Levantine Zaatar Bread (Printable)

Savory golden flatbread with zaatar, sesame seeds, and olive oil for an aromatic flavor touch.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 3/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2/3 cup warm water, plus more as needed

→ Zaatar Topping

07 - 1/4 cup zaatar spice blend
08 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
09 - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add olive oil and gradually mix in warm water until a soft dough forms.
02 - Knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - Set oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Form each into a ball, then flatten into rounds approximately 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Arrange on the prepared sheets.
06 - Combine zaatar, toasted sesame seeds, and olive oil into a paste in a small bowl.
07 - Spread the zaatar mixture evenly over each dough round, leaving a small border around the edges.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until edges are golden and crisp.
09 - Enjoy warm or at room temperature alongside labneh, olives, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, and your kitchen smells like you've been a baker all morning.
  • The zaatar topping is so addictive that people will ask you to make it again before they've even finished the first one.
  • It works equally well as a last-minute appetizer, a snack with tea, or a side that steals the show from the main course.
02 -
  • The dough's temperature matters more than the clock—if your kitchen is cool, rising takes longer, and that's not a failure, it's just patience doing its work.
  • Zaatar loses its brightness when it sits too long, so make the topping close to baking time if you want that fresh, almost peppery taste to shine.
  • Overly thick dough gives you bread; slightly softer dough gives you fluffy clouds—learn to trust your intuition over exact measurements.
03 -
  • If your dough isn't rising well, check that your yeast is still alive by mixing it with a little warm water and sugar first—you should see bubbles within 5 minutes.
  • The difference between good and unforgettable is using fresh zaatar and taking time to toast your own sesame seeds if you're feeling ambitious—the flavor is incomparable.
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