Levantine Zaatar Bread Flatbread (Printable)

Golden flatbread with zaatar and sesame seeds, ideal as a flavorful snack or accompaniment.

# What You Need:

→ 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

→ Zaatar Topping

07 - 1/4 cup zaatar spice blend
08 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
09 - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, blend flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Incorporate olive oil and gradually add warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
02 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
04 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 - Divide dough into 4 equal portions, form each into a ball, then flatten to rounds approximately 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Arrange on prepared baking sheets.
06 - Combine zaatar, toasted sesame seeds, and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl to form a paste.
07 - Spread the zaatar mixture evenly over each dough round, leaving a small border at the edges.
08 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
09 - Serve warm or at room temperature alongside labneh, olives, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under two hours and tastes like you've been baking all morning.
  • The zaatar topping creates a crust so fragrant it fills your entire kitchen, announcing that something special is happening.
  • It's endlessly forgiving—even slight imperfections in shaping disappear the moment you bite into warm bread.
02 -
  • If your zaatar mixture sits too long on the raw dough, the oil will soak in and the bread may taste greasy—apply it just before baking for the best balance.
  • The dough temperature matters more than the exact timing; if your kitchen is cold, the rise will take longer, but the bread will have better flavor for the wait.
03 -
  • If your kitchen is consistently cold, warm the bowl and damp cloth under hot water before covering the dough—this small trick can cut rising time in half.
  • The zaatar paste should be spread with confidence; hesitation leads to uneven coverage, which means some bites will be zaatar-forward while others taste almost plain.
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