Msemen (Moroccan Flatbread)

Name: Msemen (Moroccan Flatbread)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water; 1/4 cup semolina (optional, for texture); 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup melted butter; Additional oil for frying

Published: July 3, 2026 | Moroccan Cuisine | ⏱ 50 min

Golden flaky msemen Moroccan flatbread drizzled with honey

Msemen is Morocco's beloved square flatbread — crisp, golden, and flaky on the outside, soft and tender within. This versatile bread is a staple of Moroccan breakfast tables, served with honey and butter or stuffed with spiced meat and cheese for a savoury meal.

Recipe Info

Prep Time30 min

Cook Time20 min

Total Time50 min

Servings8

DifficultyMedium

CuisineMoroccan

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
1/4 cup semolina (optional, for texture)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup melted butter
Additional oil for frying

2 Instructions

Make the dough

Mix flour, semolina, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and knead for 8-10 minutes until very smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Rest the dough

Divide dough into 8 balls. Coat each ball in oil, cover, and rest for 20 minutes.

Shape the msemen

On an oiled surface, flatten a dough ball into a paper-thin rectangle using your hands. Drizzle with melted butter. Fold the sides into the center to form a square.

Cook

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the msemen for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, pressing gently with a spatula.

Pro Tips

The dough must be very soft and well-kneaded for the flakiest texture.
Keep cooked msemen warm in a low oven while you finish the remaining pieces.
For stuffed msemen, place a spoonful of filling in the center before folding.

Nutrition Information

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	1g
Sodium	200mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Msemen is best fresh, but you can refrigerate leftover dough balls for up to 24 hours and cook them just before serving.

Spiced ground lamb, cheese and herbs, or minced beef with onion are all classic savoury fillings.

Rating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 (96 votes)

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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