Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

Why Make This Recipe

Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. They are crispy on the outside, with a gooey, stretchy cheese filling that will make your taste buds dance. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a night in, making it a wonderful way to share joy with family and friends.

How to Make Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

Ingredients:

  • 500g kunafa dough (kataifi)
  • 200g mozzarella cheese
  • 150g akkawi cheese
  • 100g butter, melted
  • 2 cups sugar syrup
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Rose water

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Kunafa Dough: Spread the kunafa dough flat on a clean surface.
  2. Add Butter: Brush the dough generously with melted butter to give it rich flavor and help it crisp up.
  3. Add the Cheese: Mix the mozzarella and akkawi cheese together and place it along one edge of the dough.
  4. Roll It Up: Carefully roll the dough tightly into logs, making sure the cheese stays inside.
  5. Brush with Butter Again: Once rolled, brush the outside with more melted butter for extra crispiness.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 392°F) and bake the rolls until they are golden and crispy.
  7. Sugar Syrup Dip: As soon as they come out of the oven, dip the hot rolls into cold sugar syrup. This creates a sweet crunchy exterior.
  8. Slice and Serve: Cut the rolls into pieces, making sure to show off the cheesy stretch inside. Garnish with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of rose water for a fragrant touch.

How to Serve Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

These yummy rolls are best served warm. You can place them on a serving platter, drizzle some extra syrup over the top, and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor. They can be enjoyed as a dessert or a tasty snack at any time of the day.

How to Store Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

To store leftover rolls, place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

Tips to Make Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

  • Keep the Dough Moist: Cover any unused kunafa dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
  • Use Fresh Cheese: Fresh semolina cheese like akawi will provide the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Butter: Generous amounts of melted butter help achieve the golden crispy texture.

Variation

For a different twist, you can try adding flavors like a touch of cinnamon to the sugar syrup or experimenting with different cheese blends. Some people like to add nuts or dried fruits inside for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls, store them in the fridge, and bake them right before serving for the best results.

2. What if I can’t find akkawi cheese?
If you can’t find akkawi cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of salt to mimic the flavor.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar syrup you use. Feel free to add less syrup after baking if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls

Stretchy Cheese Kunafa Rolls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, featuring a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy filling, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Dough and Cheese
  • 500 g kunafa dough (kataifi) Ensure the dough is kept moist.
  • 200 g mozzarella cheese Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
  • 150 g akkawi cheese Can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese with salt.
Butter and Syrup
  • 100 g butter, melted Generous amounts are needed for crispiness.
  • 2 cups sugar syrup Adjust sweetness as desired.
Garnish
  • Crushed pistachios For added texture and flavor.
  • Rose water Drizzle for fragrance.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spread the kunafa dough flat on a clean surface.
  2. Brush the dough generously with melted butter.
  3. Mix the mozzarella and akkawi cheese together and place it along one edge of the dough.
  4. Carefully roll the dough tightly into logs.
  5. Brush the outside of the rolled dough with more melted butter.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 392°F).
  2. Bake the rolls until they are golden and crispy.
  3. As soon as they come out of the oven, dip the hot rolls into cold sugar syrup.
  4. Cut the rolls into pieces and garnish with crushed pistachios and rose water.

Notes

These rolls are best enjoyed warm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.