Levantine Zaatar Bread (Printable)

Golden Levantine flatbread topped with zaatar spice blend, sesame seeds, and olive oil for a flavorful, crisp bite.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dough comes together in minutes and rises while you do something else, making this feel far less complicated than it actually is.
  • That moment when the zaatar hits the hot bread and the sesame seeds turn golden is pure kitchen magic, and everyone notices it.
  • It tastes like a fancy bakery item but costs almost nothing, which never stops feeling like you've discovered a secret.
02 -
  • The water temperature matters more than you think; too hot and you'll kill the yeast before it even starts working, but too cool and it just sits there doing nothing.
  • If your dough seems dry and shaggy after mixing, add water one tablespoon at a time instead of all at once, because different flours behave differently and humidity changes things.
  • Letting the shaped dough rest for just 10 minutes before topping makes a noticeable difference in how fluffy and tender the final bread becomes.
03 -
  • Toasted sesame seeds make an enormous difference in flavor compared to raw ones, so take the extra minute to toast them yourself in a dry pan until they smell nutty.
  • Using a combination of regular and extra virgin olive oil, with the good stuff going on top, gives you great flavor without the waste of using premium oil throughout.
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