Spinach & Cheese Fatayer Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful pastry that brings together fresh greens and tangy cheese in a soft, baked crust, Spinach & Cheese Fatayer will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods. These charming little triangles are packed with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese, enhanced by a touch of olive oil and lemon juice that perfectly balances the flavors. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, snacks, or part of a mezze spread, Spinach & Cheese Fatayer offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that feels both familiar and exciting all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the perfect Spinach & Cheese Fatayer is surprisingly simple, thanks to a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender dough that wraps the filling to the vibrant spinach and tangy feta cheese inside, every component creates a harmony of flavor and texture.

• 2 cups Flour dough: This forms the soft, pillowy shell that holds everything together and provides a delicious base.
• 1 cup Chopped spinach: Fresh or lightly cooked, it adds a bright green color and nourishing earthiness to the filling.
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese: Crumbly and salty, feta introduces a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates the spinach.
• 1 tbsp Olive oil: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors in the filling while keeping it moist.
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness, cutting through the richness for a perfectly balanced bite.

How to Make Spinach & Cheese Fatayer

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining the chopped spinach with crumbled feta cheese in a mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice, then gently mix everything together until you achieve a cohesive filling that is flavorful but not too wet. This mixture is the heart of your Spinach & Cheese Fatayer, so make sure each bite will be bursting with a blend of savory and fresh notes.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Roll out your flour dough and cut it into circles, roughly 4 to 5 inches in diameter, which will be the perfect size for folding into triangles. The dough should be soft and elastic, easy to work with, setting the stage for a tender and slightly chewy crust once baked.

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling onto each dough circle. Carefully fold each circle into a triangle, pinching the edges tightly to seal the filling inside. This step ensures that the delicious filling stays in place while baking and that the final pastries have that iconic fatayer shape.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C and arrange the prepared fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the dough turns a beautiful golden color and the aroma of spinach and feta fills your kitchen. This baking time brings out the soft texture of the dough and allows the flavors inside to meld wonderfully.

How to Serve Spinach & Cheese Fatayer

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of sumac on top of the baked Spinach & Cheese Fatayer can brighten the look and add a subtle herbal note. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also enhance the richness.

Side Dishes

Spinach & Cheese Fatayer pairs beautifully with fresh salads such as tabbouleh or fattoush, adding a crisp and refreshing contrast. They also go well with a side of tangy yogurt or a cool cucumber raita, offering a creamy element that complements the cheeses inside the pastries.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful mezze platter, arrange the fatayer around small bowls of hummus, olives, and pickled vegetables. They can also be cut into smaller pieces for a party appetizer tray, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests with both flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spinach & Cheese Fatayer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them covered well helps maintain the soft dough texture and prevents the filling from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Spinach & Cheese Fatayer later, you can freeze them before baking. Place the folded fatayer on a baking tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place frozen fatayer onto a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the original baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover or frozen-baked fatayer in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes or until warmed through and the dough regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture close to fresh-baked perfection.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for Spinach & Cheese Fatayer?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to keep the filling from becoming soggy.

What kind of cheese works best in Spinach & Cheese Fatayer?

Feta cheese is traditional and gives the best tangy flavor, but you can also mix in some ricotta or halloumi for a creamier texture.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch, and a simple mixture of flour, water, yeast, salt, and a bit of oil works beautifully if you prefer fresh over store-bought dough.

Are Spinach & Cheese Fatayer suitable for freezing after baking?

They can be frozen after baking too, but the texture may soften slightly upon reheating. Freezing before baking is generally recommended for best results.

How can I make my Spinach & Cheese Fatayer more flavorful?

Adding minced garlic, chopped onions, or a pinch of ground nutmeg to your filling can bring extra depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about homemade Spinach & Cheese Fatayer that makes every bite feel warm and inviting. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, their combination of fresh spinach, tangy cheese, and soft dough is sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite savory pastry.