This Manakish (Cheese and Za’atar) comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked in the oven for a quick and easy family meal that your family will love! Switch up the toppings to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! You really can’t go wrong with this dish that’s filled with comfort and just tons of flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus 2 extra tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 340 grams fresh mozzarella or Akawi cheese
- 200 grams feta cheese or Akawi cheese
- 1.5 tablespoons nigella seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- 7 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
How to Make This Manakish
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour and salt. In a small bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s all bubbly and foamy. (This step gets me excited because it means you’re on the right track!) Pour this yeast mixture into your flour along with the olive oil. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough. Then, knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth, feeling like a little pillow, and just so satisfying! Cover it and let it rise for about 15-20 minutes in a greased bowl. Doesn’t that just smell fantastic already?
While the dough is rising, let’s prepare those toppings. Tear the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and crumble your feta cheese. In another bowl, mix your za’atar spice blend with the nigella seeds (if using) and olive oil. Set that aside; patience is key!
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Once the dough has risen nicely and doubled in size, oh, the anticipation! Punch it down and divide it into 2-4 portions. Roll each portion into flat round shapes, aiming for about ¼ inch thick. Spread that za’atar mixture on top and layer generously with your two cheeses.
Now, it’s time to bake! Slide these beautiful creations into the oven for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbly. You’re going to want to keep an eye on these, every oven is different, so just follow your nose! It should smell divine.
Let them cool for a minute before cutting into wedges. And wow… the aroma! Serve warm, and just watch them disappear!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
These manakish come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a meal ready to go faster than you’d think.
Comfort Food at Its Best
Loaded with gooey cheese and aromatic spices, it’s comfort food but a bit different from your typical pizza night! You can enjoy this dish warm from the oven, with that melty cheese pulling apart beautifully!
Customizable
The best part is, you can toss in whatever toppings you have on hand, diced veggies, different cheeses, or even leftover roasted chicken! It’s a super adaptable dish, so feel free to get creative!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes this dish a win for budget-conscious families. You probably have most of the stuff already in your pantry!
Meal Prep Friendly
You can make the dough ahead of time and even freeze it! Just thaw the night before and let it rise before rolling and baking. Easy peasy.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy manakish as a snack, or pair it with a fresh salad for a wonderful lunch idea!
- Drizzle with more olive oil or serve with yogurt on the side for a tangy touch.
- And don’t forget, it’s perfect with your coffee or tea when the craving hits oh, and for breakfast? Yes, please!
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. They’re not freezer-friendly because they lose that delightful texture, but you’ll probably devour them before you have to worry!
I’m just a real sucker for manakish! This is my go-to recipe when I want something comforting yet quick. I love how versatile it is; honestly, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! You might find that it’s not just dinner anymore, it’s a favorite breakfast or snack too!
If you loved this manakish recipe, be sure to check out my Vegan Baba Ganoush for a healthy twist, my Lebanese Knafeh for fresh flavors, or my Stuffed Zucchini. You won’t want to miss those tasty delights!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind it will yield a denser texture, but it will still be delicious!
What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern herbal blend typically containing thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a wonderful flavor, perfect for these fluffy cheeses!
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or even freeze it in portions for later use.
Remember, making this quick and easy manakish isn’t just about the food, it’s about those cozy moments spent in the kitchen. So go on, whip this up tonight; your family will love you for it!
After diving into this recipe, you’ve got everything to make these delicious manakish happen at home. Trust me, you’ll be the family hero on dinner nights! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Manakish with Cheese and Za’atar
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and foamy.
- Pour yeast mixture into the flour along with olive oil. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let it rise for about 15-20 minutes in a greased bowl.
- Tear mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and crumble feta cheese.
- In another bowl, mix za’atar with nigella seeds (if using) and olive oil. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 2-4 portions.
- Roll each portion into flat round shapes, aiming for about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the za’atar mixture on top and layer generously with mozzarella and feta.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a minute before cutting into wedges and serve warm.