If you love warm, cheesy pastries with a golden, flaky crust, Cheese Fatayer will become your new favorite treat. These Lebanese cheese pies are little pockets of joy—soft, pillowy dough filled with a creamy, savory cheese mixture, then baked to perfection.
Fatayer are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or part of a mezze spread. While they come with different fillings—like spinach, meat, or za’atar—the cheese version is a must-try. Trust me, once you bite into that melty, slightly tangy cheese filling wrapped in a perfectly golden crust, you’ll understand why these are so popular.
Why You’ll Love Cheese Fatayer
These pastries aren’t just delicious—they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat! Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a brunch spread, or just to satisfy your cheesy cravings, Cheese Fatayer are always a hit.
Is this Cheese Fatayer for you? Let’s see. Cheese Fatayer are…
- Golden and crispy on the outside – A perfect balance of soft and flaky.
- Creamy and cheesy on the inside – The filling melts beautifully with a slight tang.
- A perfect make-ahead snack – You can prep the dough and filling in advance.
- Customizable – Add herbs, spices, or different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Easy to bake at home – No fancy equipment needed, just a love for good food!
Ingredients in Cheese Fatayer
The Dough
A soft, slightly chewy dough made with flour, yeast, olive oil, and warm water—simple but essential for the perfect texture.
The Cheese Filling
A mix of feta, mozzarella, or akkawi cheese gives a balance of tangy, salty, and melty goodness. Some variations include a touch of nigella seeds or dried mint for extra flavor.
Egg Wash
Brushing the fatayer with a whisked egg before baking creates that signature golden-brown crust.
How to Make Cheese Fatayer
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, olive oil, warm water, and salt. Knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic, then let it rise for about an hour until doubled in size.
Make the Cheese Filling
While the dough rises, mix crumbled feta, shredded mozzarella, and a touch of nigella seeds or dried mint in a bowl. Adjust the cheese mix based on how salty or melty you like it.
Shape the Fatayer
Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal pieces and roll each into a small circle. Spoon some cheese filling into the center, then fold the dough into a triangle or boat shape, pinching the edges to seal.
Brush with Egg Wash
Before baking, brush the tops with a whisked egg to get that golden-brown finish.
Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fatayer are puffed up and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Let them cool slightly, then enjoy warm! Pair with a cup of tea or serve alongside hummus and olives for a true Middle Eastern experience.
How to Serve Cheese Fatayer?
- With a side of olives – The salty contrast is amazing.
- With fresh vegetables – Tomatoes, cucumbers, and mint make a refreshing pairing.
- With yogurt dip – A creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce adds extra flavor.
- As part of a mezze platter – Serve with hummus, baba ghanoush, and fresh pita.
- For breakfast or snack time – These are perfect any time of day!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 fatayer
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Tips & Variations
Secret Tips to Perfect Fatayer
- Use a mix of cheeses. Feta adds saltiness, mozzarella adds melty goodness, and akkawi gives that traditional touch.
- Let the dough rest. A well-rested dough is easier to work with and results in a softer texture.
- Pinch the edges tightly. This prevents the fatayer from opening while baking.
- Experiment with fillings. Try adding za’atar, sumac, or chili flakes for a flavor boost.
- Freeze for later. These freeze beautifully—just reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.
Final Thoughts
Cheese Fatayer are the perfect combination of soft, cheesy, and golden-brown deliciousness. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or grew up eating these, making them at home is an experience worth trying.
I hope you give this recipe a shot—let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!
Cheese Fatayer (Lebanese Cheese Pastries)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 420g
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast 7g
- 1 tbsp sugar 12.5g
- 1 tsp kosher salt 5g
- ½ cup warm water 120g
- ½ cup warm milk 120g
- ¼ cup olive oil 53g
- For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella 340g
- 1 ½ cups crumbled feta 340g
- ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped
- For Garnish:
- 1 egg beaten
- 1-2 tbsp black and/or white sesame seeds untoasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water, warm milk, and olive oil. Knead using the dough hook for 5-7 minutes, until a soft dough forms. If sticky, add more flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Let It Rise: Lightly coat the dough ball with oil, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Make the Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, mix mozzarella, feta, parsley, and mint in a bowl.
- Divide and Shape: Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 12 equal pieces (or 18 for mini fatayer). Shape each into a ball, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Roll Out: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Roll each dough ball into a ¼-inch thick circle. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flip each circle sticky side up to help seal the fatayer better.
- Fill and Shape: Place 1-2 tbsp of cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Pinch opposite sides together to form a diamond or boat shape, ensuring the edges are sealed well.
- Egg Wash & Garnish: Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy with a side of yogurt or fresh salad.
