Za'atar Flatbread
Quick za'atar flatbread using store-bought or homemade dough. Bake at 475F for blistered, fragrant rounds in 8-10 minutes.
Nothing is better than warm flatbread, fresh out of the oven. Serve this with a table spread of feta cheese, hummus, and olives. Many grocery stores carry pre-made dough, commonly for pizza. This can be found at Whole Foods and Trader Joes.
To make fresh dough at home, see our helpful hints below for a simple bread dough recipe.
Submitted by: anonymous from Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Yield: 12
- Use store-bought pizza dough or the easy homemade dough in the hints; divide and roll into 12 inch rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush with olive oil, sprinkle za'atar, and bake on parchment at 475 F for 8 to 10 minutes until brown and blistered.
- Let dough rest if it pulls back, shape into sticks if wanted, and store or freeze dough and baked bread for later.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with kitchen parchment and brush with the vegetable oil.
Divide the dough in half and roll one piece into a 12" round,1/4" thick, on a lightly floured surface. Allow the dough to relax if it's too elastic to roll out easily. Transfer it to one of the baking sheets, brush with olive oil, then sprinkle a few tablespoons of Za'atar on top. Repeat with second piece of dough. Bake until they brown and blister, about 8-10 minutes. Cut into wedges, slices, strips or break into random pieces.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
May be rolled into small breadsticks. Simple bread dough recipe: 1-1/4 cup luke warm water 3 tsp instant yeast 2 tsp sugar 1tsp salt 3 cups flour 1 tbl olive oil Combine yeast, sugar, water, and salt. Let sit for 5-15 minutes. In a large bowl combine yeast water, oil, and flour. Knead dough into a ball. Coat dough with a spot of extra olive oil, cover with a damp cloth, and let sit for an hour to rise. Punch dough down, knead lightly, return damp cloth and let rise one more hour. You can now work the dough into flatbread or breadstick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is za'atar?
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend. It typically mixes dried thyme or oregano, toasted sesame seeds, sumac for tang, and salt. The blend is earthy, nutty, and slightly lemony.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Many grocery stores sell pre-made pizza dough. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, dust your work surface with flour, brush the sheet with oil, then top with olive oil and za'atar and bake as directed.
How do I make the dough ahead or freeze it?
After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, shape into balls, oil lightly, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I get crispier or softer flatbread?
For crispier bread, roll thinner, bake on a hot sheet or pizza stone, and allow extra browning time. For chewier, roll slightly thicker, brush more oil, and bake just until set so it stays soft inside.
Is this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
The basic recipe is vegan because it uses no dairy or eggs. For gluten-free, substitute a tested gluten-free flour blend and follow that flour's hydration and handling tips. Texture will differ from wheat dough.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled flatbread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 F oven or toaster oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or warm briefly in a skillet. Freeze wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why does my dough spring back when I roll it?
That springing is elastic gluten. Let the dough rest for 5 to 15 minutes under a damp cloth to relax. If it still resists, let it rest longer before rolling again.
Can I add other toppings or make variations?
Yes. Try sesame seeds, nigella seeds, a drizzle of olive oil and honey after baking, za'atar mixed with labneh, or grated cheese. You can also shape the dough into sticks and bake the same way.
What is za'atar?
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend. It typically mixes dried thyme or oregano, toasted sesame seeds, sumac for tang, and salt. The blend is earthy, nutty, and slightly lemony.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Many grocery stores sell pre-made pizza dough. Let it come to room temperature before rolling, dust your work surface with flour, brush the sheet with oil, then top with olive oil and za'atar and bake as directed.
How do I make the dough ahead or freeze it?
After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, shape into balls, oil lightly, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I get crispier or softer flatbread?
For crispier bread, roll thinner, bake on a hot sheet or pizza stone, and allow extra browning time. For chewier, roll slightly thicker, brush more oil, and bake just until set so it stays soft inside.
Is this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
The basic recipe is vegan because it uses no dairy or eggs. For gluten-free, substitute a tested gluten-free flour blend and follow that flour's hydration and handling tips. Texture will differ from wheat dough.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled flatbread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 F oven or toaster oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or warm briefly in a skillet. Freeze wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why does my dough spring back when I roll it?
That springing is elastic gluten. Let the dough rest for 5 to 15 minutes under a damp cloth to relax. If it still resists, let it rest longer before rolling again.
Can I add other toppings or make variations?
Yes. Try sesame seeds, nigella seeds, a drizzle of olive oil and honey after baking, za'atar mixed with labneh, or grated cheese. You can also shape the dough into sticks and bake the same way.
I MAKE ALL THE TIME ITS
ONLY BREAD I EAT I MAKE OTHER SPICE
ALSO FRESH BASIL WITH ALSO IS GOOD