Quick & Fluffy Cheese Manakeesh Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated the delightful cheese manakeesh as a beloved street food staple.

Skilled bakers craft these savory pastries with incredible precision and passion.

Crisp dough becomes a canvas for melted cheese and aromatic herbs.

Warm spices dance across the surface, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons hungry souls.

Neighborhoods buzz with the sound of sizzling flatbreads emerging from traditional ovens.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through layers of flavor and texture.

You’ll find this recipe captures the essence of comfort and culinary tradition.

Let’s uncover the magic of making these mouthwatering cheese-topped delights together!

FAQs

• What cheese works best for Manakeesh?

Akkawi, mozzarella, and feta are traditional choices. Akkawi provides authentic flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feta brings a tangy note. Always soak Akkawi in water to reduce saltiness before using.

• Is Manakeesh considered healthy?

Manakeesh contains cheese and bread, providing protein and carbohydrates. While delicious, it’s relatively high in calories. Moderate consumption is recommended as part of a balanced diet.

• Can I make Manakeesh without a baking stone?

Yes, use an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven. This helps create a crispy crust similar to traditional preparation. Ensure the baking surface is very hot before placing the dough.

What Makes Cheese Manakeesh So Savory and Fun

• Savor Middle Eastern Comfort: Dive into a delightful culinary journey with this authentic cheese manakeesh that brings the warmth of Middle Eastern kitchens right to your table.
• Master Quick Cooking: Perfectly designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or casual get-togethers, these cheese-filled flatbreads will impress guests and satisfy hungry crowds with their irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows you to experiment with different cheese combinations, add extra toppings, or adjust seasonings to match your personal taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.

Everything Needed for a Cheese Manakeesh Bake

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the manakeesh dough.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Activates the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread base.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps create a soft, pliable dough.
• Water: Necessary for bringing the dough ingredients together.

• Akkawi Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Feta Cheese: Create a delicious and creamy cheese mixture with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• Nigella Seeds: Optional topping that adds a subtle nutty and slightly peppery flavor to the manakeesh.

• Flour (for dusting): Prevents the dough from sticking during rolling and shaping.

Steps for Making Classic Cheese Manakeesh

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm up some water and dissolve sugar in it. Sprinkle yeast over the liquid and let it sit until it becomes foamy and bubbly, which takes about 10-15 minutes.

This process wakes up the yeast and prepares it for creating a soft, fluffy dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• Flour
• Salt

Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.

Stir everything until a soft dough starts to form. The mixture will slowly come together into a shaggy, slightly sticky ball.

Step 3: Knead and Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it thoroughly for 5-7 minutes, pushing and folding until the texture becomes smooth and stretchy.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will double in size during this time.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Filling

If using Akkawi cheese, grate it and soak in water for 30 minutes to reduce saltiness. Drain and squeeze out excess water.

• Grated Akkawi
• Mozzarella
• Feta

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare

Heat the oven to 475F. Place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to get hot.

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.

Step 6: Shape the Bread

Roll each dough ball into a thin circle about 6 inches wide on a floured surface. Brush each circle lightly with oil.

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Optional: Sprinkle nigella seeds over the cheese.

Carefully transfer the prepared manakeesh onto the hot baking surface. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly, delicious topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm.

Pair with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage for a delightful Middle Eastern experience.

Notes for Cheesy and Crispy Manakeesh Fans

• Soak Akkawi cheese in water to reduce saltiness and ensure a balanced flavor profile in your manakeesh.
• Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area like inside an unheated oven to help it rise perfectly and develop a soft texture.
• Preheat a baking stone or inverted baking sheet to mimic traditional Middle Eastern wood-fired oven conditions for an authentic crispy crust.
• Blend different cheese varieties like mozzarella, feta, and Akkawi to create a rich, complex flavor and achieve that perfect melty consistency.
• Cut manakeesh into smaller pieces for appetizers or keep them whole for a satisfying main dish, pairing wonderfully with fresh salad or yogurt dip.

Cheese Manakeesh Variations to Try at Home

• Vegan Cheese Manakeesh: Replace dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives like vegan mozzarella, nutritional yeast, and cashew cheese. Use almond milk in the dough for added richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or chickpea flour. Ensure yeast and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mediterranean Manakeesh: Add za'atar spice blend, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the cheese mixture. Drizzle with chili-infused olive oil before serving.

Pairings for a Middle Eastern Cheese Manakeesh

Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, salty cheese flavors without overwhelming the delicate manakeesh.

Brew traditional Arabic mint tea to balance the cheese’s richness and provide a cooling contrast to the warm, crispy pastry.

Create a light cucumber and tomato salad with lemon dressing to cut through the cheese’s heaviness and add fresh, vibrant notes to the meal.

Prepare a simple yogurt sauce with chopped mint and dill to provide a tangy, cooling accompaniment that brightens the manakeesh’s savory profile.

Storing Cheese Manakeesh for Another Meal

• Wrap individually in aluminum foil or place in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, maintaining freshness and preventing moisture buildup.
• Separate manakeesh with parchment paper, seal in freezer-safe bags, and store for maximum 2 months. Ensure airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn.
• Place on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking periodically to prevent cheese from overheating or becoming rubbery.

Cheese Manakeesh Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Elevate your culinary journey with this irresistible Cheese Manakeesh, a Middle Eastern delicacy that blends rich flavors and traditional baking techniques. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with every bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cheese):

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) Akkawi cheese, grated
• Optional: mixture of mozzarella and feta cheese

Dough Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 4 tablespoons mild olive oil
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons nigella seeds
• Mild olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Create a soft, pliable dough by dissolving sugar in warm water, then activate the yeast by allowing it to foam for 10-15 minutes.
2. Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl, incorporating the yeast mixture and olive oil until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, developing its elasticity and smoothness.
4. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
5. Prepare the cheese filling by soaking Akkawi cheese in water to reduce saltiness, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture.
6. Combine grated Akkawi with mozzarella and feta cheeses in a bowl, ensuring an even mixture.
7. Heat the oven to 475F (245C), positioning a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to create an intense cooking surface.
8. Deflate the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a ball.
9. Roll each dough ball into a thin, 6-inch circular shape on a lightly floured surface.
10. Brush the dough circles with oil to enhance browning and flavor.
11. Distribute the cheese mixture evenly across each circle, maintaining a small border around the edges.
12. Optionally sprinkle nigella seeds over the cheese for added texture and aroma.
13. Carefully transfer the prepared manakeesh onto the preheated baking surface.
14. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly, appetizing topping.
15. Allow the manakeesh to cool briefly after removing from the oven.
16. Slice and serve warm, perfectly paired with tea or your preferred beverage.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a blend of soft and hard cheeses like Akkawi, mozzarella, and feta for a complex, rich flavor profile that melts beautifully.
• Dough Hydration Tip: Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, creating a soft, airy texture.
• Salt Reduction Hack: Soak Akkawi cheese in water to remove excess saltiness, transforming the intense flavor into a more balanced, creamy experience.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute wheat flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the authentic Middle Eastern taste.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg