Za'atar Flatbread Rolls Recipe

Learn how to make these homemade za'atar flatbread rolls with this easy baking recipe. The best soft and fluffy flatbreads infused with aromatic Middle Eastern za'atar herb blend that bake up perfectly every time. A foolproof method for creating these fragrant, tear-apart rolls that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

12 rolls

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml olive oil, plus extra for brushing</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300ml warm water (about 40°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the za'atar filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g za'atar spice blend (or make your own with dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and oregano)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml good quality olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g salt (if your za'atar doesn't already contain salt)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">25cm (10-inch) round baking pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water (40°C - it should feel warm but not hot to the touch) with the sugar, stirring until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This activation step ensures your dough will rise properly and develop a good structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and the olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The proper kneading develops gluten, which gives your flatbreads their wonderful chewy texture. The dough should pass the "windowpane test" - when a small piece is stretched, it should form a thin, translucent membrane without tearing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all surfaces. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The rising time allows yeast to produce carbon dioxide, creating those lovely air pockets in your finished rolls.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the dough is rising, prepare your za'atar filling by mixing the za'atar spice blend with olive oil to form a spreadable paste. The oil helps distribute the flavors throughout the rolls and prevents the herbs from burning during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release excess air. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle approximately 35x45cm (14x18 inches). Try to keep the edges as even as possible for uniform rolls.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Using a pastry brush, spread the za'atar-oil mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a 1cm border along one long edge. This clean edge will help seal your roll.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Starting from the long edge (opposite to the clean border), tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal well. With a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, each about 3-4cm thick.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Lightly grease your round baking pan and arrange the rolls cut-side up, placing one in the center and the rest in a circle around it, leaving a little space between each for rising. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy and almost touching.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). When the rolls have finished their second rise, brush the tops gently with a little more olive oil for a beautiful golden finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If they're browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the best eating experience, enjoy while still warm when the texture is at its softest and the za'atar aroma is most pronounced. These flatbread rolls are perfect alongside soups, with hummus, or simply on their own!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Za'atar Flatbread Rolls Recipe?

Za'atar Flatbread Rolls require all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, olive oil, and warm water for the dough. The distinctive filling combines za'atar spice blend (thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and oregano) mixed with good quality olive oil.

How to cook Za'atar Flatbread Rolls Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Za'atar Flatbread Rolls by first activating yeast in warm water, kneading the dough until elastic, then letting it rise. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with za'atar-oil paste, roll into a log, cut into 12 pieces, and arrange in a round pan. After a second rise, bake at 190°C for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

What is za'atar and can I make my own blend for these flatbreads?

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern herb and spice blend typically containing dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, sesame seeds and salt. You can easily make your own by mixing 2 tablespoons dried thyme, 1 tablespoon sumac, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon dried oregano and ½ teaspoon salt.

Can I prepare these flatbread rolls in advance and freeze them?

Yes, these za'atar rolls freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in cling film and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, then warm in a 180°C oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture and aroma.

What dishes pair well with Middle Eastern herb flatbreads?

These aromatic flatbreads complement a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes perfectly. Serve with hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, or tzatziki for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats, shakshuka, hearty soups, or as part of a mezze spread.

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