Cheese Manakeesh

If you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious, Cheese Manakeesh is exactly what you need. These warm, pillowy flatbreads topped with a gooey, golden cheese filling are like a taste of heaven in every bite. This dish is a popular Middle Eastern treat, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or even as a satisfying snack. Imagine sinking your teeth into that crispy dough, bursting with melted cheese and hints of aromatic herbs. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love Cheese Manakeesh

Cheesy Goodness: The combination of melty cheese and soft dough is an absolute winner. It’s cheesy, savory, and downright irresistible.

Perfectly Simple: While this dish looks and sounds fancy, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Versatile: You can enjoy Cheese Manakeesh as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even as a fun appetizer for a gathering. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, olives, or hummus for a full Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Customizable: You can switch up the cheese blend based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s mozzarella, feta, or a mix of cheeses, you can make this your own.

Comfort Food: There’s something so comforting about fresh, warm flatbreads filled with cheese. This dish will quickly become a regular in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour: The base for our soft, fluffy dough.
• Instant yeast: This helps the dough rise and become wonderfully soft.
• Sugar: Just a touch to help activate the yeast.
• Salt: For seasoning and balancing the flavors in the dough.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Warm water: To help activate the yeast and bring everything together.

For the cheese filling:

• Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes this dish so irresistible.
• Feta cheese: Adds a bit of tang and creaminess to the filling.
• Parmesan cheese: For a hint of nutty flavor that takes this cheese mixture to the next level.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that brings that wonderful Middle Eastern flavor.
• Olive oil: To drizzle over the top and help the cheese bake to a beautiful golden color.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the warm water while stirring until the dough starts to come together. Once the dough forms, knead it for about 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Drizzle a little olive oil into the bowl and place the dough back in, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the dough rises, combine the mozzarella, feta, and parmesan cheeses in a bowl. Add the oregano and stir everything together until well mixed.

3. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up for an extra crispy crust. Otherwise, a baking sheet will work just fine.

4. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls (about 6-8 depending on your desired size). Roll each ball out into a round shape, about 1/4 inch thick.

5. Assemble the Manakeesh

Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. If you like, drizzle a little olive oil over the top for extra flavor and a golden finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the Cheese Manakeesh in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the crust is crispy.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the manakeesh from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy the cheesy, doughy goodness with a side of olives, salad, or a dollop of yogurt.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 25mg
  Sodium: 400mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 9g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 2%
  Calcium: 15%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including dough rise time)

How to Serve Cheese Manakeesh

With Fresh Vegetables: Serve with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy manakeesh.

With Hummus: Pair these cheesy flatbreads with a side of creamy hummus for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast.

With Labneh: Labneh, a strained yogurt, pairs beautifully with Cheese Manakeesh. The creamy, tangy yogurt enhances the flavor of the cheesy flatbread.

With Olives: A side of marinated olives makes a perfect snack or appetizer to enjoy alongside your manakeesh.

For a Quick Meal: You can even top the Cheese Manakeesh with a simple salad or grilled vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Try adding some provolone, ricotta, or even a little cheddar for a unique flavor twist.

Make Mini Manakeesh: For smaller, snack-sized versions, divide the dough into smaller portions, roll out into mini rounds, and reduce baking time slightly.

Storage: Store leftover manakeesh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy crust or microwave for a softer texture.

Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked, assembled manakeesh. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Add Toppings: Once baked, you can top the Cheese Manakeesh with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, or even a sprinkle of sumac for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?

A1: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought pizza dough or pita bread as a base. Just make sure to bake it long enough for the cheese to melt and the crust to get golden.

Q2: What if I don’t have feta cheese?

A2: No worries! If you don’t have feta, you can use ricotta or goat cheese instead. Both will give the dish a creamy, slightly tangy flavor.

Q3: Can I make this in advance?

A3: Yes! You can prepare the dough and cheese filling in advance. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days and the filling for 1 day. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I freeze the Cheese Manakeesh?

A4: Definitely! You can freeze the unbaked manakeesh, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A5: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili peppers to the cheese filling for a little extra heat.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A6: Yes, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a gluten-free baking powder or yeast if necessary.

Q7: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A7: Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar for a unique twist on the flavor.

Q8: How do I store leftover Cheese Manakeesh?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them, but the texture is best when fresh.

Q9: Can I make a vegetarian version?

A9: Yes! This is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for more flavor and texture.

Q10: What should I serve with Cheese Manakeesh?

A10: You can serve it with fresh salads, olives, hummus, or a bowl of yogurt for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing beverage like mint tea.

Conclusion

Cheese Manakeesh is the perfect balance of cheesy, savory, and comforting. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. So go ahead, take a bite, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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