Go Back
–+ servings
A plate of Flaounes - Cypriot Easter Cheese Bread on a plate with a cloth and some dyed eggs in the background.
Print

Flaounes—Greek Cypriot Easter Cheese Bread

These Flaounes are a traditional Cypriot pastry made with a rich cheese filling and lightly sweet, sesame-crusted dough—perfect for celebrating Easter.
Course Easter Recipes
Cuisine Greek Cypriot
Prep Time 1 day
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 day 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 1021kcal
Author Michelle Ordever

Ingredients

For the Cheese Filling

  • 350 grams halloumi grated
  • 150 grams mild cheddar grated
  • 120 grams sultanas golden raisins
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Dough

  • 500 grams strong white flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 7 grams dried yeast
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon masticha powder
  • 125 grams butter melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 80 millilitres warm milk
  • 60 millilitres warm water

To assemble

  • 150 grams sesame seeds
  • 2 eggs beaten, for egg wash

Instructions

To Make the Cheese Filling

  • Place the cheese, sultanas, dried mint, and beaten eggs into a bowl and mix together.
    Flaounes Filling - cheese, mint, and sultanas
  • Cover with a cloth and put in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.
  • 15 minutes before assembling the flaounes, add the baking powder.

To Make the Dough

  • Put the flour, sugar, salt, and masticha into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the melted butter, stir to combine, then add one egg and stir to combine.
    Egg Added to Dough Mixture
  • Add the other egg, warm milk and warm water and stir to bring everything together. If the mixture is a bit wet, add some more flour and form into a ball.
    Ball of Dough
  • Cover with a cloth and leave for one hour to rise.

To Assemble

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas 6)
  • Spread the sesame seeds out onto a dinner plate.
  • Divide the dough into 6 pieces and roll into 18cm diameter circles.
  • Brush egg wash over one side of the dough and press the egg side down into the sesame seeds.
  • Grab a handful of the cheese filling and form into a ball. Place in the centre of the dough.
    A round of pastry dough on a plate of sesame seeds, with a mound of cheese filling
  • Apply more egg wash around the filling and then bring the sides up pressing into the cheese ball to form a triangle, pinching the corners.
    Folded flaounes triangle on a baking sheet
  • Place on a greased baking sheet and cook in the oven for 30 - 40 minutes until golden.
    A plate of Flaounes - Cypriot Easter Cheese Bread on a plate with a cloth and some dyed eggs in the background.
  • Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
    Close up of a cross section of Cypriot Easter Cheese Bread

Notes

Tips

  • Grate the cheese finely for a smoother filling texture.
  • If you can't find masticha, you can leave it out—the flavor will still be delicious.
  • Rub dried mint between your hands to release more flavor.
  • The dough is quite elastic, so it often springs back on itself, but persevere when rolling it!
 

Substitutions

  • Use a mix of halloumi and mild cheddar for the best results.
  • If halloumi isn't available, try a firm, salty cheese as a substitute.
 

Leftovers

  • Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture.
 

Freezing

  • Freeze once cooled for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.
 
Always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Safety (USA) | Food Standards Agency (UK)

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1021kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 235mg | Sodium: 1241mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1061IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1117mg | Iron: 9mg