Manaaeesh Flatbread Recipe – Lebanese Special
The Manaaeesh Flatbread is a beloved Lebanese bread that brings Middle Eastern flavors right into your kitchen. Made from a soft dough of all-purpose flour, yeast, olive oil, and warm water, it’s topped with za’atar & olive oil or melted cheese, sometimes even ground meat and spices. Whether you’re looking for a savory breakfast, flavorful appetizer, or light meal, this flatbread is chewy, aromatic, and perfect with tea or a side salad.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Perform Time9 hr 30 min
- Total Time10 hr 5 min
Manaaeesh Flatbread Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (not too hot, around 110°F or 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Toppings of your choice (za’atar, cheese, ground meat, etc.)
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
Knead the dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Divide and shape the dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles and divide it into smaller portions (usually 4-6 pieces). Shape each piece into a ball.
Roll out the dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch the dough.
Add toppings:
Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel lined with parchment paper. Brush the dough with olive oil and add your desired toppings such as za’atar, cheese, or a mixture of ground meat and spices.
Bake the manakish:
Slide the prepared manakish onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the toppings are bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the manakish cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy your freshly baked manakish! They are best enjoyed warm and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal with a side salad.
Recipe Notes
Yeast Activation & Rising Time: Make sure your yeast is frothy before mixing into the flour; allowing the dough to rise until doubled ensures the Manaaeesh flatbread develops airy texture.
Topping Options: Za’atar with olive oil is classic; cheese-only or adding seasoned ground meat work beautifully. Try nigella seeds or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Shaping & Thickness: Roll dough to about ¼ inch thickness or desired size for thinner or thicker crust. Use oval or circular shapes depending on your baking sheet or stone.
Baking Tips: Preheat oven very hot (around 475°F / 245°C) and use a pizza stone if available for better crust. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and toppings bubbly.
Serving & Storage: Serve Manaaeesh flatbread warm with fresh herbs or drizzle olive oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheating in a hot oven or skillet helps restore crispness.
