Description
Cheese Manakeesh is a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a blend of mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses, seasoned with oregano and black pepper. This warm, cheesy flatbread makes a perfect snack or light meal, offering a crispy crust with gooey, flavorful cheese filling, enhanced by a drizzle of olive oil and optional za’atar spice.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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
For Garnish:
- 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. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and mahlab (if using). Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the cheese filling: While the dough is rising, mix the shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, ricotta (if using), dried oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well to ensure a crisp crust.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4-6 equal portions depending on your preferred manakeesh size. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a round or oval shape on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Add the cheese topping: Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture evenly over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges. Slightly press the edges to form a crust if you like.
- Bake the manakeesh: Place the prepared flatbreads onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the manakeesh from the oven and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of za’atar spice mix if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ground mahlab is a traditional spice that adds an authentic Middle Eastern flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ricotta cheese is optional and adds creaminess but can be left out for a firmer cheese texture.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Za’atar is optional for garnish; it adds an herby and tangy flavor complementing the cheese.
- Adjust cheese quantities to taste; this recipe balances mozzarella and feta for flavor and melt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Flatbread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 manakeesh (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
