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4.9 from 45 votes

Za'atar Manakish (Lebanese Za'atar Bread)

Za'atar manakish (Manakeesh) is a popular Levantine flatbread featuring za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend. Za'atar bread is easy to make and bakes rather quickly, making it excellent for breakfast or lunch, or as part of a meze platter.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Proofing Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 6 breads
Calories: 387 kcal
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Middle Eastern , Lebanese , Arabian

Ingredients

Dough:
  • 1 cup warm water (about 100 to 115°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 grams / 1 envelope) active dry yeast
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 ¼ cups (400 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Topping:
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons Za’atar

Instructions

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  1. Combine the warm water, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix together. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, knead on low speed until a smooth dough is formed, about 5 minutes. If the dough is a little stiff, you may need to add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons water. If it's very sticky, you may need to add an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons flour. The final result should be tacky but not too sticky.
  3. Remove the dough from the bowl and, using your hands, shape into a smooth ball. Place dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions (about 115 grams or 4 ounces each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball, then one by one flatten, spread, and stretch each ball into a circle about ¼ inch thick and 6-inches in diameter.
  6. Place each disc of dough on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough until you have 6 flat discs of dough.
  7. Stir together the olive oil and za'atar and use a spoon to divide it over the 6 discs of dough, spreading it evenly and leaving just a small border at the edges (like a pizza).
  8. Bake the breads until they just start to brown around the edges, 14 to 16 minutes. These are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature.

Notes

  • Wrap cooled leftover manakish in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge. You may also freeze well-wrapped za'atar bread for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before enjoying.
  • To reheat/refresh leftover manakish heat it in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until heated through.
  • Za'atar manakish is typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. Include it as part of a Mediterranean breakfast plate alongside boiled or fried eggs, fresh or roasted tomatoes, cucumbers, briny olives, and labneh (thick yogurt cheese). Incorporate it into a meze platter with sliced feta or halloumi cheese, olives, labneh or hummus, and vegetarian stuffed grape leaves.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bread Calories 387kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 54g (18%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 10g Sodium 367mg (15%) Potassium 16mg (0%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6breads

Amount Per Serving

Calories 387

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bread
Calories 387kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 54g 18%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Sodium 367mg 15%
Potassium 16mg 0%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%

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