Khaliat Nahal: Sweet Honeycomb Bread Delight

Khaliat Nahal, often referred to as Honeycomb Bread, is a delightful and indulgent treat that originates from the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East. This exquisite bread is characterized by its soft, sweet, and pillowy texture, which makes it a favorite among those who appreciate baked goods that are both comforting and flavorful. The preparation of Khaliat Nahal involves a unique dough that is typically enriched with ingredients such as milk, sugar, and butter, contributing to its tender crumb and subtly sweet flavor profile.

One of my favorite parts of Khaliat Nahal is its filling, which is usually made with smooth cream cheese. This filling not only adds a luxurious richness to each bite but also balances the sweetness of the bread itself. As the bread bakes, the filling melts slightly, creating a perfect contrast between the soft exterior and the creamy interior.

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients: (makes 17 big rolls)

Bread

• 2 cups of flour add 1/2 cup at a time and mix in between until it stops sticking to the side of the bowl

• 2 tsp yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1 egg white

• 1/2 cup lukewarm milk

• 140g cream cheese (for the filling)

Simple Syrup

• 1 tsp rosewater

• 1 tsp honey

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

Glaze

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp milk

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes (covered) until foamy.

2. Add flour, salt, and softened butter. Knead until a soft dough forms (about 8–10 minutes).

3. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Rolls

4. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12-16 equal pieces.

5. Flatten each piece, place a small cube of cream cheese in the center, and seal the dough around it.

6. Arrange the filled dough balls in a greased round baking pan, leaving slight space between them.

Step 3: Second Rise & Bake

7. Cover and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes.

8. Preheat oven to 375°F (180°C).

9. Brush the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame/nigella seeds on top.

10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

11. Optional - Pro tip for getting the perfect brown on top, slightly lower the heat to 320°F and keep it in the oven for 6-10 minutes depending on its color.

12. Step 4: Make the Syrup & Glaze

13. In a small saucepan, heat water, sugar, and honey until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Add rosewater at the end.

14. Once the bread is out of the oven, brush it generously with the warm syrup.

Nutritional Content: (per serving)

• Calories: ~245 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~31g

• Protein: ~5.2g

• Fat: ~11g

How to Store:

Refrigeration- Wrap the bread individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

Freezing- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Alternatives:

• Cream cheese: Try ricotta, mascarpone, feta (for a salty contrast), or Nutella for a sweeter version.

• Savory Option: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or spiced potato filling instead.

• Honey: Use maple syrup, agave syrup, or date syrup.

• Rosewater: Replace with orange blossom water or vanilla extract for a different aroma.

• Flour: Use whole wheat flour (for a healthier version) or bread flour (for extra softness). If using whole wheat, mix with all-purpose (50/50) to keep the texture light. Please note that not all flours are compatible with this recipe so add the flour once at a time.

• Yeast: Substitute with 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp baking soda, but the bread will be denser.

• Butter: Swap with vegetable oil, coconut oil, or margarine (same amount).

• Milk: Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

• Egg (if using): Replace with ¼ cup yogurt, applesauce, or mashed banana for softness.