Easy Crispy Lebanese Za’atar Manakish Recipe Perfect for Beginners
A quick and easy recipe for crispy Lebanese za’atar flatbread manakish, perfect for a flavorful snack or light meal with simple ingredients and a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (4 g) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (15 g) za’atar spice blend
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil (for za’atar topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk 3/4 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if sticky, but keep dough soft.
- Let it rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare the za’atar topping: Mix 3 tablespoons za’atar with 3 tablespoons olive oil in a small bowl until combined into a paste.
- Shape the flatbreads: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down risen dough and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a 7-8 inch circle on parchment or floured surface.
- Top and bake: Place rolled dough on baking sheet. Brush a thin, even layer of za’atar paste over each flatbread. Bake for 8-12 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra olive oil or alongside fresh veggies or labneh.
Notes
Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast properly. Brush dough with olive oil before topping for a crispy golden finish. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. For extra crispness, use a baking stone or inverted sheet on the oven bottom rack. Avoid overloading za’atar paste to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat in oven or skillet, avoid microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread (about 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.3
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: zaatar, manakish, Lebanese flatbread, crispy flatbread, easy snack, Mediterranean, zaatar flatbread, homemade manakish