What Cheese Is Used in Kunafa? Unlocking the Key Ingredients

Kunafa, a delectable Middle Eastern dessert, is a symphony of crispy pastry layers, sweet syrup, and ooey-gooey cheese. Have you ever taken a bite of Kunafa and wondered what cheese gives it that irresistible stretch and flavor? If you're as curious as we were, this blog will uncover the secret behind Kunafa's iconic cheese filling.

If you're planning to make Kunafa at home or just a cheese lover intrigued by culinary delights, we’ll get into the ingredients, preparation, and alternatives for the cheese in Kunafa.

What Cheese Is Used in Kunafa?

The most authentic Kunafa recipes traditionally use Akawi cheese, a white-brined cheese known for its mild taste and excellent melting properties. It’s the ideal choice for creating that perfect gooey texture that defines a good Kunafa.

Kunafa first needs a little sweetness and a little saltiness and Akawi cheese does the trick without overpowering the sweetness of the dessert. But with its stretchy consistency, the dessert stays true to its roots, pleasing taste buds with every bite.

Why Is Akawi Cheese Preferred for Kunafa?

Akawi cheese holds a special place in Kunafa recipes for several reasons:

• Mild Flavor: It is not sweet syrup competition but it is the best complement to it.
• Stretchy Texture: The Kunafa experience is all thanks to the melted cheese which turns into the delightfully consistent commeating.
• Versatile and easy to work with, Akawi cheese is also great in other stuff.

However, it’s important to desalt Akawi cheese before use. This process involves soaking the cheese in water for a few hours to reduce its saltiness, making it perfect for dessert.

Can I Use Mozzarella Instead of Akawi Cheese in Kunafa?

Absolutely! Akawi cheese is easily substituted with the use of mozzarella cheese. Served the same stretchy texture and milder flavor as Akawi cheese, but home cooks who can’t get to the store can whip out leftovers for a bagel sandwich any time.

However, there is a taste difference. As mozzarella doesn’t offer the subtle salty-sweet contrast Akawi gives it, I couldn’t quite recommend it. To make a mozzarella that the texture and flavor of, some cooks mix mozzarella with ricotta or cream cheese.

What Other Cheeses Can Be Used in Kunafa?

If Akawi or mozzarella isn’t available, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Here are a few options:

1. Ricotta Cheese: Mixing it with mozzarella makes this perfect for a creamy filling.
2. Nabulsi Cheese: Another Middle Eastern cheese — similar to Akawi but firmer.
3. Cream Cheese: It is not stretchy like Akawi or mozzarella, and adds richness and creaminess without splintering.

When choosing a cheese, focus on mild flavors and good melting properties to replicate the authentic Kunafa experience.

Phyllo pastry or semolina is shredded, and mixed with cheese and sugar syrup, and Kunafa is made of it. It’s a dessert that, craggy pastry layering gooey cheese with a bit of syrup, is indulgent for sure, and satisfying too.

How Do I Prepare the Cheese for Kunafa?

Preparing the cheese is as important as choosing the right one. Follow these simple steps to ensure your Kunafa cheese is perfect:

1. Desalting Akawi Cheese:
• Soak the cheese in water for 2–4 hours.
• Change the water every hour to remove excess salt.
2. Shredding or Slicing:
• Once desalinated, shred or finely slice the cheese to ensure it melts evenly during baking.
3. Combining Cheeses (Optional):
• Mix Akawi with mozzarella or ricotta for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
4. Layering in Kunafa:
• Spread the cheese evenly between the layers of pastry for consistent texture and flavor.

Tips for Making Perfect Kunafa

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Phyllo pastry and fresh cheese make a big difference.
• Don't Skip the Syrup: Without the sugar syrup the kunafa is incomplete, it gives a sweet and whole flavor.
• Bake, Don’t Fry: This helps to bake the dessert for the same period maintaining the even cooking and preventing the dessert from becoming so oily.
• Serve Hot: Unless you prefer your pie cherry, you’ll want to enjoy kunafa straight out of the oven while the cheese is still molten and stretchy.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Authentic Flavor of Kunafa

When did you know what cheese is used in Kunafa? Now you can give it a shot. Whatever type of Akawi cheese you choose to stick to or experiment with, you’re going to enjoy it.

For the best results, use premium-quality ingredients and follow the preparation steps closely.

Ready to Make Kunafa?

Find the perfect cheeses and other Kunafa essentials on 24Shopping. Start your culinary adventure today and bring the flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen!

FAQs

What is cheese Kunafa made of?

Cheese Kunafa is usually made with shredded phyllo pastry (semolina) having a sweet syrup and a cheese filling, such as Akawi, mozzarella, or any other mild cheese.

Can I use mozzarella instead of Akawi cheese in Kunafa?

Mozzarella is a fantastic alternative to Akawi cheese. It has a different flavor but it gives you a similar stretchy texture.

What other cheeses can be used in Kunafa?

Ricotta, cream cheese, and Nabulsi cheese are also available alternative options. These can be mixed for a custom flavor and texture as well.

Why is Akawi cheese preferred for Kunafa?

Akawi cheese because of its mild flavor, stretchy texture, and ability to balance the dessert's sweetness.

How do I prepare the cheese for Kunafa?

Soak desalt Akawi cheese then shred or slice it finely then mix it with other cheese for extra creaminess.