If you’ve never tried Hawawshi, you’re in for a culinary delight. This traditional Egyptian street food is a spicy, savory meat-stuffed bread that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Think of it as the Middle Eastern answer to a stuffed pita panini—rich with bold spices and perfect for handheld, satisfying bites.
Our Meat Hawawshi recipe uses ground beef or lamb blended with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, all stuffed inside flatbread and baked to golden perfection. It’s easy, quick, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Just mix, stuff, and bake—simple steps, huge payoff.
- Authentic Taste – Inspired by traditional Egyptian hawawshi, this version captures the true soul of the dish.
- Versatile & Customizable – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or party snacks. Spice it up or keep it mild.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike, especially when served with dips!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb – Choose your favorite or mix both for depth.
- 1 onion, finely chopped – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings out savory richness.
- 1 tbsp ground cumin – Warm, earthy flavor essential to Middle Eastern cuisine.
- 1 tbsp ground coriander – Slightly citrusy and aromatic.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – A hint of warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped – For freshness and color.
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads – Your choice of soft, pliable bread for stuffing.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps crisp the exterior.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Brush or spoon for olive oil
- Oven
How to Make Meat Hawawshi – Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until evenly blended.
3. Stuff the Bread
Slice each pita or flatbread in half to create pockets. Gently stuff the pockets with the seasoned meat mixture, pressing to fill evenly without overstuffing. Try to keep the layer thin so it cooks evenly.
4. Oil and Bake
Brush the outside of each stuffed pocket with olive oil on both sides. Place them on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the meat is fully cooked.
6. Serve Hot
Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy as-is or with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can make the pita tear or cook unevenly.
- Use Lean Meat: This helps reduce grease and keeps the filling from getting soggy.
- Spice to Taste: Adjust the level of cumin, cinnamon, or even add chili flakes if you like it spicy.
- Double Up: Make a double batch and freeze extras for future meals.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) straight from frozen for 15–20 minutes.
Reheating Tips
To retain the crispy texture, avoid the microwave. Use the oven or toaster oven instead.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Hawawshi – Add shredded mozzarella or feta to the meat mixture for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Twist – Use spiced lentils, mushrooms, or soy-based ground meat instead of beef/lamb.
- Mini Hawawshi – Use mini pitas for bite-sized versions—great for party platters.
- Add Veggies – Chopped bell peppers or tomatoes can bulk up the filling.
What to Serve with Hawawshi
This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides and condiments:
Dips and Sauces
- Tahini sauce – Classic and creamy
- Garlic yogurt sauce – Cooling and tangy
- Hot sauce – For heat lovers
Sides
- Pickled vegetables – Crunchy and acidic to balance the richness
- Simple salad – Cucumber, tomato, red onion with lemon dressing
- Hummus or baba ganoush – Traditional spreads to keep things authentic
Drinks
- Mint tea – Hot or cold, it complements the spice perfectly
- Lemonade or ayran – Refreshing and light
- Cold beer or soda – If you’re going casual
FAQs
What is Hawawshi traditionally made of?
In Egypt, hawawshi is usually made with minced beef, onion, peppers, and spices, stuffed into baladi bread and baked in a wood-fired oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the hawawshi up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them before baking.
Can I cook hawawshi in a skillet instead of the oven?
Definitely! Pan-fry on medium heat with a little oil, pressing with a spatula, until golden on both sides and cooked through.
Is this dish spicy?
The traditional version is aromatic rather than spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or cayenne if you like heat.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Meat Hawawshi is a must-try for lovers of bold, spiced comfort food. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or a longtime fan, this easy recipe is a guaranteed favorite. Serve it for lunch, dinner, or game day—it delivers every time.
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