🍯 Honeycomb Bread Stuffed with Cheese (Khaliat Nahl)

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious, Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Nahl) is made from pillowy bread rolls stuffed with creamy cheese, baked until golden, sprinkled with sesame and nigella seeds, and finished with a light brush of honey. This quick 10-minute dough recipe makes it easy to create a bakery-style treat at home.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 17 rolls

🥖 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Filling

• 120–150 g cream cheese, cut into small cubes

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
• ½ tablespoon nigella seeds
• ¼ cup honey

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Quick Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of the flour, yogurt, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
4. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes until slightly bubbly.

2️⃣ Finish the Dough

1. Add the remaining 1½ cups flour, salt, and oil.
2. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. If the dough feels sticky, lightly oil your hands rather than adding extra flour.

3️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes.
2. Use approximately 5–7 grams of cheese per dough ball, or adjust to your preference.

4️⃣ Shape the Honeycomb Bread

1. Divide the dough into 17 equal portions (about 45 g each).
2. Flatten each piece of dough in your palm.
3. Place a cube of cream cheese in the center.
4. Seal the dough tightly around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.

5️⃣ Arrange in the Pan

1. Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Arrange the stuffed dough balls in a honeycomb pattern, leaving a little space between each ball.
3. The dough will expand as it bakes.

6️⃣ Add the Toppings

1. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and nigella seeds.

7️⃣ Bake

1. Bake for 25 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
2. For a deeper golden color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

8️⃣ Finish with Honey

1. As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the tops generously with honey.
2. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

💡 Tips for Perfect Khaliat Nahl

✔️ Use block cream cheese for easier filling and shaping.

✔️ Oil your hands when handling sticky dough instead of adding more flour.

✔️ Keep a small gap between the dough balls so they have room to rise and form the classic honeycomb shape.

✔️ Brush with honey while the bread is still hot for the best flavor and shine.

✔️ Delicious served warm with tea, coffee, or as part of a breakfast spread.

🍯✨ Soft, cheesy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully fluffy—this Honeycomb Bread is guaranteed to be a family favorite!