Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta Recipe

These Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta are a savory delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. The buns are made from soft, pillowy dough flavored with the aromatic blend of Za’atar, an herbaceous and tangy spice mix. Inside, they are stuffed with a delicious mixture of sautéed spinach and crumbled feta, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Baked to golden perfection, these buns are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering or enjoying them on your own, these egg buns are both comforting and indulgent!

Why You’ll Love Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta

Here’s why these buns are worth making:

Flaky and Flavorful

The dough is soft and fluffy, while the Za’atar seasoning adds a fragrant, herby depth of flavor. Combined with the savory spinach and feta filling, every bite is bursting with taste.

Easy to Make

Although they may look gourmet, these buns are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and common ingredients.

Versatile

You can serve these buns on their own, or pair them with a side salad, soup, or a dipping sauce. They also make for a great portable lunch or snack.

Customizable

You can easily adjust the filling ingredients to suit your tastes, adding more cheese, herbs, or vegetables to the mix.

Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a meal at home, these egg buns will impress everyone with their beautiful presentation and mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Instant yeast
• Olive oil
• Warm water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Za’atar spice mix (a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and oregano)

For the Filling:

• Fresh spinach
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Garlic (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• An egg (for glazing)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to bake these delicious buns? Here’s how you can prepare them:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. Add olive oil, salt, and flour, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3. Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, heat some olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the spinach mixture cool slightly, then stir in the crumbled feta.

4. Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Place a spoonful of the spinach and feta mixture in the center of each dough disk. Fold the edges over the filling to create a bun shape, pinching the edges to seal.

5. Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of each bun with a lightly beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish.

6. Bake the Buns

Sprinkle the tops of the buns with a little extra Za’atar seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the filling is hot.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Za’atar, spinach, and feta!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 buns
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1-1.5 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta

With a Side Salad

Pair these egg buns with a fresh green salad or Mediterranean-style salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a balanced and satisfying meal.

With Yogurt Sauce

Serve these buns with a tangy yogurt-based sauce like tzatziki for added creaminess and a burst of flavor.

As an Appetizer

These buns make a wonderful appetizer for a dinner party, especially when served with a side of hummus or baba ganoush.

As a Snack

Enjoy these buns as a savory snack on their own, or with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a relaxing break.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the buns the next day for a quick and easy meal.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked buns before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Substitute for Spinach: If you don’t have spinach, feel free to use other greens like kale or Swiss chard for the filling.
• Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) for the egg wash.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use other types of cheese like goat cheese, ricotta, or even vegan cheese if preferred.

Q2: How can I make the dough faster?
A2: You can speed up the process by using warm water and instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing. Just make sure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free place.

Q3: Can I make these buns larger?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer larger buns, simply divide the dough into fewer portions, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q4: How can I make the buns extra crispy?
A4: For an extra crispy crust, spray the buns with a bit of water or oil just before baking, or bake them on a pizza stone for a more even, crispy finish.

Q5: Can I prepare the buns the night before?
A5: Yes! You can prepare the buns and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking the next day.

Q6: Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
A6: Yes, you can! If using active dry yeast, proof it first by dissolving it in warm water with sugar and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before using.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q8: Can I freeze the buns?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the baked buns. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven.

Conclusion

These Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta are a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience. The Za’atar-spiced dough combined with the creamy, savory spinach and feta filling makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, these buns are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Mediterranean-inspired treat, and don’t forget to share the recipe with others!

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