These mini cheese pies are the perfect balance of flaky pastry, savory cheese filling, and aromatic herbs. They’re soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible, making them ideal for a snack, party appetizer, or even a light meal. With mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese filling, these pies are packed with flavor and texture, while the addition of sesame seeds and black seeds on top gives them a delightful crunch. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply craving something savory, these pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (for dough)
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Cuisine
This recipe is inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where cheese-filled pastries are a beloved tradition. These mini cheese pies, also known as “fatayer” or “sfeeha,” are enjoyed across the region for their delicate flavors and light, flaky crust.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 Tbsp warm water (60ml)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (400g)
- 5 Tbsp butter, room temperature (70g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp milk powder (25g)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 cup warm milk (230ml)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 Tbsp cream cheese
- 1 Tbsp dry parsley
- 1 egg
For the Topping:
- Sesame seeds
- Black seeds
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the dried yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
2. Mix the Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, milk powder, and sugar. Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, and butter, and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not dry.
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3. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, cream cheese, and dry parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir it in to bind the filling together.
5. Shape the Pies
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions (about 10-12 balls). Roll each ball into a small circle on a floured surface, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each circle.
6. Fold and Seal the Pies
Carefully fold the edges of each dough circle toward the center, forming a triangle or half-moon shape, and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Alternatively, you can fold the dough into small pockets or squares, depending on your preference. Repeat until all the pies are formed.
7. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Brush and Top with Seeds
Place the filled pies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg to give them a golden finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and black seeds on top of each pie for extra flavor and texture.
9. Bake the Pies
Bake the pies in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Serve
Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These mini cheese pies are best enjoyed warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.
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