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Freshly baked flatbreads topped with green za'atar herbs and melted white cheese on a baking sheet.
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Manakish with Za’atar and Cheese

Prep Time1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all -purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for dough
  • 1/2 cup za 'atar spice blend
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil for topping
  • 2 cups shredded Akkawi or Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast; allow to bloom for 10 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and 1/4 cup olive oil.
  • Knead the dough for approximately 8 minutes until smooth and elastic; place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and grease two large baking sheets.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8 equal balls; roll each ball into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.
  • Use your fingertips to create small indentations across the surface of each dough circle to prevent air bubbles and hold the toppings.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the za'atar spice blend and 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil.
  • Spread the za'atar mixture onto 4 dough rounds and distribute the shredded cheese evenly across the remaining 4 rounds.
  • Transfer the dough rounds to the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally folding the flatbreads while eating.