If you have a soft spot for aromatic Middle Eastern flavors and freshly baked bread, then this Za’atar Buns Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These buns are a delightful blend of fluffy, tender bread swirled with the earthy, herby notes of za’atar spice mixed with olive oil, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and exotic. Whether served warm from the oven or shared as a snack throughout the day, these za’atar buns bring joy with every bite and make any gathering feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Za’atar Buns Recipe plays its own important role, coming together in a simple yet satisfying way. From the basics of flour and yeast that build the bread’s structure, to the za’atar blend that infuses signature flavor and the olive oil that keeps everything tender and rich, these ingredients are easy to find but essential to creating magic.
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for light, airy buns that hold their shape well.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just enough sweetness to help activate the yeast and balance the flavors.
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast: The rising agent that gives the dough a perfect fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity for a balanced crumb.
- 1 cup warm water: Provides moisture and warmth to wake up the yeast for rising.
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for brushing): Adds richness and keeps the dough tender while contributing to the golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt: Brings moisture and a subtle tang, elevating the dough’s softness.
- ½ cup za’atar spice blend: The star seasoning mix combining herbs like thyme and sumac for an herby, citrusy punch.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing touch that adds crunch and bursts of salty flavor on top of the golden buns.
How to Make Za’atar Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your dough. Then, add the warm water, olive oil, and yogurt. Mix everything until a shaggy dough forms; this step is where your hands get a little fun and messy. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and springs back when poked. This kneading is the secret to those soft, bouncy buns everyone loves!
Step 2: First Rise
Place your perfectly kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot. This resting period, lasting 1 to 1½ hours, gives the dough time to rise and double in size. Watching this simple transformation is always exciting and such a rewarding part of baking.
Step 3: Mix the Za’atar Filling
While the dough is resting, mix the za’atar spice blend with ¼ cup of olive oil in a small bowl to create a flavorful, aromatic paste. This mixture will infuse each bun with that beloved savory-herbal taste making these buns utterly unforgettable.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into eight equal pieces, then roll each piece into a small rectangle. Spoon a generous amount of the za’atar and olive oil mixture onto each rectangle, spreading it evenly. Then, roll the dough tightly like a cinnamon roll, sealing in the herby paste inside.
Step 5: Second Rise and Baking
Position the buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes to puff up beautifully. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Right before baking, brush the tops of the buns with olive oil to encourage a gorgeous golden crust and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you want that extra burst of savory crunch. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the buns are beautifully golden brown and smell heavenly.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, allow the Za’atar Buns Recipe to cool slightly. This step gives the flavors a chance to settle and makes them easier to handle. These buns are best enjoyed warm, letting you savor the fresh, herby aroma and fluffy texture at their peak.
How to Serve Za’atar Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Za’atar buns shine on their own but pair beautifully with a variety of garnishes. A simple drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra za’atar on warm buns adds a fresh herbal kick. You can also serve them alongside creamy labneh or tangy yogurt dips for a perfect contrast and added richness.
Side Dishes
These buns are fantastic alongside Middle Eastern classics like hummus, baba ganoush, or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad. Their mild tang from the za’atar and olive oil makes them versatile companions for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even hearty soups for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the buns in a woven basket lined with a clean kitchen towel for a rustic look or serve sliced with mini dipping bowls of flavored olive oils or tahini sauces. For brunch, these buns make a great base for avocado toast topped with za’atar-seasoned olive oil for an extra punch of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover za’atar buns, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread holds its freshness well, making it easy to revisit that cozy flavor the next day.
Freezing
Want to keep the joy longer? These buns freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat to bring back their fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the buns in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, the air fryer also works wonders, reviving their crispy edges while keeping them soft inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
What can I substitute if I don’t have plain yogurt?
If you don’t have plain yogurt on hand, sour cream or buttermilk can be used as a substitute in this Za’atar Buns Recipe. They provide a similar moisture and subtle tang that helps with the dough’s texture and flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of za’atar spice blend?
While fresh herbs are lovely, the za’atar spice blend’s unique combination of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac creates a flavor that fresh herbs alone can’t replicate. For the authentic taste, it’s best to use za’atar.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
The two rises are key to achieving light, fluffy buns with a tender crumb. The first rise develops flavor and volume, while the second ensures the shaped buns expand perfectly before baking.
Can I make these buns vegan?
Yes! You can replace the yogurt with a non-dairy alternative like coconut or almond yogurt and use olive oil as directed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making this recipe quite adaptable.
How long do these Za’atar Buns stay fresh?
Freshly baked, these buns taste best the same day, but stored properly, they stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond that, freezing is recommended to extend their shelf life without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling warm, fragrant Za’atar Buns Recipe from the oven and sharing them with loved ones. The herby, citrusy za’atar flavor combined with soft, fluffy bread creates a simple pleasure that never gets old. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how delicious and comforting these buns can be, whether for a casual snack or a part of your next festive meal.
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Za’atar Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Za’atar Buns are soft, aromatic Middle Eastern bread rolls infused with a flavorful za’atar spice blend and olive oil. Perfect as a snack or side dish, they are best enjoyed warm and pair beautifully with labneh or hummus.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Za’atar Filling
- ½ cup za’atar spice blend
- ¼ cup olive oil (for filling)
Topping
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add warm water, ¼ cup olive oil, and plain yogurt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten and ensures a soft texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Za’atar Mixture: While the dough is rising, mix the za’atar spice blend with ¼ cup olive oil in a small bowl to form a fragrant paste.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a small rectangle, spread each with a spoonful of the za’atar mixture, then roll tightly like a cinnamon roll.
- Second Rise: Place the buns seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly brush the tops of the buns with olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and pair perfectly with labneh or hummus.
Notes
- Serve these buns warm for the best flavor and texture.
- They pair wonderfully with Middle Eastern dips like labneh or hummus.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in a low oven or an air fryer to restore softness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
