Cheese fatayer
Cheese Fatayer are delicious, savory pastries filled with a creamy mixture of mozzarella, Akkawi, and ricotta cheeses. The dough is soft and fluffy, making each bite light and satisfying. These pastries are perfect for gatherings, quick snacks, or even freezing for later use. Their combination of flavors and textures makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite, ideal for any occasion.
Servings 40 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.
Notes
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. Use Room Temperature Ingredients for the Filling: For a smoother, more evenly combined cheese filling, make sure your cheeses are at room temperature before mixing.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.