Zaatar Manakeesh Recipe – Easy & Authentic Middle Eastern Flatbread

I’ve always believed that cooking should feel like sharing a story, not just a meal. Growing up, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh herbs, warm bread, and the laughter of family around the table. That’s why I love bringing traditional recipes to life in ways that are simple, approachable, and delicious. Zaatar Manakeesh is one of those recipes—warm, aromatic, and perfect for creating memories while keeping cooking easy and fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Zaatar manakeesh is a Middle Eastern classic that’s quick, easy, and family-friendly, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack time. This recipe combines soft, chewy dough with the aromatic blend of zaatar spices and olive oil, giving every bite a burst of flavor. Whether you try the traditional vegan version or add cheese, this manakeesh recipe is customizable to your taste. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, casual breakfasts, or special occasions, offering a balanced, delicious, and aromatic dish that everyone will love. Homemade zaatar manakeesh captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine, making it a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make recipe that brings warmth to your table.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Zaatar manakeesh uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create bold, aromatic flavors. The soft dough forms the perfect base for the zaatar topping, while olive oil helps release the herbs’ fragrance. Optional cheese adds richness and creaminess, making the manakeesh irresistible. Each ingredient is essential for authenticity, ensuring that your homemade version tastes just like a bakery classic.

🛒 Ingredients (makes 4 medium manakeesh):

For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Zaatar Topping:
4 tbsp zaatar spice mix
3 tbsp olive oil

Optional Cheese Variation:
½ cup akkawi, mozzarella, or feta cheese, crumbled or shredded

How to Make This Recipe

Creating perfect zaatar manakeesh at home is easier than you think. Start with a soft, elastic dough, let it rise, and then roll it into medium-sized circles. Spread the aromatic zaatar and olive oil mixture generously, adding cheese if desired. Baking is quick and simple, giving you golden, chewy flatbreads in minutes. This step-by-step process ensures flavorful manakeesh with minimal effort, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy snack.

🛒 Steps:

1. Mix yeast, sugar, and warm water; let foam 5–10 minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil, knead until smooth.
3. Cover dough and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
4. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Divide dough into 4 balls, roll into 6–7 inch circles.
5. Spread zaatar mixture evenly over dough. Add cheese if desired.
6. Bake 8–12 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
7. Serve warm, fresh from the oven.

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect zaatar manakeesh comes from small tips that make a big difference. Using fresh zaatar ensures a strong, aromatic flavor. Kneading the dough properly and letting it rise fully gives a soft, chewy texture. For a crispier bottom, bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Cheese variations add richness, while olive oil helps release the zaatar’s aroma. These expert tips will make your homemade manakeesh taste like it came straight from a Middle Eastern bakery.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use fresh zaatar for vibrant flavor
• Knead dough 5–7 minutes until elastic
• Let dough rise fully for soft, airy bread
• Bake on a preheated stone for a crisp bottom
• Add cheese variation for richness and creaminess
• Serve immediately for best taste

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Zaatar manakeesh is more than just bread—it’s a warm, aromatic, and customizable culinary experience. Quick to make and full of flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. Whether you stick to the traditional vegan version or add cheese, this recipe brings the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine to your home. Homemade zaatar manakeesh is comforting, easy, and guaranteed to impress family and friends with every bite.

Zaatar Manakeesh

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 manakeesh 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A traditional Middle Eastern flatbread topped with a fragrant blend of zaatar (thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds) mixed with olive oil. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this warm and savory treat is soft, chewy, and aromatic. Serve it plain, or add cheese for extra indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (makes 4 medium manakeesh):

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup warm water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Zaatar Topping:

• 4 tbsp zaatar spice mix

• 3 tbsp olive oil

Optional Cheese Variation:

• ½ cup akkawi, mozzarella, or feta cheese, crumbled or shredded

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare Zaatar Topping

1. Mix zaatar spice with olive oil in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Shape the Manakeesh

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Divide dough into 4 balls. Roll each into a 6–7 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.

3. Spread zaatar mixture evenly over the dough. Add cheese on top if desired.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Bake for 8–12 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve warm with fresh vegetables, olives, or yogurt on the side.

Notes

• Crispier Crust: Bake on a preheated pizza stone.
• Mini Versions: Roll smaller dough balls for snack-size manakeesh.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast / Snack
• Method: Baked / Flatbread
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern