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Zaatar grilled cheese
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Zaatar grilled cheese

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.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Keyword breakfast, grilledcheese, zaatar, zaatargrilledcheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Servings 2 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

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 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