Lebanese Cheese Bread is a delicious rustic bread filled with creamy, salty cheese and baked until beautifully golden. The soft bread and melted cheese make it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside a traditional Lebanese meal.


What Is Lebanese Cheese Bread?

Cheese has a special place in Lebanese cuisine, and it pairs beautifully with freshly baked bread.

For this recipe, a mixture of mozzarella and feta-style cheese creates a good balance: mozzarella melts beautifully, while feta adds the salty, tangy flavor that makes the bread more interesting.

You can also use traditional Middle Eastern cheeses when available.

Ingredients

For 1 large loaf:

For the dough

  • 500 g bread flour
  • 325 ml warm water
  • 1½ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the filling

  • 150 g mozzarella, grated
  • 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional

How to Make Lebanese Cheese Bread

1. Prepare the Dough

Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl.

Let it stand for about 5 minutes.

Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it.

Leave it in a warm place for about 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling

While the dough rises, combine the grated mozzarella, crumbled feta, parsley, and oregano.

Mix gently and set aside.

The combination of cheeses gives you both stretchy melted cheese and a salty Mediterranean flavor.

4. Fill the Bread

Place the risen dough on a lightly floured surface.

Divide it into two portions if you want to make two smaller breads, or keep it as one large loaf.

Flatten the dough into a round.

Place the cheese mixture in the center, leaving some space around the edges.

Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal.

Turn it over so the seam is underneath.

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5. Shape and Finish

Gently flatten the filled dough into a thick round or oval.

Be careful not to press too hard—you don't want the cheese to escape.

Brush the top with a little olive oil.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Let the shaped bread rest for another 15–20 minutes.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).

Bake the bread for approximately 20–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.

For a deeper golden crust, brush the top with a little olive oil before baking.

Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.

The Best Cheese for This Bread

You can experiment with different cheeses.

Mozzarella gives a stretchy, melted filling.

Feta provides a salty, tangy flavor.

Akkawi cheese can give the bread a more traditional Middle Eastern character. If using a very salty cheese, soak it in water first and drain it well.

A combination of cheeses often produces the best result.

How to Serve Lebanese Cheese Bread

Serve it warm with:

  • Labneh
  • Hummus
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Olives
  • Mint
  • Za'atar
  • Lebanese tea

It is also delicious simply served on its own while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.

Storage

Cheese bread is best eaten fresh.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.

Reheat in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave if you want to bring back some of the crispness.

A Warm, Cheesy Lebanese Favorite

Lebanese Cheese Bread combines two simple pleasures: freshly baked bread and melted cheese. The golden crust, soft interior, salty cheese, and aroma of olive oil make it difficult to resist.

Break it open while it's still warm, let the melted cheese stretch, and enjoy it with your favorite Lebanese mezze.