Imagine the smell of warm, freshly baked flatbread filling your kitchen, its golden crust kissed by olive oil and bubbling cheese stretching with every tear. That, my friend, is Cheese Manakeesh—an irresistible Middle Eastern treat that’s basically the lovechild of pizza and cheesy naan. It’s comforting, simple, and perfect for when you want something savory, satisfying, and a little special.
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I first tried Manakeesh at a cozy Lebanese bakery, and I remember thinking, “Why have I not made this at home?” Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked. It’s one of those recipes that feel like a hug from the inside out—perfect for lazy brunches, quick lunches, or as a side to soups and salads. Plus, it’s wildly easy to customize. Ready to dive in?
Why You’ll Love Cheese Manakeesh
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Cheese Manakeesh
Here’s the magic of this Middle Eastern classic—it’s made with a few simple staples, but the result is deeply flavorful and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s break it down:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, providing the perfect chew and structure for that traditional flatbread texture.
Yeast: Our little rising hero. It gives the dough its soft, pillowy rise and subtle tang.
Sugar: Just a pinch to feed the yeast and give the dough a slight sweetness that balances the savory topping.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and enhances the cheesy goodness.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, plus a drizzle over the top gives a gorgeous golden finish.
Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together into a smooth, elastic ball.
Akkawi or Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty, and perfectly salty—this is the heart of the dish. Akkawi gives a more authentic flavor, but mozzarella works wonderfully too.
Nigella Seeds or Za’atar (Optional): These give a delicious earthy, herby note that takes the flavor to the next level.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is key for getting that lightly crisp yet tender crust we all crave.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, kneading until you get a soft, elastic dough. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size—this should take about an hour.
Shape the Dough: Once risen, divide your dough into equal portions and roll each into a circle. Think small pizza-sized rounds, about ¼ inch thick.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle your cheese evenly over the surface, staying about ½ inch from the edges. You want every bite to have that gooey, cheesy center.
Optional Toppings: If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to sprinkle on za’atar or nigella seeds. It adds a touch of earthiness and extra flair.
Bake It Up: Transfer your manakeesh to a hot baking stone or tray and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Cool and Slice: Let them cool slightly before slicing or serving. The cheese will set just enough to keep everything together without being too molten to handle.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a fresh salad or eaten as-is, Cheese Manakeesh is comfort food at its finest.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 310
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (+ 1 hour rising time)
How to Serve Cheese Manakeesh
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with lemon and mint makes a refreshing companion.
Crusty Bread: Okay, bread on bread might sound wild—but a piece of warm pita alongside a dip like hummus is a total win.
Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of labneh or Greek yogurt with olive oil and za’atar? Pure perfection.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or even grilled zucchini complement the cheese beautifully.
As a Standalone: Honestly, Manakeesh shines on its own. Serve it with a hot cup of mint tea or a fresh lemonade for the full experience.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the dough in advance and store it in the fridge overnight—just bring it to room temp before rolling out.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes, garlic powder, or even a touch of smoked paprika to your cheese blend for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour for a GF version, or vegan cheese for a plant-based twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to get that fresh-baked texture back.
Double the Batch: This dough freezes beautifully. Freeze individual dough balls, thaw overnight, and bake fresh when needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute mozzarella for Akkawi?
A1: Absolutely! Mozzarella is a great, easy-to-find alternative that melts beautifully and still tastes amazing.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the dough in advance and store in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temp before rolling and baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a pan for best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Totally! Freeze the dough or baked manakeesh for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat Cheese Manakeesh?
A5: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or in a hot skillet for a crispier bottom.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: For sure! Just make sure to divide your dough evenly so everything cooks properly.
Q7: What other cheeses can I use?
A7: Try feta, halloumi, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for something a bit different.
Q8: Can I make mini versions for snacks?
A8: Yes! Just divide the dough into smaller rounds and reduce baking time slightly.
Q9: Can I add toppings like olives or tomatoes?
A9: Definitely. Thinly sliced veggies or chopped olives are great additions.
Q10: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A10: 100%. Kids love the cheesy flavor—and they can even help make it!
Conclusion
Cheese Manakeesh is one of those recipes that instantly transports you. It’s warm, cheesy, and comforting—basically everything you could want from a homemade dish. Whether you’re introducing your tastebuds to something new or revisiting a nostalgic classic, this one’s a game-changer. So go ahead, make a batch (or two), and enjoy every bite—you deserve it.
Print
Cheese Manakeesh
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4–6 manakeesh
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Lebanese
Description
Cheese Manakeesh is a beloved Lebanese flatbread loaded with a rich blend of salty, stretchy, and creamy cheeses—perfectly crispy on the bottom and gooey on top. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a midday snack, or a party appetizer, this savory treat brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table. Customize it with sujuk, sesame, or black seeds for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.
Ingredients
Dough:
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1/2 cup warm milk
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1/2 cup warm water
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1 tsp yeast (rounded)
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2 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp salt
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 1/4 cups flour
Cheese & Toppings:
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485 g Akkawi cheese
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350 g mozzarella cheese
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125 g buffalo mozzarella
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Optional: sujuk (spicy sausage), sesame seeds, black seeds
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine warm water, milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Whisk to blend.
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Add flour and mix with a spatula until a dough forms. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or with a mixer for 4–5 minutes until smooth.
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Roll dough into a log, cut into 4–6 portions depending on desired size, shape each into a ball, and let rest covered for 20–30 minutes until doubled.
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Grate cheeses and prep toppings. Drain buffalo mozzarella to remove excess moisture.
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Heat an oven-safe pan on medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Preheat oven to broil.
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Flatten and roll out each dough ball on a floured surface. Keep rolled dough covered with parchment between layers.
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Brush hot pan with ghee, lay dough down, and cook for 1 minute. Add cheese and toppings, pressing gently.
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Check browning underneath, cook up to 40 more seconds if needed.
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Transfer to oven and broil for 1 minute. Check and broil 20–30 seconds longer if desired.
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Remove and cool on wire rack. Sprinkle sesame or black seeds while warm.
Notes
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Drain cheese well to avoid soggy dough.
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Add sujuk for a spicy twist.
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For a vegetarian version, omit sujuk and stick to traditional cheese and seeds.
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Best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manakeesh
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg