Print Options:

Deliciously Sweet Palestinian Cheese Pastry with Shredded Phyllo

Yields12 ServingsPrep Time30 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr 10 mins

Indulge in this luscious sweet cheese pastry made with delicate shredded phyllo dough, sweet creamy cheese, and a fragrant sugar syrup. Best served fresh. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for optimal texture.

Golden-brown pastry topped with syrup and nuts, served on a decorative plate.

For the Pastry
 500 g shredded phyllo dough
 200 g unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
 400 g sweet cheese (like Nabulsi or mozzarella)
 100 g ricotta cheese
For the Sugar Syrup
 300 ml water
 200 g granulated sugar
 1 tbsp rose water
 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Garnish
 100 g crushed pistachios
Preparing the Sugar Syrup
1

In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the rose water and lemon juice, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Preparing the Pastry
2

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter, ensuring each strand is well-coated. Set aside a handful of the dough for topping later.

3

Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with some melted butter. Layer half of the buttered phyllo dough evenly in the bottom of the dish, pressing down gently.

Making the Filling
4

In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese and ricotta together until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the phyllo base evenly.

5

Cover the cheese with the remaining phyllo dough, adding the reserved handful of dough on top for extra crunch. Brush the top layer generously with more melted butter.

Baking the Pastry
6

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Finishing Touches
7

Once baked, remove the pastry from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.

8

Garnish with crushed pistachios before slicing into squares and serving warm.

Notes

Best served fresh. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for optimal texture.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size

1 square (approx. 100g)


Amount per serving
Calories350
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g26%

Saturated Fat 10g50%
Trans Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 150mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 35g13%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Total Sugars 15g
Includes 15g Added Sugars30%
Protein 6g

Vitamin A 250mcg28%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 150mg12%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 100mg3%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 2mcg2%
Thiamin 0.1mg9%
Riboflavin 0.2mg16%
Niacin 0.5mg4%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg6%
Folate 10mcg3%
Vitamin B12 0.5mg21%
Biotin 0mcg0%
Pantothenic Acid 0.5mg10%
Phosphorus 150mg12%
Iodine 0mcg0%
Magnesium 15mg4%
Zinc 1mg10%
Selenium 5mcg10%
Copper 0.1mg12%
Manganese 0.2mg9%
Chromium 0mcg0%
Molybdenum 0mcg0%
Chloride 0mg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.