 500°F (260°C) for a soft texture. If you prefer crispier boats, reduce the temperature to 450°F (230°C).
7. Use a Cooling Rack for Crispiness:
Place the cheese boats on a cooling rack after baking. This prevents sogginess and keeps them crisp.
8. Freeze for Later Enjoyment:
Freeze unbaked cheese boats on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a container. Bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time.
9. Customize the Filling:
Feel free to add herbs, spices, or vegetables to the filling. Try ingredients like olives, spinach, or even garlic for a unique twist.
10. Try Different Cheeses:
Experiment with different cheeses to change the flavor. You can use feta, ricotta, or a mix of your favorites for a custom filling.
More cheese appetizer recipes
Link for the rolling cutter
Lebanese cheese boats/ cheese fatayer
Ingredients
Dough:
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups warm milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Cheese filling:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 cups shredded Akkawi cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step one: Make the dough
- Begin by mixing 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and warm milk until smooth and well-combined. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- After 10 minutes, the mixture should have doubled in size. Next, add the vegetable oil and the remaining flour. If it’s your first time making this dough, add the last half cup of flour slowly, as you may need slightly more or less depending on the dough’s consistency.
- Mix with a spoon until the dough starts to come together. Then, knead it by hand until smooth. Add a little oil and rub it all over the dough. The dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly sticky. After adding the oil, it should no longer stick to your hands.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the cheese filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, Akkawi cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape
- Sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll the dough out using a rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into circles, then add a generous amount of cheese filling to the center of each circle.
- Gently fold the edges of the dough over the cheese to form a boat shape, pinching the sides together to seal.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the shaped cheese boats on a baking tray.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for about 5 minutes.
- For a golden color, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until they turn golden brown.
Best dough ever I highly recommend to try it. The step are very easy.❤️
Thank you for your feedback ❤️