Homemade Zaatar Cheese Rolls

This hearty zaatar cheese rolls recipe has been my Mediterranean comfort food go-to for years. The aromatic blend of herbs in zaatar combined with melty cheeses creates an irresistible spiral that disappears quickly whenever I serve them.

I first made these during a family gathering where I wanted something unique to serve alongside soup. Everyone requested the recipe before they even finished their first roll, and now they've become our traditional holiday morning treat.

Ingredients

• Warm milk: Brings the dough together and activates the yeast for a perfect rise
• Dry yeast: Provides the leavening power for fluffy rolls
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory filling
• Flour: Forms the structure of your dough use bread flour for best results if available
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to both dough and filling
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to create a tender crumb
• Zaatar spice blend: Offers earthy herbal notes with sumac tang
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat that complements the zaatar beautifully
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates those perfect stretchy cheese pulls when warm
• Parmesan or feta cheese: Adds sharp salty notes that contrast with the herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast:

Warm milk to precisely 125°F then add yeast and a sprinkle of sugar. Allow it to rest in a warm spot until foamy bubbles form across the surface, about 5 to 10 minutes. This step ensures your dough will rise properly.

Create the Base Dough:

Add 3½ cups bread flour, remaining sugar, olive oil, eggs and salt to the activated yeast mixture. Mix at low speed until it forms a sticky mass. Allow this mixture to rest for 15 minutes which gives the flour time to absorb moisture and develop gluten naturally.

Develop the Dough:

Add additional flour gradually, 2 tablespoons at a time, giving each addition time to incorporate. Increase mixer speed to medium and knead for 5 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and slightly sticky. The dough should pull away from the bowl sides but still feel tacky to touch.

First Rise:

Lightly oil the dough and bowl, then cover with a damp towel. Place in a warm, draft-free location until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. The oven with the light on but heat off creates an ideal environment for rising.

Form the Rectangle:

After the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle of even thickness. Take your time here to create a uniform shape for consistent rolls.

Add the Filling:

Brush olive oil across the entire surface of the dough. Sprinkle zaatar evenly, followed by red pepper flakes. Distribute mozzarella cheese uniformly, then add either parmesan or feta depending on your preference. Press slightly to help ingredients adhere.

Roll and Cut:

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal completely. Using dental floss, mark and cut 16 equal portions by sliding the floss under the log, crossing the ends and pulling through the dough for clean cuts.

Second Rise:

Place the cut rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with the spiral facing up, allowing at least 2 inches between each roll. Cover loosely and let rise until doubled again, about 30 minutes. They should look puffy and fill in some of the space between them.

Bake to Perfection:

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F for perfectly baked rolls.

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The zaatar is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. Its blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds and salt creates a complex flavor profile that transforms simple cheese rolls into something extraordinary. My Lebanese grandmother always said good zaatar should make your tongue dance, and these rolls certainly achieve that.

Make-Ahead Options

These rolls work beautifully as a make-ahead option. Prepare them through the cutting stage, then arrange on baking sheets and refrigerate overnight, covered tightly with plastic wrap. The next morning, remove from refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature and complete their second rise before baking. This technique actually enhances flavor development in the dough and makes morning preparation nearly effortless.

Cheese Variations

While the recipe suggests mozzarella paired with either parmesan or feta, numerous other cheese combinations work wonderfully. Try gruyere for a nutty depth, halloumi for a unique texture that holds up well to baking, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for bold flavor enthusiasts. The key is balancing a melting cheese with a more flavorful variety for dimension.

Serving Suggestions

These zaatar cheese rolls pair beautifully with Mediterranean mezze spreads including hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. They also make an excellent accompaniment to hearty soups and stews during colder months. For breakfast, serve them slightly warm alongside sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a traditional Middle Eastern morning spread.

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These rolls bring joy to every occasion, offering a perfect balance of herbs, spice, and cheese in every bite. Enjoy making them for your loved ones!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cheese rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping. Alternatively, you can shape the rolls and refrigerate them overnight, then let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

→ What is zaatar and where can I find it?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. You can find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores, well-stocked supermarkets, or online. You can also make your own by combining these ingredients.

→ Can I use different cheeses in these rolls?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella with either parmesan or feta, you can experiment with other cheeses. Good substitutes include gruyere, halloumi, or even a mild cheddar. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the zaatar flavor.

→ How do I store leftover cheese rolls?

Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap rolls in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds.

→ Can I freeze these zaatar cheese rolls?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, place shaped rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to rise before baking. For baked rolls, cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with these cheese rolls?

These versatile rolls pair well with many dishes. Serve them alongside a bowl of soup, with a Mediterranean mezze platter, as part of a breakfast spread with labneh or yogurt, or simply on their own with a cup of coffee or tea.