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Crispy Cheese Knafeh with Sweet Syrup

This crispy cheese knafeh features a golden crust filled with melted mozzarella and topped with sweet syrup and pistachios, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Kataifi Crust
  • 1 lb kataifi (shredded phyllo), thawed Handle gently to keep strands fluffy.
  • 3/4 cup ghee or unsalted butter, melted Plus extra for greasing.
Cheese Filling
  • 1 lb low-moisture, full-fat mozzarella, shredded Pressed very dry between paper towels.
Syrup
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1-2 teaspoons rose water or orange blossom water To taste.
Garnish
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by shredding the mozzarella and pressing it very dry between paper towels.
  2. Thaw the kataifi, then loosen the strands gently so they separate well.
Building the Base
  1. Pulse the kataifi in a food processor in short bursts to shorten the strands a little. Drizzle in the melted ghee and pulse briefly to coat.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Press about two-thirds of the kataifi into the dish as an even base and push some up the sides to make a border.
Adding Cheese and Top Layer
  1. Spread the cheese evenly over the base, keeping it inside the border.
  2. Cover it with the rest of the kataifi and press down firmly.
Baking and Making the Syrup
  1. Bake the knafeh for 20 to 25 minutes, or until deep golden with crisp edges.
  2. Simmer sugar, water, and lemon juice until clear and slightly thickened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the rose water or orange blossom water.
Finishing and Serving
  1. Loosen the edges of the knafeh, then invert it onto a rimmed platter.
  2. Spoon the warm syrup over it slowly and sprinkle pistachios on top. Serve warm.

Notes

This dessert pairs well with hot Arabic coffee or black tea. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.