How to Make Fatayer – Savoury Middle Eastern Pastries

---

Introduction

Fatayer are delicious Middle Eastern pastries, traditionally filled with spinach, cheese, or minced meat. These savoury parcels are a staple in Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian, and other Levantine cuisines. With their soft dough and flavourful fillings, fatayer are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or as part of a mezze spread.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make fatayer from scratch, including how to prepare the dough and create both spinach and cheese fillings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you bring authentic flavours into your kitchen.

---

SEO Keywords

How to make fatayer

Lebanese spinach pies

Middle Eastern cheese pastries

Fatayer dough recipe

Fatayer with spinach or cheese

Homemade savoury pastries

Baked fatayer step-by-step

---

Why You’ll Love Fatayer

Versatile – you can customise the filling

Easy to make in batches

Perfect for appetisers or packed lunches

Can be baked or fried

Flavourful, soft, and satisfying

---

Ingredients for Dough (Makes 12–16 Fatayer)

3 cups plain flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp instant yeast

¼ cup vegetable oil or olive oil

1 cup warm water (adjust as needed)

---

Spinach Filling

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

1 tbsp sumac (for tangy flavour)

Juice of half a lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

---

Cheese Filling (Alternative)

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)

1 tbsp chopped parsley

Pinch of black pepper

---

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls

Rolling pin

Baking tray

Parchment paper

Pastry brush

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

---

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the oil and gradually pour in the warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

---

2. Make the Filling

For Spinach Fatayer:

Place chopped spinach in a bowl. Add chopped onion, sumac, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, gently squeeze out excess liquid using your hands or a clean cloth.

For Cheese Fatayer:

Mix the feta, mozzarella (if using), parsley, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

---

3. Shape the Fatayer

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal-sized balls (roughly 12–16, depending on size).

On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a small circle about 10–12 cm in diameter.

Place a tablespoon of filling in the centre. For spinach fatayer, fold the dough into a triangle shape by pinching three sides together. For cheese fatayer, you can fold them into semi-circles or keep them open like mini pizzas.

Pinch the edges firmly to seal and prevent opening while baking.

---

4. Bake the Fatayer

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Place the shaped fatayer on the tray. Brush the tops with a little olive oil for a golden finish.

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm or at room temperature.

---

Serving Suggestions

Fatayer are delicious served with:

Yoghurt or labneh

Fresh mint tea

Hummus or baba ghanoush

Olives and pickles

They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as part of a mezze platter.

---

Tips for Perfect Fatayer

Don’t overfill the dough — a little filling goes a long way.

Always squeeze excess liquid from the spinach to avoid soggy pastries.

Use a hot oven to ensure a crispy, golden crust.

You can freeze unbaked fatayer and cook straight from frozen when needed.

---

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover fatayer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness.

You can also freeze baked or unbaked fatayer. To bake from frozen, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

---

Conclusion

Fatayer are a tasty and comforting part of Middle Eastern cuisine. With a soft homemade dough and customisable fillings like spinach, cheese, or meat, they’re perfect for gatherings, snacks, or even meal prep. Once you master the dough and folding technique, the possibilities are endless.

---

Try making your own fatayer at home and enjoy a taste of the Levant!

Have a favourite filling? Share your variations in the comments below.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Happy baking and Sahtein!