Zaatar Cheese Flatbread Recipe

If you have ever wondered how to combine the aromatic flavors of the Middle East with the comforting warmth of fresh baked bread, then this Zaatar Cheese Flatbread is exactly what you need to try. This beautiful dish takes simple ingredients like soft flatbread, the earthy and tangy zaatar spice blend, and creamy akkawi cheese to create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you are serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger spread, the Zaatar Cheese Flatbread will quickly become your new go-to favorite that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Zaatar Cheese Flatbread lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors – from the tender dough to the fragrant herb blend and the luscious cheese topping. Here’s what you’ll gather for this recipe:

• 2 cups Flour: The foundation for your soft and airy flatbread, use all-purpose flour for an ideal texture.
• 1 tsp Yeast: Essential for giving the dough that slight rise and lovely chewiness.
• 3/4 cup Warm water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together smoothly.
• 3 tbsp Zaatar: A vibrant spice blend of wild thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac that infuses every bite with fresh, herbal notes.
• 1/2 cup Akkawi cheese: A mild, slightly salty white cheese that melts beautifully and complements the zaatar perfectly.
• 2 tbsp Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to bind the zaatar for even topping coverage.

How to Make Zaatar Cheese Flatbread

Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough

Start by combining the flour and yeast in a large bowl. Slowly add the warm water while stirring to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm spot for around 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This resting time allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in a fluffy texture that makes the flatbread irresistibly tender.

Step 2: Mix Zaatar with Olive Oil

While the dough is rising, take your zaatar spice and combine it with the olive oil to create a fragrant paste. This mixture will be the aromatic heartbeat of your flatbread, ensuring each bite bursts with the essential herbal and nutty notes that make zaatar so beloved.

Step 3: Shape the Dough and Add Toppings

Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a flat circle or rectangle, roughly 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Spread the zaatar and olive oil mixture evenly over the surface, making sure every inch is coated with that herbaceous goodness. Scatter the akkawi cheese evenly on top; its creamy texture will melt into pockets of salty delight during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 400°F). Place your prepared flatbread on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese has melted into a tantalizing layer. The result is a warm, aromatic flatbread with that perfect combination of soft bread, herbal zaatar, and gooey cheese that comes together like a dream.

How to Serve Zaatar Cheese Flatbread

Garnishes

To elevate your Zaatar Cheese Flatbread, consider garnishing with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a glossy finish and deepens the richness, while a sprinkle of sumac can enhance the tangy flavor profile even further.

Side Dishes

This flatbread is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a bright cucumber and tomato salad, creamy hummus, or even a warm bowl of lentil soup for a heartwarming meal with Middle Eastern flair. Its bold flavor means it can hold its own or complement a wider spread perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, slice your Zaatar Cheese Flatbread into small rectangles or triangles, ideal for sharing at a gathering or luxury brunch. You can also fold smaller pieces over for mini flatbread sandwiches with additional fillings like roasted vegetables or grilled meats – perfect for mixing things up without losing that signature zaatar cheese goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this flatbread, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the bread soft and the flavors fresh, perfect for a quick snack or reheated meal later on.

Freezing

You can also freeze baked Zaatar Cheese Flatbread. Let it cool completely, then wrap in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish anytime cravings strike.

Reheating

To revive the delightful texture and aroma, reheat leftover flatbread in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the crisp outer edges and gooey cheese center without drying it out. A quick microwave reheating is possible but can make the bread a bit chewy, so the oven is preferred when time allows.

FAQs

What is the best cheese to use for Zaatar Cheese Flatbread?

The traditional choice is akkawi cheese, known for its mild saltiness and great melting quality. If you can’t find akkawi, mozzarella or a mild feta can work as alternatives, but akkawi gives the most authentic flavor.

Can I make the dough without yeast?

While yeast gives the flatbread its soft and slightly puffy texture, you could experiment with baking powder as a quick alternative. However, the taste and texture won’t be quite the same as the classic yeast-risen dough.

Is zaatar a single spice or a blend?

Zaatar is actually a blend, typically consisting of wild thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. The balance of these ingredients creates its distinctive herbal and slightly tangy flavor that is essential to this flatbread.

Can I use store-bought flatbread instead of making dough?

Yes! Using pre-made flatbread can save time and still taste delicious. Simply spread the zaatar olive oil mix and akkawi cheese on top, then bake until heated through and the cheese melts.

How spicy is Zaatar Cheese Flatbread?

Zaatar generally isn’t spicy; it’s more herbal, nutty, and tangy. The flatbread is suitable for all palates, including kids and those who prefer mild flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Zaatar Cheese Flatbread enough—it’s one of those recipes that somehow feels both exotic and comfortingly familiar all at once. The combination of soft bread, fragrant zaatar, and luscious cheese creates a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a quick snack, or simply craving something deliciously different, this flatbread offers a joyful taste of Middle Eastern cuisine right at home. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become a well-loved staple in your kitchen.