Lebanese za'atar flatbread baked until crispy
Manakish
Prep Time
1 hr 15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
1 hr 25 min
Servings
4
4 flatbreads
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Manakish
Lebanese za'atar flatbread baked until crispy
★4.5(23)
Lebanese flatbread generously topped with a za'atar and olive oil mixture, baked until golden and fragrant. The quintessential Levantine street food breakfast.
75m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
85m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Manakish is the pizza of the Middle East—simple dough topped with herby za'atar mixed with fruity olive oil. It's eaten for breakfast, lunch, or anytime you need something delicious and fast.
A great breakfast sets the tone for the entire day. This recipe makes your morning feel special without requiring a culinary degree.
What makes Manakish worth adding to your regular rotation is the balance between effort and reward. The ingredient list is straightforward, the technique is approachable, and the result consistently delivers the kind of deep, satisfying flavor that makes people ask for the recipe. Whether you are cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or feeding a table full of guests, this dish scales beautifully and never disappoints.
The best breakfasts feel effortless but taste exceptional. The secret is preparation — have your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking, get your pan to the right temperature, and work with confidence. Morning cooking rewards speed and decisiveness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 3 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for topping)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and 1 tbsp oil. Knead 6 minutes until smooth.
- 2
Cover and let rise 1 hour until doubled.
- 3
Mix za'atar with remaining olive oil to form a spreadable paste.
- 4
Divide dough into 4 balls. Roll each into an 8-inch round. Spread za'atar paste evenly over each.
- 5
Bake on a preheated stone at 450°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start
Substitutions
Za'atarDried thyme + sesame seeds + lemon zest
An approximation if you can't find za'atar
All-purpose flourBread flour
Chewier crust with better structure
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use good-quality za'atar with plenty of sumac for the best tang.
Roll the dough thin for crispy manakish or thicker for a softer bread.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Store at room temperature wrapped in foil for 1 day.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Recipe Notes from Our Kitchen
Editor's Note
Editor's note: Temperature control is everything for breakfast cooking. Medium heat, patience, and resisting the urge to flip too early will give you the best results every time.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories280
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein7g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat40g
Fiber310mg
Sugar2g
Sodium1g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is za'atar?
- A blend of dried thyme, toasted sesame, sumac, and salt common in Middle Eastern cooking.
- Can I add cheese?
- Yes, akkawi or mozzarella cheese is a popular manakish topping alongside or instead of za'atar.
- Can I make this for a crowd?
- This recipe scales well for groups. Double or triple as needed and keep finished portions warm in a 200 degree oven while you cook the rest.
- Can I prep this the night before?
- Many components can be prepared ahead. Batters can rest in the fridge overnight, and cooked items reheat well in a 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →