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Zaatar Bread (Manakish)
5 from 10 votes

Zaatar Bread (Manakish)

Zaatar Bread (Manakish) is a flatbread made from a yeasted dough enriched with olive oil and dry milk powder, rolled into individual portions, and topped either with a zaatar spice blend mixed with olive oil or a mixture of mozzarella and feta cheeses. Baking at 375°F yields soft, flavorful breads with either a herbaceous, aromatic topping or a cheesy finish.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Dough Rise
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 401 kcal
Course: Breakfast, Bread
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Lebanese

Ingredients

Dough
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup water warm
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp dry powdered milk (or powdered buttermilk)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
Zaatar topping (enough for 4)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup zaatar spice
  • 1 tbsp water
Cheese topping (enough for 4)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

Dough
    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup of the warm water in a small bowl and stir. Set aside to proof for 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixer bowl, sift in the flour, dry milk and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour and using the dough hook, knead for 10 minutes adding the remaining 1/2 cup water little by little until a nice consistent dough is formed.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise until doubled in size or for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets (enough to hold two 8" circles) with silicon mat or parchment paper.
Assembly
  1. In a small bowl, blend the zaatar mixture, then set aside. In another small bowl, combine the cheeses and set aside.
  2. Lightly flour work surface and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Form each into a ball by rolling it on the work surface in a circular motion.
  3. Working with one ball at a time (cover the rest with plastic wrap) roll the dough ball into an 8" circle, lightly dusting with flour as you roll.
  4. Arrange 2 dough rounds per baking sheet. Divide the za’atar oil mixture on top of 4 flatbreads and the cheese mixture over the remaining 4 dough rounds, spreading the toppings to edge of each flatbread.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottom of the manakeesh turns a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Powdered milk in the dough improves tenderness and flavor but can be substituted with powdered buttermilk.
  • Divide dough into even pieces and roll gently to maintain soft texture.
  • Zaatar topping offers a herbal, tangy flavor, while cheese topping provides rich creaminess.
  • Bake on parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Nutrition Information

Calories 401kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 47g (16%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 22g (34%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g (18%) Monounsaturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 1mg (0%) Sodium 310mg (13%) Potassium 202mg (4%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 565IU (11%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 306mg (31%) Iron 21mg (117%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 401

% Daily Value*

Calories 401kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 22g 34%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 310mg 13%
Potassium 202mg 4%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 565IU 11%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 306mg 31%
Iron 21mg 117%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.