If you are craving a delightful and authentic Middle Eastern treat, look no further than the Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe. This warm, savory pastry boasts a perfect blend of gooey mozzarella and tangy feta cheeses, seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, all wrapped in a soft yet slightly crispy dough. It’s the kind of dish that bridges comfort food and exotic flavors, making it a beloved snack or appetizer at any gathering. Once you try it, this Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite to make and share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role to bring together the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. You’ll be amazed how simple pantry staples and fresh touches combine into something truly special.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides stretchiness and a mild, melty base for the filling.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds saltiness and rich tanginess to create a flavorful contrast.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped: Freshens the filling with bright herbal notes.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Binds the filling ingredients together for a smooth texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried mint: Brings a cooling hint that elevates the traditional Middle Eastern flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper: Offers gentle heat and a fruity aroma, quintessential to this dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances overall savoriness with a soft garlic touch.
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds: Sprinkled in the dough, they add a unique onion-like flavor.
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed): Forms the soft dough that crisps just right on the outside.
- 1/2 tablespoon salt: Essential for balancing all flavors and encouraging gluten development.
- 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast: Ensures a light, airy dough with just the right rise.
- 1 cup lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for perfect dough consistency.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar: Slightly sweetens to feed the yeast for gentle proofing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt: Gives a slight tang and moisture for a soft texture.
- Milk or heavy cream (for brushing): Brushed on top to create a golden, appetizing crust.
How to Make Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the lukewarm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and nigella seeds. Pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil and yogurt. Mix everything until it forms a dough, then knead on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare your cheese filling by combining shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, parsley, beaten egg, and all the spices: onion powder, dried mint, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly so the flavors meld and the egg helps hold the filling together. This filling is what makes the Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe so irresistibly flavorful!
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Fatayer
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air and divide it into about 12 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a circle around 5 inches in diameter. Place a heaping tablespoon of cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold and pinch the edges to form a triangular shape, ensuring the filling stays enclosed. This traditional shape not only looks gorgeous but also helps keep all that cheesy goodness inside as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the shaped fatayers onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with milk or heavy cream to encourage a golden crust as they bake. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the fatayers are puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The aroma wafting from the oven at this point will be enough to make you eager to dive right in!
How to Serve Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform even a great dish into a memorable experience. Sprinkle your Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe with fresh parsley or za’atar for an herbal lift. A side of sumac or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds brightness and a touch of Middle Eastern authenticity.
Side Dishes
These cheesy breads pair beautifully with a vibrant Middle Eastern salad like tabbouleh or fattoush to balance out the richness. Serving them alongside creamy hummus, baba ganoush, or a cool cucumber yogurt sauce offers a variety of flavors and textures that complement the warm, savory fatayers perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe in a circular platter with colorful dips in the center for a festive display. You can also stuff the filling into mini pita breads or serve alongside pickled vegetables for a delightful mezze platter that invites sharing and tasting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make an excellent snack or quick breakfast; just bring them back to room temperature or reheat gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap each fatayer individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To enjoy your Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe as fresh as possible, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture since it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella and feta?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and feta are traditional and give a great balance of melty and tangy, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, halloumi, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of saltiness and moisture content.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may differ slightly since gluten helps provide elasticity to the dough. Adding a binder like xanthan gum can help improve the dough’s structure.
Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before shaping, and your fatayers will be just as delicious.
What if I don’t have Aleppo pepper?
If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, you can substitute with a mild chili powder or paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne to mimic the gentle heat and fruity flavor. It’s a great way to stay close to the original taste.
How do I make sure my Cheese Fatayer doesn’t leak during baking?
The key is to pinch the edges together tightly and avoid overfilling. Using the beaten egg in the filling helps bind the cheese, so it stays nicely enclosed. Also, don’t roll the dough too thin, or the filling might escape while baking.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and results in a delicious treat that everyone will love. It’s simple enough for a weekend baking project yet impressive enough to serve guests. I encourage you to give it a try, embrace the process, and savor each cheesy, flavorful bite of this Middle Eastern classic!
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Cheese Fatayer (Middle Eastern Cheese Bread) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cheese Fatayer is a traditional Middle Eastern stuffed bread featuring a flavorful blend of mozzarella and feta cheeses mixed with herbs and spices. These savory pastries are made with a soft yeast dough, filled generously with the cheese mixture, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a mezze platter, Cheese Fatayer offers a delicious combination of creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors wrapped in a pillowy, slightly crispy crust.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds
Dough
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
For Brushing
- Milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the lukewarm water, olive oil, and plain yogurt. Mix together until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, beaten egg, onion powder, dried mint, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and nigella seeds. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the spices and herbs throughout the cheese.
- Shape the Fatayer: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small circle, about 5 inches in diameter, on a lightly floured surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle or boat shape, pinching the edges firmly to seal the filling inside. Make sure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Final Rise: Place the shaped fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rest for an additional 20-30 minutes to rise slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the fatayer with milk or heavy cream to give them a nice golden color during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the fatayer from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a savory treat or part of a Middle Eastern mezze.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with any mild melting cheese if unavailable.
- For a spicier version, increase the Aleppo pepper or add chili flakes.
- Make sure the dough is well kneaded to get a soft, fluffy texture.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint if possible for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
