Manakish Zaatar and Jibneh Recipe

Manakish zaatar and jibneh is a beloved Middle Eastern flatbread topped with fragrant zaatar and creamy cheese. This traditional pastry is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a delicious snack alongside tea or fresh vegetables. The soft homemade dough, rich olive oil, and savory cheese create a comforting combination that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas while baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This manakish recipe is simple, authentic, and full of traditional Middle Eastern flavors. The dough turns out soft and tender while still holding a slightly crisp edge after baking. The zaatar mixture provides an earthy and tangy taste balanced perfectly by the creamy white cheese and melted yellow cheese.

You’ll also love how versatile this recipe is. You can prepare small individual flatbreads or larger ones for sharing. The toppings can easily be adjusted based on your preference, making this recipe suitable for family gatherings, breakfast spreads, or afternoon snacks.

Another reason to love this recipe is that the dough is made from pantry staples, yet it tastes bakery-quality once baked fresh in the oven.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 cup warm water (adjust slightly if needed)

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon salt

For the Zaatar Filling

1 cup Middle Eastern zaatar mixture

1/2 cup olive oil

1 large spoon roasted sesame seeds

For the Cheese Filling

500 grams Nabulsi or Akawi cheese, medium salt level, sliced thinly

1/2 cup grated Kashkaval cheese or any coarse yellow cheese

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add the olive oil, beaten egg, yogurt, and warm water gradually while mixing. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.

Lightly dust the dough with flour and place it in a deep bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for about 2 hours until doubled in size.

Transfer the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls depending on how large you want the manakish to be.

Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into thin circles about 1/2 cm thick.

Grease baking trays lightly with olive oil and place the rolled dough rounds onto the trays.

In a small bowl, combine the zaatar mixture with olive oil and roasted sesame seeds. Spread the zaatar mixture evenly over some of the dough circles, pressing lightly so it adheres well.

For the cheese manakish, distribute the sliced white cheese over the dough and sprinkle with grated yellow cheese.

Allow the prepared dough rounds to rest for 15 minutes while the oven preheats.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Bake the manakish for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges become lightly golden and the cheese melts beautifully.

Serve hot straight from the oven with fresh vegetables, olives, or mint tea.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 medium-sized manakish.

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Resting time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Baking time: 15 minutes

Total time: About 2 hours 55 minutes

Variations

You can make several delicious variations of this traditional recipe. Add chopped fresh mint, tomatoes, or olives on top of the cheese filling for extra flavor and texture.

For a spicier version, sprinkle a little chili flakes into the zaatar mixture before spreading it onto the dough.

You can also create mixed manakish by covering half the dough with zaatar and the other half with cheese for the best of both flavors.

Whole wheat flour may be substituted for part of the all-purpose flour to create a heartier texture and slightly nuttier flavor.

Some people enjoy adding finely chopped spinach or sautéed onions to the cheese topping for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover manakish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze, allow the baked manakish to cool completely, then wrap each piece individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

For reheating, place the manakish in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crisp edges and soft interior.

You may also reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may soften the bread excessively.

FAQs

What is manakish?

Manakish is a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread commonly topped with zaatar, cheese, or minced fillings and baked until golden.

Can I use feta cheese instead of Akawi cheese?

Yes, feta cheese can be used, but it is usually saltier. Soaking it briefly in water helps reduce the saltiness.

What does zaatar taste like?

Zaatar has an earthy, tangy, herbal flavor with hints of sesame and thyme.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Different flour types absorb water differently. Add a little flour gradually until the dough becomes manageable.

Can I freeze unbaked manakish?

Yes, you can freeze prepared unbaked manakish and bake them directly from frozen with a few extra baking minutes.

How do I keep manakish soft?

Cover the baked manakish with a clean kitchen towel after baking to help retain softness.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, replacing part of the flour with whole wheat flour works well and adds extra flavor.

What can I serve with manakish?

Manakish pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, olives, yogurt, labneh, or tea.

Can I cook manakish without an oven?

Yes, they can be cooked on a covered stovetop skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.

Conclusion

Manakish zaatar and jibneh is a comforting and flavorful Middle Eastern classic that brings together soft homemade dough, aromatic zaatar, and rich melted cheese in every bite. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or as part of a family gathering, these savory flatbreads are always satisfying and delicious. Once you try making them at home, they are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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