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Za’atar Cheese Manakish Pull-Apart Bread Recipe


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

To truly appreciate this recipe, it helps to understand what makes it so special. A standard manakish (often spelled man’ousheh in the singular) is a popular Levantine flatbread topped with olive oil and herb seasoning, meat, or cheese. It is traditionally baked at very high heat in a brick oven, creating a thin, crisp crust with a chewy interior. It is an iconic breakfast food across countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, usually enjoyed hot alongside fresh vegetables, olives, and warm tea.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) warm water
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 3 tbsp za’atar seasoning
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For Topping

  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp za’atar
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk, warm water, olive oil, and egg.
  3. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix mozzarella and feta together.
  2. In a separate small bowl, combine za’atar with olive oil to create a thick paste.

Step 3: Shape the Bread

  1. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
  2. Punch down the risen dough.
  3. Divide into 24–30 equal pieces.
  4. Flatten each piece into a small circle.
  5. Spread a little za’atar paste in the center.
  6. Add about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
  7. Pinch the edges closed to form a ball.
  8. Arrange the balls seam-side down in the prepared pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

  • Cover loosely and let rise for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush the tops with melted butter mixed with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with additional za’atar and sesame seeds.
  4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish

  • Brush with a little more melted butter after baking.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, weekend brunch, or family dinner, this Za’atar Cheese Manakish Pull-Apart Bread is sure to become a favorite. Every soft, cheesy bite is packed with the comforting flavors of the Middle East. Enjoy!

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: MiddleEastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 320 kcal

Keywords: zaatar cheese pull apart bread, middle eastern cheese bread, zaatar cheese rolls