Cheese Fatayer / Fatayer bi Jibneh

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and the filling.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to the dough.

Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise, making it light and airy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.

Feta cheese: A tangy, crumbly cheese that forms part of the filling.

Mozzarella cheese: A mild, stretchy cheese that complements the feta in the filling.

Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the filling.

Dried mint: Provides a subtle, refreshing flavor to the filling.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving the fatayer a light and airy texture. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour. Avoid adding too much flour as it can make the dough tough.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser dough.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is less processed.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• instant yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used but needs to be dissolved in water before mixing with other ingredients.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add richness and a softer texture to the dough.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used but will not impart the same flavor as olive oil.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture.

• mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly and has a mild flavor that complements other ingredients.

• fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that can enhance the dish.

• dried mint - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a robust, earthy flavor that pairs well with cheese.

• Allow the fatayer to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dough soggy.
• Place the fatayer in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the fatayer by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to eat, reheat refrigerated fatayer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen fatayer, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
• Alternatively, you can reheat frozen fatayer directly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melty.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the fatayer in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the dough is heated through. This method helps maintain a crispy exterior.

• Microwave Method: Place the fatayer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overheating. This method is quick but may result in a softer texture.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the fatayer in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a crispy exterior similar to the oven method.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fatayer on the toaster oven tray. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast, and later to mix the dough with water and olive oil.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, and cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, sugar, yeast, olive oil, parsley, and dried mint.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together before kneading.

• Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough balls into circles.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the fatayer on for baking.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the fatayer.

• Knife: Useful for chopping the fresh parsley.

• Cheese grater: Needed for shredding the mozzarella cheese.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, and dried mint.

• Spoon: Helps in placing the cheese mixture onto the dough circles.

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, and dried mint the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a stand mixer: Let a stand mixer knead the dough for you to save time and effort.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough is rising to save time.

Batch rolling: Roll out multiple dough balls at once to streamline the process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.