Mediterranean Cheese Bread (Tawa Khubz Jibneh)
Description:
This soft, golden, and cheesy Mediterranean bread is a true comfort food — crisp on the outside, tender inside, and filled with melted, stretchy cheese. Popular around the eastern Mediterranean, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside soups and stews. Made on a pan or skillet, it doesn’t need an oven and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
1 tsp instant yeast
For the Cheese Filling:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (or a mix of mozzarella and Akkawi, Halloumi, or Kashkaval cheese)
2 tbsp crumbled feta (optional for a saltier flavor)
For Cooking:
1 tbsp butter or olive oil for frying
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until it starts to foam.
Add yogurt, olive oil, salt, and flour gradually.
Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let it rest for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Fill
Once risen, divide the dough into two equal portions.
Roll one portion into a round about ½ inch thick.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the surface.
Place the second dough round on top and press edges to seal.
Lightly flatten with your hands, and score the top into diamond or square patterns (don’t cut through).
3. Cook
Heat a nonstick pan or skillet over low-medium heat.
Brush with butter or olive oil.
Cook the bread for 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden and the cheese inside has melted.
If desired, brush with a little more butter while it’s still hot.
4. Serve
Cut along the scored lines to create pull-apart pieces.
Enjoy warm — the cheese should stretch beautifully with every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with za’atar olive oil dip or yogurt-garlic sauce.
Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory twist (common in Greek versions).
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving.
Tip
For extra flavor, mix a pinch of oregano or nigella seeds into the dough before resting — a classic Mediterranean touch