---
title: Knafeh (Sweet Cheese Pastry)
servings: 8
prep time: 25 minutes
cook time: 35 minutes
source: https://mycibora.com/recipes/knafeh
---

Gather @kataifi pastry{400%g} and @mozzarella cheese{350%g}.

Simmer the @sugar{250%g}, @water{150%ml} and @lemon{0.5} squeeze for 8 minutes, stir in the @orange blossom water{1%tbsp} off the heat, and cool completely. ~{8%minutes}

Pulse the kataifi in a processor into short strands, then work the melted @butter{150%g} through with your hands until every strand glistens.

Press two-thirds of the pastry firmly over the base and sides of a round pan.

Cover with the grated cheese, leaving a finger of bare pastry at the rim, and top with the remaining kataifi, pressing down well.

Bake at 190°C for 30–35 minutes until deep gold and bubbling at the edges. ~{1950%seconds}

Pour the cold syrup evenly over the hot knafeh — it will hiss — and let it settle for 5 minutes. ~{5%minutes}

Invert or serve from the pan, scattered with ground @pistachio{30%g}, while the cheese still pulls.