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Msemen with Cheese or Honey

A classic North African square flatbread layered with butter and cooked until crispy. Served hot with creamy soft cheese or a drizzle of warm honey.

50 minMediumServes 4380 cal/serving

North AfricanBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine semolina
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 oz soft cheese
  • 3 tbsp honey, warmed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 1 cup fine semolina, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp fine salt in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    Gradually mix in 3/4 cup warm water and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    Divide dough into small balls and coat them with 1/4 cup vegetable oil.

  4. 4

    Flatten each ball thinly on an oiled surface, brush with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and fold into square packets.

  5. 5

    Cook packets on a hot skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky.

  6. 6

    Serve warm with 4 oz soft cheese or drizzled with 3 tbsp warmed honey.

Questions

Can I make Msemen with Cheese or Honey dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 4 oz soft cheese) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free breakfast collection instead.

Can I make Msemen with Cheese or Honey gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1 cup fine semolina, 1 cup all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Msemen with Cheese or Honey keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Msemen with Cheese or Honey?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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