Description
Cheese Manakeesh is a popular Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a savory blend of cheeses, herbs, and seeds. This homemade version is easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water (plus more if needed)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon nigella seeds or sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried mint or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir in the olive oil and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Add more water or flour as needed.
- Rise the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Assemble: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal balls. Roll each ball into a flat 6–7 inch round. Place rounds on the baking sheet.
- Add Toppings and Bake: In a small bowl, mix the cheeses together. Spread the cheese mixture over each round, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with seeds or herbs if using. Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Traditionally served for breakfast or as a snack, manakeesh pairs well with labneh, olives, and fresh vegetables.
- You can substitute the cheese mix with akkawi or a blend of mozzarella and halloumi.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
