Warm, fragrant, and packed with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, Lebanese Cheese and Zaatar Flatbreads (Manakish) are a delicious homemade treat that everyone will love. This traditional Lebanese flatbread combines soft, chewy dough with a flavorful zaatar and olive oil topping, then can be finished with creamy cheese, olives, or a touch of spice. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or a light meal, these flatbreads bring the irresistible flavors of Lebanon right to your kitchen.
These Lebanese flatbreads quickly became one of those recipes my family loves gathering around. My husband especially enjoys the combination of the warm, chewy bread with the aromatic zaatar topping and melted cheese. Whenever I prepare a batch, everyone gathers in the kitchen waiting for the first one to come out of the oven.
What makes this recipe special is how simple ingredients transform into something incredibly flavorful. The smell of toasted herbs and olive oil filling the house always reminds us of cozy family breakfasts. Now, these manakish have become a favorite weekend tradition, especially when we want a homemade meal that feels comforting and special.
Why This Lebanese Cheese and Zaatar Flatbreads Recipe
- Authentic Lebanese-inspired flatbread with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Soft, chewy dough topped with fragrant zaatar and olive oil.
- Easily customized with cheese, olives, or spicy toppings.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or casual gatherings.
- Uses simple ingredients while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
- Crispy edges with a tender, flavorful center.
- A versatile recipe that can be enjoyed warm or saved for later.
Ingredients
Makes 6 medium flatbreads
For the Flatbread Dough
- Homemade manakish dough (750 g | 1.65 lb)
(prepared dough made with flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil)
For the Zaatar Topping
- Zaatar spice blend (60 g | 0.13 lb, about ½ cup)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (120 ml | ½ cup)
Optional Toppings
- Halloumi, akkawi, nabulsi, or feta cheese (200 g | 0.44 lb), crumbled or sliced
- Kalamata olives (100 g | 0.22 lb), sliced or halved
- Red pepper flakes (2 g | 0.004 lb) for extra heat
Directions
Prepare the Dough
- Prepare your manakish dough according to your preferred dough recipe. Allow enough time for the dough to rise until doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions for medium flatbreads. Roll each piece into a round shape approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
- Lightly press your fingertips into the surface of each dough round to create small indentations. These help hold the toppings in place and prevent the bread from puffing too much while baking.
Prepare the Zaatar Topping
- Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, ideally around 500°F (260°C). Place an upside-down baking tray or pizza stone inside while the oven heats.
- In a small bowl, combine the zaatar spice blend with olive oil. Mix until you create a smooth, spreadable mixture similar to a thick pesto.
- Spread the zaatar mixture over each flatbread, leaving about ½–1 inch (1–2.5 cm) of uncovered dough around the edges.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, olives, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
Bake the Flatbreads
- Carefully transfer the topped flatbreads onto the preheated baking surface.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the bread is lightly golden and the edges are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow the manakish to cool slightly. This helps the topping settle and enhances the texture.
- Serve warm and enjoy with tea, yogurt, fresh vegetables, or your favorite Mediterranean sides.
Notes
- For the best texture, bake manakish at a very high temperature to recreate the traditional bakery-style result.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated baking sheet works well.
- Zaatar blends vary in flavor depending on the amount of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, so adjust the topping amount according to your taste.
- Add shredded mozzarella with zaatar for a stretchy cheese topping or use traditional Middle Eastern cheeses like akkawi or nabulsi.
- Keep baked flatbreads covered with a clean kitchen towel after baking to maintain softness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freeze cooled flatbreads wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until warmed through and crisp.
- Serve with hummus, labneh, cucumbers, tomatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete Lebanese-inspired meal.