Zaatar Cheese Bread

There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked Zaatar Cheese Bread filling your kitchen! This bread is soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy golden crust, bursting with the rich, earthy flavors of zaatar and the melty goodness of Akawi cheese. The combination of herbs, cheese, and warm homemade bread is simply irresistible. This is the perfect bread for breakfast, a side dish, or even a snack with tea. Let’s get baking!

Method

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. The yeast will activate, becoming foamy and bubbly, which is a sign that it’s ready to use.

Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough attachment (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand), combine the flour, dried zaatar leaves, zaatar spice blend, and salt. Stir for about one minute to evenly distribute the ingredients. Next, add the shredded Akawi cheese, the activated yeast mixture, and the cold water. Mix everything together on low speed until a dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add 1 tbsp of flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes manageable.

Let the Dough Rise

Drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil into a clean bowl. Transfer the dough into the bowl, flipping it a few times so that it is fully coated in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm area for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Preheat the Dutch Oven

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (or cast iron skillet) inside the oven and allow it to heat up for 45 minutes. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy, bakery-style crust.

Shape the Dough & Second Rise

After placing the Dutch oven in the oven, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape it back into a smooth ball, cover it again, and let it rest for another 45 minutes. By the time the dough is ready, the Dutch oven will also be fully preheated.

Bake the Bread

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (be cautious, as it will be very hot). Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper, then transfer the dough onto the parchment. Using the edges of the parchment, carefully lower the dough into the Dutch oven.

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the bread to develop a beautiful golden crust.

Cool & Serve

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the amazing aroma of fresh zaatar and cheese as you prepare to serve!

Necessary Tools

• Stand mixer with dough attachment (or mixing bowl and wooden spoon)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Dutch oven or cast iron skillet
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Enjoyment: Serve warm with butter or olive oil.
• Pair with Tea: This bread pairs beautifully with mint tea or Arabic coffee.
• Make a Sandwich: Slice it in half and stuff with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and labneh.
• Toast & Dip: Toast slices and dip them in hummus or baba ganoush for an extra treat.

Fun Fact

Did you know that zaatar is known as a “brain food” in Middle Eastern culture? It is believed to boost memory and brain function, which is why it’s often eaten for breakfast before a big day! The combination of zaatar and cheese has been enjoyed for centuries as a staple in many households.

Conclusion

This Zaatar Cheese Bread is an easy yet impressive homemade bread recipe that brings the rich flavors of the Middle East right into your kitchen. With crispy edges, soft fluffy insides, and delicious melted cheese, this bread is a must try for any bread lover! Give it a go and enjoy a warm, comforting slice with your favorite spread. Happy baking!