Description
Cheese Manakeesh is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a blend of white cheeses, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This recipe features a soft, elastic dough topped with a melty cheese mixture, baked until golden and bubbly, delivering a deliciously savory treat that’s simple to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Akkawi, Mozzarella, or a mix of white cheeses
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon milk (to moisten cheese)
- Optional: pinch of nigella seeds or dried mint
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand for 6–8 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and the dough to develop flavor and texture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat, ensuring the flatbreads bake evenly and get a crisp crust.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheeses with milk to help the cheese melt smoothly during baking.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Divide it into 4 equal balls and roll each into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place each circle on parchment paper.
- Add Cheese Topping: Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture evenly over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Optionally sprinkle nigella seeds or dried mint for added flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the parchment with the prepared flatbreads onto the hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust turns golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Manakeesh is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven for convenience.
- Use traditional cheeses like Akkawi or Nabulsi, or mix them with mozzarella for an authentic melt and flavor balance.
- Consider making mini versions of Manakeesh for a mezze platter or party appetizer.
