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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
