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.