Cheese Fatayer are soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious pastries that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a casual brunch, or simply stocking up your freezer for a quick snack later, these savory pastries are sure to impress.
Not only are they light and airy, but the combination of melted mozzarella, Akkawi, and ricotta cheese creates a rich, creamy filling that perfectly complements the soft dough. Plus, with a simple dough recipe that comes together effortlessly, you can prepare these ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever needed. Serve them warm straight from the oven, or let them cool and store them for later either way, they’ll be a crowd favorite every time!
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cheese fatayer Ingredients
Cheese Fatayer Dough:
All-purpose flour provides the structure, giving the dough its perfect texture. It holds everything together and ensures a light, airy bite.
Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough. This helps create a soft and tender consistency.
Vegetable oil keeps the dough soft and prevents it from drying out. It also adds a slight richness to the flavor.
Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly, making the fatayer fluffy and light. It speeds up the process, so you don’t have to wait too long.
Sugar feeds the yeast and enhances the dough tenderness. It also adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory filling.
salt strengthens the dough and enhances the overall flavor. Even a small amount makes a big difference.
Cheese Filling:
Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey and stretchy texture. It adds a mild, creamy taste that pairs well with the dough.
Akkawi cheese brings a slightly salty and rich flavor. Soaking it before use can help reduce its saltiness if desired.
Ricotta cheese makes the filling smoother and more indulgent. Though optional, it adds a luxurious texture.
Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and a subtle herbal flavor. It brightens up the filling and makes the fatayer even more delicious.
How to make cheese fatayer
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. Mix ingredients: Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and warm milk. Stir until smooth.
2.Activate yeast: Cover and let sit for 10 minutes until the mixture doubles in size.
3. Add oil and flour: Pour in the oil and gradually add flour, adjusting as needed for consistency.
4. Knead the dough: Mix until combined, then knead until smooth and slightly sticky.
5. Coat with oil and rest: Rub oil on the dough, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
1. Combine the cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix mozzarella, Akkawi, and ricotta cheese until well combined.
2. Add parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
1.Divide the dough: Roll dough into balls and place on a tray, leaving space between them.
2. Cover and let rest: Cover the tray and let the dough balls rest for 30 minutes until they double in size.
3. Create space for the filling: Press the center of each dough ball with an oiled cup. Use fingers for a flatter shape.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
1. Fill the center: Spoon the cheese mixture into each indentation.
2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
3. Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the fatayer are golden brown.
4. Cool slightly and serve: Remove from the oven and brush with oil, serve warm
Step 5: Store for Later (Optional)
1. Cool completely: Place the fatayer on a cooling rack and let them cool completely.
2. Freeze for later: Store cooled fatayer in a ziplock bag and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Yes, you can substitute Akkawi cheese with other mild, salty cheeses like feta or white cheddar. Mozzarella is key for its melting properties, but you can experiment with other cheeses as well.
2. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Once it’s kneaded, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
3. How can I make the fatayer crust even fluffier? Ensure that your dough has enough moisture and isn’t overworked. If the dough feels dry, add a little more oil or warm milk. Let the dough rise properly to get that light texture.
4. Can I freeze Cheese Fatayer? Yes, Cheese Fatayer freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. How long should I bake them? Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.
Tips And Tricks
1. Use Warm Milk: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, when mixing with the yeast. This helps activate the yeast properly for a good rise.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until it becomes smooth and soft. Overworking it can make the fatayer dense instead of fluffy.
3. Adjust Flour as Needed: The amount of flour can vary based on the humidity or brand. Add the flour gradually, and stop when the dough is soft and slightly sticky, but no longer sticks to your hands.
4. Let the Dough Rest:Allow the dough to rest after kneading, as this helps it become softer and easier to shape. Make sure it rises fully during the resting time.
5. Don’t Skip the Oiled Cup Trick: When pressing down the dough balls to form an indentation, oil the bottom of the cup to prevent it from sticking. This ensures clean, neat fatayer shapes.
6.. Bake in a Hot Oven:Bake at a high temperature (500°F/260°C) for a short amount of time (5 to 7 minutes) to get that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and cheesy.
7. Freeze for Convenience:Make a large batch and freeze the fatayer after baking. They stay fresh and are easy to reheat for a quick snack or meal later on.
8. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to try different cheeses, such as feta, cheddar, or a mix of herbs. You can also add olives, spinach, or even a touch of garlic to customize the flavor.
9. Serve Immediately for Best Flavor:For the best taste, serve the fatayer warm. The cheese filling will be melty and delicious right out of the oven.
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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:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded Akkawi cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix 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. Add the vegetable oil and the remaining flour. If it’s your first time making this dough, add the last half cup of flour gradually, 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 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, ricotta cheese (if using), and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
- Take small pieces of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on a tray. Repeat until all the dough is used, ensuring there is space between each ball and that they are all the same size.
- Cover and let the dough balls rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, the dough balls should have doubled in size. Use a small round cup to press into the center of each ball to create a small indentation. If you prefer a flatter and wider shape, use your fingers to press further after using the cup. Brush the bottom of the cup with oil to prevent sticking.
- Fill the center of each dough piece with the cheese mixture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 500°F for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven brush with oil and enjoy while warm, or place them on a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in a ziplock bag and freeze if desired.