March 6, 2026

Kunafa with Cheese Recipe – Crispy, Golden & Authentic Middle Eastern Dessert

Kunafa with Cheese Recipe – Crispy, Golden & Authentic Middle Eastern Dessert
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Kunafa with Cheese recipe is one of the most delicious desserts across the Middle East. It is known for its irresistible combination of a crispy golden pastry and a warm, gooey cheese filling. You can serve this classic treat at any celebration, family gathering, or holiday. The contrast between the crunchy shredded pastry (kataifi) and the soft melted cheese makes every bite rich and satisfying. And the warm, fragrant sugar syrup we pour over it to soak it adds sweetness. And to finish it, we sprinkle crushed pistachios or mixed nuts on the top.

Although Kunafa may look impressive, it is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients like shredded kataifi, butter, cheese, and sugar syrup, you can recreate this delicious dessert. The key is layering the buttery pastry with a generous amount of cheese and baking it until perfectly golden.

Serve it warm with extra syrup and pistachios on top, and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that tastes just like the kunafa served in Middle Eastern bakeries.

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Crispy Middle Eastern kunafa with cheese topped with nuts and sweet syrup

Kunafa with Cheese

Crispy, buttery shredded pastry layered with melted cheese and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. This classic Middle Eastern kunafa dessert is golden, crunchy on the outside, and perfectly creamy inside.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 9 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 590
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Sugar Syrup
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp rose water – or orange blossom water ( optional)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
Kunafa
  • 1 package kataifi – thawed ( about 15 oz)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter – melted
Cheese Filling
  • 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese – shredded
  • 1 lb ricotta cheese
Garnish
  • Crushed pistachios – or mixed nuts

Method
 

Prepare the Sugar Syrup
  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add lemon juice and rose water.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prepare the Kataifi
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Place the shredded kataifi dough in a large bowl and gently separate the strands.
  3. Pour melted butter over the dough and mix until evenly coated.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix mozzarella and ricotta until well combined.
Assemble the Kunafa
  1. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
  2. Press half of the buttered Kunafa evenly into the pan to form the base.
  3. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
  4. Top with the remaining Kunafa dough and press gently.
Bake
  1. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Add the Syrup
  1. Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the cool sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
  2. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Kunafa with Cheese Recipe Tips

  • Use low-moisture mozzarella to ensure a perfectly elastic texture.
  • Stir a bit of orange blossom water into your syrup for a traditional flavor boost.
  • Always serve Kunafa warm to keep the cheese soft, rich, and gooey.

How to Store and Reheat Kunafa with Cheese

  • Let the Kunafa cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keeping it sealed helps prevent the pastry from drying out and preserves its flavor.
  • If you plan to make kunafa ahead of time, you can also assemble it without baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • You can also freeze the Kunafa. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • The best way to reheat Kunafa is in the oven, so the pastry becomes crispy again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the kunafa on a baking tray. Heat for 10 minutes until warmed through. You can add a small drizzle of syrup before serving if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy the delicious crispy pastry and melted cheese again.
Golden crispy Middle Eastern Kunafa with cheese topped with chopped pistachios and mixed nuts.

If you try this Kunafa (Knafeh) with cheese recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know how you made it your own. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with family and friends who enjoy easy, delicious Mediterranean recipes.

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Filed Under: Desserts