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Home » All My Recipes

Manakeesh (manakish) zaatar recipe

Published: Apr 10, 2020 · Modified: Jun 21, 2020 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Arabic bread with cheese and za'atar is a great Middle Eastern way to greet your guests, for breakfast, lunch or snack. Manakeesh is considered the cousin of Sfiha as they both share the same base with different delicious topping.

Za'atar and cheese manakeesh stacked on a light brown plate

Za'atar Manakeesh

You've probably tried manakeesh with za'atar before in a Lebanese restaurant. Manakeesh is the Arabic flat bread topped with a mixture of olive oil and za'atar. Manakeesh can also be topped with cheese, and this type is my kids favorite.
I remember when I made my first manakeesh we had a friend of my husband over and I wanted to make something special. I made manakesh and it was too crunchy, delicious but seriously hard. My husband's friend looked at me and said " I think Manakeesh should be soft Amira, but nice try". I actually did not know if manakeesh should be hard or soft, I just liked them that way🤣.

For the dough you will need

Sfiha and Manakeesh dough ingredients

You can use any dough that you feel comfortable with. You can also try your hands in this super quick 10 minutes dough. But this dough which I got for Sfiha was my favorite one.

Sfiha and manakeesh dough step by step
  1. In the mixer bow, combine yeast, sugar and warm water. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. In another bowl mix flour, dry milk and salt.
  3. Add oil and flour then start kneading adding the water little by little until a dough forms.
  4. Cover and let it rise for an hour or more until double in size.

Za'atar and cheese mix

A photos showing ingredients for Zaatar Manakeesh

For the cheese manakeesh, I've used a mix of Mozzarella and feta cheese. For the Za'atar manakeesh used a mixture of olive oil and za'atar.

Step by step photos for making manakeesh
  1. When the dough has doubled in volume, turn on a lightly floured surface.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Set the balls aside covered with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Roll each ball into an 8 inch disc.
  4. Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and make some holes using a fork to prevent it from rising in the oven.
  5. Make cheese and za'atar mixtures then spread over the rolled dough.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven according to directions. When they have cooled a bit place on another baking sheet covered with plastic wrap to keep them soft.

Tips for a soft Manakeesh

  1. Add water to the Za'atar mix. Yes you read this right. This is a tip I got from a Palestinian fried who told me that every one knows this in her village. If you add water it prevents the za'atar mixture from getting burnt easily and keeps your manakeesh softer.
  2. Cover them after they have cooled a bit. Like what we have done in Sfiha, you'll need to cover your manakeesh with plastic wrap after the have cooled down a bit.

What cheese to use?

Traditionally manaeesh is made with Nabulsi or akawi cheese, practically any white cheese or a combination would work. Here I've used a combination of feta and mozzarella, I've people use cream cheese with mozzarella, queso, ricotta, and halloumi.

Breakfast table with middle eastern pizza along with sauces and a plate of diced tomato and cucumber.

My little one has told me that “this is the best cheese pizza the world.” Although this was his first time eating this kind of manakish. I think you might just agree.

If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

Za'atar and cheese manakeesh stacked on a light brown plate

Manakeesh (manakish) zaatar recipe

Manaqish is the Arabic pizza. This pizza style dish is usually topped with an exotic za’atar or cheese mix. Perfect for parties, as an appetizer or for lunch/dinner.
4.91 from 11 votes
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Course: Breakfast, lunch
Cuisine: Middle East
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Rising time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 8 pizzas
Calories: 352.4kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast.
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar.
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water.
  • 3 cups (405g) all purpose flour.
  • 2 Tablespoons dry powdered milk. Note1
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • ¼ cup olive oil.

For the cheese topping: (enough for 4)

  • You can choose any white cheese combination you like and here is what I’ve done
  • 100 g Mozzarella cheese.
  • 100 g feta cheese.
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil.

For the za’atar mix (enough for 4)

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup za’atar mix.
  • 1 Tablespoon water.

Instructions

Make the dough:

  • In your mixer bowl, combine yeast, sugar and half a cup of the warm water. Stir to combine and leave it to proof for 10 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour, dry milk and salt.
  • After the 10 minutes add oil and flour then start kneading adding the water little by little until a nice consistent dough is formed.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise on you countertop until it doubled in size or for 1 hour depending on your kitchen temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Place a rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Line two large baking sheets (enough to hold two 8inch circles) with parchment paper.
  • Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough in, divide the dough into 8 equal balls.
  • Work with one ball at a time and cover the rest with plastic wrap.
  • Roll the dough ball into a 8inch circle, lightly dust with flour while rolling so it will not stick to the work space.
  • Place the rolled dough on your baking sheet and work with another one then place it on the same baking sheet.
  • Top the circles with your za’atar or cheese mix and level the surface.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes ( or longer for a crispier mannish if that’s what you like) or until the bottom of the manakish turns golden brown.
  • If you want them to stay soft place while hot on a plate and cover with plastic wrap.

Notes

Note1: Adding dry milk to the dough makes it softer, highly recommended but you can certainly do without.

Serve with:

Tahini dip, slices of tomato and cucumber, and try it with Lebanese garlic dip.
Values based on pink salt and is for cheese Manakeesh.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutritions for Manakeesh with Za'atar:
  • Calories 277.6
  • Total Fat 14.0 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.8 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 9.9 g
  • Cholesterol 0.0 mg
  • Sodium 42.8 mg
  • Potassium 66.1 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 33.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber 2.5 g
  • Sugars 0.7 g
  • Protein 4.6 g

Nutrition

Calories: 352.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.4g | Protein: 14.2g | Fat: 17.2g | Saturated Fat: 7.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.1g | Cholesterol: 36.8mg | Sodium: 433.3mg | Potassium: 102.6mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 2g
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About Amira

I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Comments

  1. Nancy

    September 17, 2024 at 7:15 am

    Looking forward to making these delicious recipes. I just subscribed to Amira's Pantry. Everything looks delicious! Can you please tell me where I can purchase the really good tasting Zaarta. I have tried so many online and the taste is not original. Hope you have some yummy suggestions. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Amira

      October 08, 2024 at 10:24 am

      Hello Nancy and sorry for the late reply. I bought mine from a local Palestinian woman who made them for a friend.I will have mine soon.

      Reply
  2. Lola

    November 12, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    Hi there. Thank you for this recipe. This is my first time trying it and my kitchen smells so good right now. I can't wait to take a bite! Can we save leftovers in the refrigerator? If so, how many days?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Amira

      November 12, 2023 at 4:23 pm

      Thanks Lola, I hope you'll like it. I would say pretty much like what you do with leftover pizza, give it like 3-4 days.

      Reply
      • Lola

        November 18, 2023 at 11:17 am

        Thank you Amira! It is delicious. I will be making it again =)

        Reply
  3. ForeverMama

    May 23, 2023 at 6:44 am

    5 stars
    Hi Amira, I made both the cheese and zaatar versions and want to report how good these are. Both are very delicious, but if I were to pick the Zaatar has a high WOW factor. They have all been eaten, lickety split - gone, and I’m already craving for some more. So good and highly recommended. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  4. Hanan

    March 27, 2022 at 8:52 am

    5 stars
    If short on time, I recommend using Rhodes frozen dinner rolls. Put them out for 1-2 hours on baking sheet (separated). Then flatten onto baking sheet and put your topping on then bake.

    Reply
  5. rania hanna

    July 18, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    Shakran and love the tip about adding water to the zaatar mix - I've always had issues with the mana'eesh not being soft enough, so will try this!

    Reply
  6. Samantha Mawed

    April 11, 2020 at 9:25 am

    5 stars
    I bake manaish all the time. It's such a good thing to have ready in the freezer! Husband (Palestinian) loves zaatar, I still haven't gotten used to the taste...but me and our son likes the cheese or with meat. Mince meat, fresh parsley and mint, lots of grated fresh tomatoes, little green fresh peppers, some grated onion and 7 spices, delicious.
    By the way Amira I was looking for fasoli bi roze, beans with rice but to my surprise couldn't find any recipe here. Please share your best recipe.
    Shukran

    Reply
    • Amira

      April 18, 2020 at 2:00 am

      Samantha, thank you for your comment. My kids loved the cheese and the meat one too (sfiha) as they are not used yet to za'atar too. Regarding your question, do you mean fasolia beeda?

      Reply
      • Fasil

        April 27, 2020 at 7:34 am

        Eid Mubarak. is makeeesaah easy to make

        Reply
        • Amira

          April 29, 2020 at 1:46 am

          Thank you, I do not think it requires special cooking skills Fasil.

          Reply

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I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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