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Cheese Manakeesh

Cheese Manakeesh

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 55 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4โ€“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 cheesesโ€”perfectly crispy on the bottom and gooey on top. Whether youโ€™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:

  • 1/2 cup warm milk

  • 1/2 cup warm water

  • 1 tsp yeast (rounded)

  • 2 tsp sugar

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 1/4 cups flour

Cheese & Toppings:

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  • 485 g Akkawi cheese

  • 350 g mozzarella cheese

  • 125 g buffalo mozzarella

  • Optional: sujuk (spicy sausage), sesame seeds, black seeds


Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Whisk to blend.

  • Add flour and mix with a spatula until a dough forms. Knead by hand for 8โ€“10 minutes or with a mixer for 4โ€“5 minutes until smooth.

  • Roll dough into a log, cut into 4โ€“6 portions depending on desired size, shape each into a ball, and let rest covered for 20โ€“30 minutes until doubled.

  • Grate cheeses and prep toppings. Drain buffalo mozzarella to remove excess moisture.

  • Heat an oven-safe pan on medium heat for 10โ€“15 minutes. Preheat oven to broil.

  • Flatten and roll out each dough ball on a floured surface. Keep rolled dough covered with parchment between layers.

  • Brush hot pan with ghee, lay dough down, and cook for 1 minute. Add cheese and toppings, pressing gently.

  • Check browning underneath, cook up to 40 more seconds if needed.

  • Transfer to oven and broil for 1 minute. Check and broil 20โ€“30 seconds longer if desired.

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  • Remove and cool on wire rack. Sprinkle sesame or black seeds while warm.


Notes

  • Drain cheese well to avoid soggy dough.

  • Add sujuk for a spicy twist.

  • 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