Dinner

Cheese and Spinach Fatayer Recipe

Name: Cheese and Spinach Fatayer Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 10 frozen dinner rolls (thawed according to package instructions, e.g., Rhodes brand); 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 small shallot (finely chopped); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 egg (whisked)

BySimon Carel January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

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Introduction

Cheese and Spinach Fatayer are delightful Middle Eastern pastries filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. These savory hand pies are perfect as appetizers or a satisfying snack. With a golden, flaky crust and a flavorful filling, they are sure to impress at any gathering.

A white round plate holds eight golden-brown triangle-shaped pastries with a shiny surface, arranged in a circular pattern with one pastry cut open to show a creamy filling with green spinach and melted cheese stretching between the halves. The pastries have a smooth, slightly puffed texture with crispy edges. A small purple flower is placed on the plate beside the pastries, and the plate rests on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible at the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 frozen dinner rolls (thawed according to instructions, e.g., Rhodes brand)
4 cups fresh spinach
1 small shallot (finely chopped)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg (whisked, for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Thaw the frozen dinner rolls according to the package instructions.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach and shallot until the spinach is wilted and the shallot is softened. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sautéed spinach and shallot mixture, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 5: On a floured surface, flatten one thawed dinner roll with your hands to form a larger circle.
Step 6: Spoon a portion of the spinach and cheese mixture onto the center of the flattened dough, leaving space around the edges.
Step 7: Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling.
Step 8: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a triangle shape, pinching the edges to seal the fatayer.
Step 9: Repeat steps 5 through 8 with the remaining dinner rolls and filling mixture.
Step 10: Place the assembled fatayer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
Step 11: Brush the tops of the fatayer with the whisked egg to create an egg wash.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 13: Remove from the oven and allow the fatayer to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a pinch of nutmeg to the spinach mixture.
Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Use fresh homemade dough if you prefer a more traditional pastry base.
Brush the tops with sesame seeds before baking for added crunch and aroma.

Storage

Store leftover fatayer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crisp. They can also be frozen before baking; just thaw completely before baking as directed.