I’ll never forget the first time I tried these incredible bites. It was at a star-studded tribute dinner, and even among a sea of gourmet creations, this vegetarian canapé stole the show. It’s the ultimate party food: a shatteringly crisp, buttery shell of kataifi dough giving way to a warm, tangy explosion of creamy goat cheese. The subtle savory notes from the finely diced vegetables cut through the richness perfectly. Trust me, pair these with a glass of bubbly, and you’ll feel like you’re at the most exclusive event in town!
Ingredients
• (Makes 35)
• 1 pound / 450g soft goat cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup / 150g mirepoix mixture of finely diced carrot, celery, and onion
• 1 16-ounce / 450g package frozen kataifi dough, defrosted
• 1/2 cup / 113g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the room temperature goat cheese and the finely diced vegetable mixture until evenly distributed. Set aside.
3. Working with a small amount of kataifi at a time (keep the rest covered with a damp cloth), pull off a bundle of strands and gently spread it into a rectangle approximately 1 inch by 4 inches.
4. Brush the kataifi rectangle generously with melted butter. Scoop about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and form it into a cylinder about 1 inch long. Place the cheese log at one end of the kataifi and roll it up tightly.
5. Place the wrapped roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining kataifi and cheese filling, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the kataifi is a deep golden brown and wonderfully crisp.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving warm.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 Bite
• Calories: 85 kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific used.
Pro Tips
• Keep your kataifi dough covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work. It dries out incredibly fast, which makes it brittle and difficult to roll.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or finely chopped chives to the goat cheese mixture.
• These can be assembled ahead of time. Place the unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Serve with a drizzle of hot honey or a side of fig jam for a perfect sweet and savory contrast.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these goat cheese kataifi bites vegan
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. Substitute the goat cheese with a high-quality, firm vegan goat-style cheese or a creamy cashew-based cheese. For the butter, use a good vegan butter or olive oil to brush the kataifi dough. Ensure your chosen vegan cheese can handle baking without becoming too runny.
Q: What other vegetarian cheese can I use instead of goat cheese
A: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can easily substitute it with other creamy vegetarian cheeses. A mixture of cream cheese and crumbled feta would work well for a similar tangy flavor. For a milder option, try using Boursin, whipped ricotta, or even a savory mascarpone blend.
Q: How can I prepare these vegetarian appetizers in advance
A: These bites are perfect for making ahead. Assemble the rolls completely but do not bake them. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. You can bake them directly from frozen, just add 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.
Q: Is there a gluten-free alternative for kataifi dough
A: Kataifi dough is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. Creating a gluten-free version is challenging, but you could try wrapping the goat cheese filling in thin, buttered slices of gluten-free bread with the crusts removed or using gluten-free puff pastry cut into small rectangles for a different but still delicious crispy vegetarian bite.
