Karoun Ackawi Cheese in Brine · 1.25lb

Akkawi is the classic white brining cheese of the Levant, and Karoun's version — made in California from pasteurized Grade A milk under Halal certification — captures its mild, milky simplicity in a 1.25lb jar of brine.

Smooth, semi-firm, and barely salted, it's the cheese to fry until golden for a soft, gooey center, melt over manakish, or layer fresh into a sandwich with cucumber and mint.

Its restraint is the point: where feta sharpens a dish, Akkawi quietly carries it, with just enough body to hold its own under heat.

A pantry staple across Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian kitchens, served without fuss or seasoning to get in the way.