This Zaatar Manakeesh is a Mediterranean flatbread made with dough and zaatar spice. It’s an easy recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes and is all in one pan for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the toppings or add your favorite fixings to suit your taste, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, this recipe is a total game changer.
Ingredient Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour
- Warm Water
- Active Dry Yeast
- Olive Oil
- Zaatar Spice Mix
- Salt
Let’s Get Cooking!
So, here’s how to make this incredible Zaatar Manakeesh. You’re going to love how easy it is!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough (10 minutes) In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix it all together with a whisk until combined.
Then, add in ¾ cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until the dough starts coming together. You want it to feel a bit sticky; if it seems too dry, add a bit more water, just a tablespoon at a time.
Knead the Dough (5 minutes) Lightly flour a clean surface, then turn out the dough onto the counter. Knead it for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It’s amazing how it’s almost meditative to knead dough, don’t you think? Shape it into a ball.
Let It Rise (15 minutes) Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place. This is when the magic happens as the yeast gets to work, give it about 15 minutes. You can set it next to a warm oven or on a sunny windowsill.
Roll Out the Dough (5 minutes) After it has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Divide the dough into 2-4 even pieces, depending on how thick you want your flatbreads. Roll each piece out into a circle about ¼ inch thick. The best part is the texture; it should feel soft and a little bit springy.
Prep the Zaatar Topping (5 minutes) In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of zaatar spice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until combined. It should form a lovely paste-like consistency. This mixture is going to be truly magical on top of your flatbread!
Assemble and Bake (10 minutes) Preheat your oven to 450°F. Brush each rolled-out dough with the zaatar mixture, covering it generously. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown on the edges and smell divine!
Personal Connection
Let me tell you why this Zaatar Manakeesh is my go-to recipe. When those delicious, herby aromas fill the kitchen, I can’t help but feel warm and cozy inside, it’s like you’re wrapped in a blanket of comfort! Plus, it’s a family favorite around here. My kids adore stuffing it with all sorts of goodies, whether it’s fresh veggies, cheese, or just enjoying it fresh out of the oven by itself. Honestly, it’s such a versatile dish, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it always turns out perfectly!
If you loved this Zaatar Manakeesh, be sure to check out my Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes, my Lebanese Moussaka (Maghmour), or my Kafta Kebabs!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Zaatar Manakeesh comes together in under 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights! The simple dough mixes up quickly, and while it’s rising, you can prep the toppings.
Customizable
The beauty of this dish is that you can really make it your own. Don’t have zaatar? Use your favorite herbs! Add whatever toppings your family loves, think olives, tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
Comfort Food
Warm flatbreads topped with that delicious herby blend is like getting a hug from the inside out. It’s incredibly satisfying and packed with tons of flavor, making it a beloved weeknight meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep
These flatbreads can be made ahead of time and popped in the freezer. Make a big batch! They freeze beautifully, and when you’re short on time, just reheat them and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
I recommend serving your Zaatar Manakeesh alongside a fresh salad or a simple yogurt dip flavored with a touch of garlic. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of feta cheese won’t hurt either!
Storage and Reheating
This Mediterranean flatbread keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Just wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to get that delightful crispy texture back!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! These can be frozen before baking. Just wrap each flatbread individually and store in a freezer bag. You can pop them straight into the oven from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in making this Zaatar Manakeesh as I do! It’s all about simplicity, cooking should be enjoyable and not stressful. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. Cooking for your family doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about connecting, sharing, and creating beautiful memories at the dinner table.
Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Zaatar Manakeesh
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix with a whisk until combined.
- Add in ¾ cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until the dough starts coming together and feels sticky.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough onto the counter. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball.
- Place the dough ball into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 15 minutes.
- After it has risen, punch it down gently, divide into 2-4 pieces, and roll each into a circle about ¼ inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of zaatar spice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until a paste-like consistency forms.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Brush each rolled-out dough with the zaatar mixture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown on the edges.