Zaatar Muffins
Zaatar muffins are a delicious and savory Mediterranean-style treat, perfect for gatherings, breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite on the go. They are flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal choice for meal prep.
Servings 12 Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1¼ cup warm milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp zaatar
- ½ cup sliced olives
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese cut into small cubes or feta cheese
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds for topping
- 1c tbsp sumac for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 380°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and olive oil.
- Add the zaatar, baking powder, and warm milk, and mix well.
- Fold in the cheese, olives, and flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Grease a muffin tray with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.
- Fill each muffin cup with the batter, about ¾ full then add on top sesame seeds and a sprinkle of sumac.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the muffins to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm with a cup of tea. Enjoy!
Notes
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
To keep your muffins light and fluffy, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. 2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil
Since olive oil is a key ingredient, choose a good-quality one for the best flavor. A rich, extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean taste. 3. Warm the Milk for a Better Texture
Adding warm milk helps create a smoother batter and allows the baking powder to activate properly, giving the muffins a nice rise. 4. Grease and Flour the Muffin Tray
To prevent sticking, always grease the muffin cups with olive oil and lightly dust them with flour. If you prefer, use muffin liners for easy removal. 5. Add Fresh Zaatar for an Herbal Boost
While powdered zaatar works well, fresh zaatar leaves add a more vibrant flavor. If using fresh leaves, finely chop them before mixing them into the batter. 6. Choose the Right Cheese
For a gooey, melty texture, mozzarella is a great choice. If you prefer a tangier taste, go for feta or cream cheese. Mixing both creates a rich, balanced flavor. 7. Fill the Muffin Cups Just Right
For evenly baked muffins, fill each cup about ¾ full. This leaves enough room for the batter to rise without overflowing. 8. Check for Doneness the Right Way
To make sure your muffins are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! 9. Let Them Cool Before Serving
Although its tempting to eat them right away, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove from the tray. 10. Store and Reheat Like a Pro Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you want to store them longer, freeze them and thaw when needed.
To keep your muffins light and fluffy, mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. 2. Use High-Quality Olive Oil
Since olive oil is a key ingredient, choose a good-quality one for the best flavor. A rich, extra virgin olive oil enhances the Mediterranean taste. 3. Warm the Milk for a Better Texture
Adding warm milk helps create a smoother batter and allows the baking powder to activate properly, giving the muffins a nice rise. 4. Grease and Flour the Muffin Tray
To prevent sticking, always grease the muffin cups with olive oil and lightly dust them with flour. If you prefer, use muffin liners for easy removal. 5. Add Fresh Zaatar for an Herbal Boost
While powdered zaatar works well, fresh zaatar leaves add a more vibrant flavor. If using fresh leaves, finely chop them before mixing them into the batter. 6. Choose the Right Cheese
For a gooey, melty texture, mozzarella is a great choice. If you prefer a tangier taste, go for feta or cream cheese. Mixing both creates a rich, balanced flavor. 7. Fill the Muffin Cups Just Right
For evenly baked muffins, fill each cup about ¾ full. This leaves enough room for the batter to rise without overflowing. 8. Check for Doneness the Right Way
To make sure your muffins are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! 9. Let Them Cool Before Serving
Although its tempting to eat them right away, allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to remove from the tray. 10. Store and Reheat Like a Pro Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you want to store them longer, freeze them and thaw when needed.