Formatjada

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Formatjada is a traditional pastry from the island of Menorca, in Spain's Balearic Islands. Often prepared during Semana Santa (Easter), but enjoyed year-round, formatjades are small, round pies made with a rich dough—typically prepared with pork lard and flour, and often including yeast in modern variants—and filled with various sweet or savory ingredients. The name comes from the Catalan word formatge (cheese), reflecting one of its oldest and most common fillings. Savory versions are usually filled with local ingredients like pork and/or lamb, and sobrassada (cured, spiced sausage). Some are made with fish, especially in coastal towns, showcasing Menorca's fishing traditions. There are also sweet formatjades, which feature soft cheeses like requesón (a ricotta-style fresh cheese), flavored with sugar and lemon juice, offering a dessert-like counterpart to the more robust savory pies. These hand-sized pastries are baked until golden and are often served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for picnics, celebrations, or simply as a local snack found in Menorcan bakeries.