Name: Cheese Fatayer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491484H21M47S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Active dry yeast (instant yeast will work as well); 2 tbsp Sugar; 1 cup Warm water (lukewarm water from the tap); 1 cup All purpose flour (125 grams); 1 1/2 cups All purpose flour (188 grams); 2 tsp Kosher salt; 1/3 cup Olive oil; 3 cups Freshly grated mozzarella (loosely packed); 1 1/4 cups Feta cheese; Handful Freshly chopped parsley; 4 tbsp Unsalted butter; 1/2 tbsp Garlic powder; 1/4 tsp Kosher salt; 1 Egg; 2 tbsp Water; Handful Freshly grated mozzarella for crust edges

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, soft pastry oozing with melty cheese and a hint of fresh herbs, then this Cheese Fatayer Recipe is your new best friend. Combining a fluffy, slightly tangy dough with a luscious blend of mozzarella and feta, these Middle Eastern-inspired cheese pies are comfort food at its finest. Making them from scratch is surprisingly simple, and once you try this recipe, you might find yourself craving Cheese Fatayer at all hours of the day. Trust me, every step of this recipe brings you closer to authentic, cheesy happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A smooth, round mound of pale beige dough sits in the center of a wooden surface, its texture soft and slightly shiny. Behind it, a dark brown bowl filled with white flour rests on old newspaper sheets, with a small green sprig beside the bowl. Two gold-colored utensils with leaf designs lie flat on the left side of the wooden surface. In the background, soft bunches of small dried flowers in pink, white, and blue add a gentle touch. The whole scene is warm and inviting, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish starts with ingredients that are simple but absolutely essential. In this Cheese Fatayer Recipe, each component has a role—whether it’s the yeast giving life to the dough, the cheeses providing creamy richness, or the parsley adding that fresh green pop. Ready to gather these magic makers?

1 tbsp Active dry yeast: This wakes up your dough and makes it beautifully airy.
2 tbsp Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps create a golden crust.
1 cup Warm water: The perfect lukewarm temp activates the yeast gently without killing it.
1 cup All purpose flour (125 grams): Forms the base for the sponge, lending structure to your dough.
1 1/2 cups All purpose flour (188 grams): Adds body when combined with the sponge to make the final dough.
2 tsp Kosher salt: Balances flavors and enhances the cheese filling and dough alike.
1/3 cup Olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and adds a subtle fruity note.
3 cups Freshly grated mozzarella: Melts into a gooey, stretchy delight inside the pies.
1 1/4 cups Feta: Gives a sharp, salty kick that pairs wonderfully with mozzarella.
Handful Freshly chopped parsley: Brings brightness and a fresh herbal aroma to the filling.
4 tbsp Unsalted butter: Creates rich, garlicky butter to brush on the dough for extra flavor.
1/2 tbsp Garlic powder: Infuses the butter with a subtle garlicky warmth.
1/4 tsp Kosher salt: Enhances the garlic butter’s flavor balance.
1 Egg: Used for that gorgeous golden egg wash on the crust.
2 tbsp Water: Mixed with the egg for easy brushing.
Handful Freshly grated mozzarella: Sprinkled on dough edges to help seal your pockets.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheese Fatayer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sponge

Begin by waking up the yeast with sugar, warm water, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour in a bowl. Cover this mixture with a damp paper towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This sponge acts like a flavor and texture booster for your dough, giving it a light, tender crumb that’s irresistible once baked.

Step 2: Make the Dough

After your sponge is bubbly and lively, add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour, kosher salt, and olive oil. Mix roughly with a wooden spoon until everything starts coming together. If you’re up for a workout, knead the dough on an oiled surface with lightly oiled hands for about 8 to 10 minutes. It will feel sticky at first, but patience here pays off with airy, fluffy dough. Remember, no extra flour needed—the dough might cling a bit initially, but it will smooth out perfectly.

Step 3: Portion and Rest

Divide the dough into 10 equal balls, each around 62-65 grams, then cover with a damp towel and let them rest for another 10 minutes. This short rest makes shaping much easier and final texture even better.

Step 4: Shape Your Cheese Fatayer

Lightly flour your surface and roll each dough ball out to about half an inch thick. Sprinkle some freshly grated mozzarella along the edges — not the filling cheese, just plain mozzarella — then fold the dough over the cheese and press the edges to seal. The mozzarella on the edges melts and acts like glue, locking your cheese filling securely inside. Fold the sides into a diamond shape and pinch the ends firmly to hold the classic Cheese Fatayer form.

Step 5: Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place your shaped cheese pies on a lined baking tray. Brush each one with an egg wash made from an egg beaten with water for that beautiful golden color, then spread your garlic butter right in the center. Fill your pies generously with the mozzarella, feta, and parsley filling and slide them into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the crust and base should come out golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your Cheese Fatayer cool for a few minutes. This rest time helps set the filling so it won’t gush out when you bite into them. Then, grab a warm cup of tea and enjoy every cheesy, fluffy bite!

How to Serve Cheese Fatayer Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil over your Cheese Fatayer adds that lovely fresh aroma and shine just before serving. A pinch of sumac or za’atar can also elevate their flavor beautifully if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Cheese Fatayer pairs wonderfully with light, bright sides. Think crisp cucumber and tomato salad, a cool yogurt-based cucumber tzatziki, or even some pickled veggies for a tangy crunch. If you want to keep it simple, a cup of hot mint tea or freshly brewed coffee makes an unbeatable combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving your Cheese Fatayer stacked like a savory “cake” with layers of fresh herbs in between. Or arrange them on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of olives, labneh, and chopped fresh tomatoes for a Middle Eastern mezze spread that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheese Fatayer can be stored tightly covered in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep them sealed well to maintain their soft texture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cheesy treats later, freeze them before baking or after cooling. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until crisp and warm.

Reheating

To bring your Cheese Fatayer back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps restore that crisp crust and melty inside, unlike microwaving, which can sometimes make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheese Fatayer Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella and feta are classic, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar or halloumi for a different flavor profile. Just aim for a good balance between creamy and salty.

Is it necessary to use warm water when activating the yeast?

Yes, warm water is the perfect temperature to activate yeast. Too hot and you risk killing the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate properly. Lukewarm tap water works perfectly here.

Can I prepare the dough without a stand mixer?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with just your hands and a wooden spoon. Kneading on an oiled surface until smooth and slightly sticky is part of the fun and results in wonderful texture.

How do I know when my Cheese Fatayer is done baking?

Look for a beautifully golden crust on both the top and bottom. The cheese inside should be fully melted and just starting to bubble. Slightly tapping the bottom will reveal a firm, baked texture.

Can I add herbs or spices to the cheese filling?

Yes! Fresh parsley is traditional, but you can add mint, oregano, or even a pinch of nutmeg or black pepper to customize the filling to your taste. Just don’t overdo it – you want the cheese to shine.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheese Fatayer Recipe is such a rewarding experience—transforming simple ingredients into warm, cheesy pockets of pure joy. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, a snack, or a shared meal with friends, these pies bring comfort and delight every time. Roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a little Middle Eastern magic in your kitchen!