Zaatar Swirl Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf filled with fragrant za’atar spice blend and olive oil, rolled into a beautiful swirl. This savory, aromatic bread is perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside meals. The unique blend of spices in this Middle Eastern spiced bread makes it a favorite among many, and today, you’ll learn how to make this delightful treat yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Zaatar Swirl Bread

This delicious bread is not only easy to make but also offers a delightful experience for your taste buds. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• **Versatile**: Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or even a main course.
• **Aromatic**: The za’atar spice blend fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
• **Nutritious**: Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthy addition to your diet.
• **Family-Friendly**: Perfect for everyone, including kids who love its fluffy texture.
• **Culinary Adventure**: Explore Middle Eastern flavors right at home.
• **Customizable**: Add cheese or vegetables for a personal touch.
• **Great for Meal Prep**: Make ahead and store for quick meals or snacks.
• **Perfect for Dipping**: Pair it with olive oil or dips for an exquisite treat.

Ingredients for Zaatar Swirl Bread

Gather these items:

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing and brushing)
• ½ cup za’atar
• ¼ cup olive oil (for filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

How to Make Zaatar Swirl Bread Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add olive oil and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or grease a loaf pan.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Step 7: Mix za’atar with ¼ cup olive oil and spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
9. Step 9: Place the log on the baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Beat egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the top of the loaf.
11. Step 11: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Step 12: Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Zaatar Swirl Bread

Keep these in mind:

• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
• Knead thoroughly for the best texture in your bread.
• Experiment with different fillings like cheese or herbs.
• For a shiny crust, brush with olive oil before baking.

Best Ways to Serve Zaatar Swirl Bread

This bread pairs beautifully with:

• Traditional olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Soup or salad as a hearty side.
• Cheese spreads or dips for an appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Zaatar Swirl Bread

To store, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can last up to three days at room temperature. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the bread fluffy and warm, making it perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zaatar Swirl Bread

What’s the secret to perfect Zaatar Swirl Bread?

The key is to ensure your dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rise properly. This gives it that soft, fluffy texture. Using fresh za’atar will also enhance the flavor and aroma.

Can I make Zaatar Swirl Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Zaatar Swirl Bread?

Make sure not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to dense bread. Also, check your yeast for freshness to ensure proper rising.

Variations of Zaatar Swirl Bread You Can Try

Explore these delicious variations:

• Add feta cheese for a savory twist.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Try using whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• Substitute the za’atar with other spice blends for different flavors.

For more delicious recipes, check out this sliced bread recipe or this Mediterranean chickpea salad. If you’re interested in the health benefits of za’atar, you can read more here.

Delicious Zaatar Swirl Bread: 10 Amazing Benefits

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Za’atar Swirl Bread is a soft, fluffy loaf filled with fragrant za’atar spice blend and olive oil, rolled into a beautiful swirl. It’s a savory, aromatic bread perfect for snacking, dipping, or serving alongside meals.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing and brushing)
• ½ cup za’atar
• ¼ cup olive oil (for filling)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil and salt, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or grease a loaf pan.
6. Roll the dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
7. Mix za’atar with ¼ cup olive oil and spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
8. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
9. Place the log on the baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
10. Beat egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the top of the loaf.
11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg