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Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cheese Manakeesh is a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a blend of mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses, infused with oregano and black pepper. This recipe features a soft, fluffy homemade dough that is baked until golden and bubbling, making it a perfect savory breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 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)

For the Cheese Filling:

  • 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

For Garnish:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional mahlab. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough 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, or until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the cheese filling: While the dough is rising, combine shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, ricotta (if using), oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 to 6 equal portions depending on desired manakeesh size. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten to a round or oval shape about 1/4-inch thick on a floured surface.
  6. Add the cheese topping: Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border. Slightly press the edges to form a crust.
  7. Bake the manakeesh: Place the prepared manakeesh onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional Za’atar spice. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Ground mahlab adds authentic flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Ricotta cheese is optional but adds creaminess to the filling.
  • Use a pizza stone if available to get a crispier crust.
  • You can substitute dried thyme for oregano if preferred.
  • Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cheese-manakeesh-recipe/