Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

If you have never experienced the magic of a freshly baked Cheese Manakeesh Recipe, you are in for a real treat. This Middle Eastern flatbread loaded with a melty, flavorful blend of mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses delivers a perfect harmony of crispy crust and creamy, tangy cheese that is absolutely irresistible. Whether you want it for breakfast, a snack, or a light meal, Cheese Manakeesh Recipe feels like a warm hug from the oven and is surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step toward making this delightful Cheese Manakeesh Recipe. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect dough texture or infusing the cheese topping with rich, authentic flavor.

• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent that helps your dough rise and become wonderfully soft and airy.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): A little sweetness that feeds the yeast for a beautiful rise.
• Warm water (1 cup): At the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The base for the dough that creates that satisfying chewiness.
• Olive oil (1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Adds richness to the dough and a flavorful drizzle on the finished bake.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances everything in the dough.
• Ground mahlab (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A subtle Middle Eastern spice that adds a unique, slightly nutty aroma.
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Brings a creamy meltiness that stretches beautifully.
• Feta cheese (1 cup crumbled): Adds a salty tang that contrasts perfectly with the mozzarella.
• Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup, optional): For a luscious, creamy texture that elevates the filling.
• Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Infuses an herby, fragrant note that complements the cheeses.
• Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle hint of spice to round out the mixture.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens and freshens the final look and taste.
• Za’atar spice mix (optional): A vibrant Middle Eastern seasoning to sprinkle on top for extra depth.

How to Make Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by dissolving sugar and yeast in warm water and let it rest until frothy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic. Mixing this into flour, salt, and olive oil creates a dough that you’ll knead until smooth and elastic. The addition of mahlab here is optional but highly recommended for a traditional hint of flavor that makes your manakeesh truly authentic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, let your dough relax and rise in a greased bowl covered with a towel for about 1 to 1.5 hours. When it doubles in size, it signals that the gluten has softened and air bubbles have formed, making the bread light and soft – the perfect foundation for your cheese topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the dough is rising, combine shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, and creamy ricotta in a bowl along with oregano and black pepper. This blend of cheeses creates a perfect balance between gooey, salty, and aromatic — the unspoken star of the Cheese Manakeesh Recipe.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to a high 475°F (245°C). Using a pizza stone is a great tip to get a crispier base, but a baking sheet works perfectly fine too. This intense heat ensures your manakeesh has a golden crust and bubbly cheese topping.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into portions depending on your preferred size. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it out to about a quarter inch thickness in a round or oval shape. This gives ample surface area for the cheese while keeping the thickness just right for baking.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture evenly across each dough base, but leave a little border around the edges to create a natural crust. Slightly pressing and crimping the edges helps keep the cheese from spilling over during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Manakeesh

Place the cheese-covered dough onto your preheated baking surface and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The crust should turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese will be bubbling and starting to show hints of gold. This is when your Cheese Manakeesh Recipe is reaching perfection!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, a drizzle of olive oil followed by fresh parsley or za’atar gives your manakeesh a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor. Serve it warm to savor the gooey cheese and tender crust at their absolute best.

How to Serve Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal lift that cuts through the richness of the cheese. For an authentic touch, sprinkle a little za’atar spice mix for a zesty, earthy finish that elevates the flavor profile and makes each bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

Cheese Manakeesh pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh cucumber and tomato salad, pickles, or olives. These additions provide crispness and acidity, balancing the rich, cheesy bread. A dollop of labneh or a bowl of warm lentil soup can also make this meal more hearty and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Cheese Manakeesh into triangular wedges and serve it on a wooden board with small bowls of za’atar, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a casual, shareable feast. Alternatively, try topping individual portions with a soft-boiled egg or a handful of arugula for interesting texture contrasts and extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of your Cheese Manakeesh Recipe (though it’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp and the cheese delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped dough or fully baked manakeesh. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve freshness and texture.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness and melty goodness, reheat your Cheese Manakeesh in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses for Cheese Manakeesh Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella, feta, and ricotta are traditional and create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, you can experiment with halloumi, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.

Is ground mahlab necessary?

Ground mahlab is optional, but it adds an authentic Middle Eastern aroma that’s subtle yet distinctive. If you can’t find it, the Cheese Manakeesh Recipe will still be delicious without it.

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes! This dough is straightforward enough to mix and knead by hand. Just make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness is perfect. It’s thick enough to hold the cheese without tearing but thin enough to bake crisp and golden.

What is the best way to serve Cheese Manakeesh Recipe for breakfast?

Serve warm slices alongside fresh vegetables, olives, and a cup of strong coffee or tea. Adding a soft-boiled egg or a dollop of labneh can transform it into a wonderfully satisfying morning meal.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheese Manakeesh Recipe is like bringing a slice of Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality right into your kitchen. With its inviting aroma, melty cheese, and crisp crust, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become one of your favorites to share with family and friends. Once you try it, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cheese Manakeesh is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a flavorful blend of mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses, seasoned with oregano and black pepper. This recipe features a soft, elastic yeast dough that is baked until golden and bubbly, making for a delicious savory snack or light meal.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional, but adds authentic flavor)

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for a creamy texture)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or thyme)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Za’atar spice mix (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional mahlab. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the cheese filling: While the dough rises, mix the shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, ricotta (if using), oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4-6 equal portions depending on desired size. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten and roll out into 1/4-inch thick rounds or ovals on a lightly floured surface.
6. Add the cheese topping: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border. Slightly press the edges to form a crust if desired.
7. Bake the manakeesh: Place the prepared flatbreads on a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or Za’atar spice mix if using. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• The optional ground mahlab adds an authentic Middle Eastern flavor to the dough but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Ricotta cheese adds creaminess to the topping, but you can skip it for a denser texture.
• Za’atar spice mix is a traditional garnish that complements the cheese topping well.
• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works perfectly fine.
• Ensure the water is not too hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern