Zaatar grilled cheese is a delicious Middle Eastern twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Instead of using butter, the bread is brushed with olive oil and generously sprinkled with zaatar, a fragrant blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. As it grills, the bread becomes golden and crispy, while the cheese inside melts into a gooey, irresistible filling.
Not only is this sandwich easy to make, but it also packs a punch of flavor. The nutty, tangy taste of zaatar perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheese, creating a unique and satisfying bite. Plus, its incredibly versatile you can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick snack.
To make it, simply spread olive oil on both sides of your bread, sprinkle a generous amount of zaatar, and layer your favorite cheese in between. Then, grill it in a pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Within minutes, you’ll have a warm, flavorful sandwich that your whole family will love.
Whether you pair it with a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or eat it on its own with cup of tea, zaatar grilled cheese is a quick and delicious way to upgrade a classic favorite. Give it a try, and you’ll never look at grilled cheese the same way again!
Zaatar grilled cheese summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Cuisine: middle eastern
Flavor Profile: savory, tangy, and nutty.
Texture: crispy and cheesy
Zaatar grilled cheese ingredients
1. Bread: The foundation of any grilled cheese, bread determines both the texture and flavor of your sandwich. For the best results, choose thick slices of white, sourdough, or whole wheat bread. A sturdier bread crisps up beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.
2. Mozzarella or Marble Cheese: Cheese is the heart of any grilled cheese sandwich, and this recipe takes it up a notch. Mozzarella melts perfectly, creating that irresistible stretch, while marble cheese adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor. By combining both, you get the perfect balance of creaminess and taste.
3. Olive oil:Instead of using butter, this recipe calls for olive oil, which not only crisps the bread but also adds a light, fruity flavor. As it soaks into the bread, it enhances the zaatar natural spices, making every bite more aromatic and flavorful.
4. Zaatar: The real game-changer in this recipe, zaatar is a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend made of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs. When mixed with olive oil, it transforms into a flavorful spread that brings a tangy, earthy, and slightly nutty taste. As the sandwich cooks, the zaatar infuses the bread with its signature bold and zesty flavor.
How to make Zaatar grilled cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Zaatar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix the zaatar and olive oil until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. It should be liquidy, not too thick, so it spreads easily over the bread.
Step 2: Brush the Bread
Using a brush or spoon, coat one side of each slice of bread with the zaatar mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place a slice of cheese (or more, if you like it extra cheesy) on the uncoated side of one slice of bread. Then, place another slice of bread on top, with the zaatar-coated side facing outward.
Step 4: Cook the Sandwich
Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once warm, place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Flip and Cook the Other Side
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese has fully melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sandwich from the pan, let it cool slightly, and then slice it in half. Enjoy it warm while the cheese is still gooey and the bread is perfectly crispy!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of bread should I use?
Thick bread like sourdough, white, or whole wheat works best because it gets crispy and holds the cheese well. You can also try pita or ciabatta for a different taste.
2. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella and marble cheese melt well, but you can also try cheddar, gouda, or halloumi for a new flavor.
3. Can I make this without olive oil?
Olive oil brings out the flavor of the zaatar, but you can use butter or another oil if you like. Butter makes it richer, while olive oil keeps it light.
4. How do I keep the bread from burning?
Cook on medium heat so the bread turns golden without burning. If needed, lower the heat and cook a little longer.
5. Can I use a panini press or air fryer?
Yes! A panini press makes it evenly crispy. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes per side for a crunchy texture.
6. Can I make it ahead of time?
This sandwich is best fresh, but you can mix the zaatar and olive oil early. You can also make the sandwich and cook it later.
7. What goes well with zaatar grilled cheese?
It tastes great with cup of tea and labneh.
8. Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes! Try adding sliced tomatoes, olives, or a little honey for a sweet and salty taste. Fresh herbs like basil or mint also work well.
9. Can I use store-bought zaatar?
Yes! Store-bought zaatar is great, but you can also mix dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt to make your own.
Tips And Tricks
1. Use Fresh Bread
Fresh bread gives the best texture. If the bread is too soft, it may get soggy. If it’s too hard, it won’t absorb the zaatar mix well.
2. Choose the Right Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly, while marble cheese adds more flavor. For extra creaminess, try mixing both! You can also experiment with feta, gouda, or halloumi.
3. Don’t Overload the Zaatar Mix
Too much zaatar and olive oil can make the bread too wet. Spread just enough for flavor without soaking the bread.
4. Cook on Medium Heat
High heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts. Medium heat lets the bread get crispy while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly.
5. Press Down for Extra Crispiness
Gently press the sandwich with a spatula while cooking to get an even, golden-brown crust.
6. Try Different Bread Types
Sourdough, whole wheat, or even pita bread all work well. Each one gives a slightly different taste and texture.
7. Flip Carefully
When flipping the sandwich, use a wide spatula to keep the cheese from spilling out.
8. Add Extra Fillings
Make it even tastier by adding sliced tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs like basil or mint.
9. Serve Immediately
Zaatar grilled cheese tastes best when its hot and crispy. Eat it right away for the best flavor and texture.
10. Pair It with a Side
Enjoy your sandwich with cups of tea, labneh, olives and veggies.
More Breakfast Recipes
Amazon Links
Zaatar grilled cheese
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 large slices of mozzarella cheese marble cheese, or a mix of both
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup zaatar
Instructions
- Mix the zaatar and olive oil until you get a liquid consistency; it shouldn’t be too thick.
- Brush one side of each slice of bread with the zaatar mixture.
- Place the cheese on one slice of bread, then top it with another slice to make a sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the sandwich until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
- Enjoy while it’s still warm and crispy!
Notes
Fresh bread gives the best texture. If the bread is too soft, it may get soggy. If it’s too hard, it won’t absorb the zaatar mix well. 2. Choose the Right Cheese.
Mozzarella melts smoothly, while marble cheese adds more flavor. For extra creaminess, try mixing both! You can also experiment with feta, gouda, or halloumi. 3. Don’t Overload the Zaatar Mix
Too much zaatar and olive oil can make the bread too wet. Spread just enough for flavor without soaking the bread. 4. Cook on Medium Heat
High heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts. Medium heat lets the bread get crispy while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly. 5. Press Down for Extra Crispiness
Gently press the sandwich with a spatula while cooking to get an even, golden-brown crust. 6. Try Different Bread Types
Sourdough, whole wheat, or even pita bread all work well. Each one gives a slightly different taste and texture. 7. Flip Carefully
When flipping the sandwich, use a wide spatula to keep the cheese from spilling out. 8. Add Extra Fillings
Make it even tastier by adding sliced tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs like basil or mint. 9. Serve Immediately
Zaatar grilled cheese tastes best when it’s hot and crispy. Eat it right away for the best flavor and texture. 10. Pair It with a Side.
Enjoy your sandwich with cup of tea and side of labneh and veggies