Description
Cheese Manakeesh is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a rich mix of Akkawi, mozzarella, and buffalo mozzarella cheeses. It’s first seared on the stovetop for a crispy base, then broiled for a golden, melty finish—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
Ingredients
1/2 cup warm milk
1/2 cup warm water
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup grated Akkawi cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced buffalo mozzarella
1/4 cup sujuk (optional)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
1 tbsp black seeds (optional)
1/2 tsp ghee (per flatbread, for stovetop cooking)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Gradually add flour and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 4–5 minutes in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Shape dough into a log, divide into 3–4 large or 6 smaller balls. Cover and proof for 20–30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Grate Akkawi and mozzarella. Dice and drain buffalo mozzarella. Prepare sujuk and other toppings if using.
- Heat an oven-safe pan over medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Preheat broiler with rack positioned just beneath it.
- On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a round (about 1/8–1/4 inch thick). Keep covered until ready to cook.
- Add 1/2 tsp ghee to pan, place one dough round, and cook for 1 minute. Add cheeses and toppings, pressing gently. Cook another 30–40 seconds if needed.
- Transfer pan under broiler for about 1 minute, watching closely. Broil an extra 20–30 seconds for desired browning.
- Remove and cool on a wire rack for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame and black seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Akkawi with feta for similar saltiness.
- Dough can be prepped ahead and refrigerated overnight (use half the yeast).
- To avoid large bubbles, dock the dough with a fork or dimple with fingertips before cooking.
- Mini Manakeesh make great appetizers—divide dough into 10–12 portions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes per flatbread
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop and Broiler
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small flatbread
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
