Crispy Kunafa Cheese Pastry
A quick and easy homemade pastry featuring crispy golden kunafa strands with gooey melted cheese, perfect for any occasion and loved by kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 grams (14 oz) kunafa dough (kataifi), shredded pastry strands
- 150 grams (about 2/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted (clarified butter recommended)
- 200 grams (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) akkawi cheese, soaked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the shredded kunafa dough in a large mixing bowl and gently separate the strands to loosen any clumps.
- Melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid; if using clarified butter, melt and skim off milk solids.
- Pour the melted butter over the kunafa dough and mix thoroughly to coat all strands evenly.
- Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) baking pan with butter or oil.
- Press half of the buttered kunafa dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, pressing firmly to create a compact base layer.
- Combine shredded mozzarella and crumbled akkawi cheese in a bowl and spread evenly over the kunafa base.
- Spread the remaining kunafa dough over the cheese layer, pressing gently to seal.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy; tent with foil if browning too fast.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5–7 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm.
Notes
Keep kunafa dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying. If dough feels dry, sprinkle a tablespoon of water before mixing with butter. Use clarified butter for a richer flavor and better crispness. Press layers firmly but gently to maintain texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with coconut oil and use vegan melting cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 100
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 12
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