Levantine Zaatar Bread (Printable)

Golden flatbread with zaatar, sesame seeds, and olive oil, ideal as a flavorful snack or accompaniment.

# What You'll 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 additional 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

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt thoroughly.
02 - Add olive oil and gradually pour in warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in a warm environment for 1 hour or until doubled in volume.
05 - Heat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Cut dough into four equal portions, shape each into a ball, then flatten to 6 to 7 inches in diameter on prepared sheets.
07 - Combine zaatar, toasted sesame seeds, and extra virgin olive oil to form a uniform paste.
08 - Spread zaatar mixture evenly over each flattened dough round, leaving a small border around edges.
09 - Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and edges are crisp.
10 - Enjoy warm or at room temperature alongside labneh, olives, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It bakes in under 15 minutes, so you can have warm, aromatic flatbread on the table faster than you'd expect.
  • The combination of sesame and zaatar creates a savory depth that works as an appetizer, snack, or side to almost anything.
  • Once you taste it fresh from the oven, you'll understand why this bread has been a staple across the Levantine region for generations.
02 -
  • Water temperature is non-negotiable—too hot and the yeast dies, too cold and nothing happens, so test it on your wrist like you're checking baby formula.
  • Don't skip the rest period after shaping; even 10 minutes of resting makes the dough easier to work with and gives you a lighter, airier result.
  • Zaatar loses its brightness quickly, so buy it fresh and store it in an airtight container away from light if you want the best flavor.
03 -
  • If your zaatar blend seems pale or dull, it's getting old—toss it and buy fresh from a spice merchant or Middle Eastern market where turnover is quick.
  • Don't spread the zaatar mixture all the way to the very edge of the dough; leave a small border so the bread can rise and crisp properly around the perimeter.
Return