Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds
Warm, soft flatbread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with a fragrant homemade za'atar blend and toasted sesame seeds. This middle eastern-inspired quick meals ready in about 31 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (110°F) warm water
- 3 tbsp + 2 tbsp for brushing olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F), letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F and place a baking stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and divide into 2 equal portions. Roll each into a 10-inch circle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Step 6: Brush each flatbread with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then evenly sprinkle with 1 tablespoon za'atar and 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.
- Step 7: Transfer one flatbread at a time to the preheated baking surface and bake for 6-8 minutes until golden and puffed. Repeat with second flatbread.
- Step 8: Serve warm as a side or with dips.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (15 min prep + 16 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Za'atar Flatbread with Olive Oil and Sesame Seeds?
Middle Eastern quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
