Menorca’s Cheese Formatjades: a Living Tradition of Island Pastry

In Menorca, cheese formatjades (empanadas) —also known as flaons— are a traditional baked delicacy deeply rooted in local identity and family heritage. They are a distinctive oven-baked preparation, notable for both their shape and flavor.

Their appearance is unmistakable: a pale, slightly thick base that opens into small rounded segments at the bottom, topped with a smooth, golden, glossy lid. This structure creates a compact, almost sculptural piece that blends rustic character with elegance.

The filling is the true highlight. It is made with tender, semi-salted Menorcan cheese, mixed with egg, a touch of olive oil and a small amount of strong flour, which provides body and consistency. The result is a soft, slightly moist interior with a clean, pronounced cheese flavor.

Traditionally associated with Easter, formatjades are still made today in many homes and bakeries across the island. They represent a cuisine rooted in simplicity, where humble ingredients are transformed into something rich and memorable.