Zaatar Pull Apart Rolls Recipe

Flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the rolls.

Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and efficiently.

Water: Provides the necessary moisture for the dough.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

Zaatar: A flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend that gives the rolls their unique taste.

When kneading the dough, ensure that you use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself and give it a quarter turn. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, making the dough smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour gradually, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the rolls dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the rolls denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture to the dough.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the rolls.

• instant yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used if dissolved in warm water first, though it may take slightly longer to rise.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can make the dough richer and softer, adding a slight sweetness.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used in place of olive oil, though it lacks the distinct olive flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with melted butter: Melted butter can add a rich, creamy flavor to the rolls.

• zaatar - Substitute with Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning can provide a different but equally aromatic blend of herbs, though it lacks the tangy sumac found in zaatar.

• Allow the zaatar pull apart rolls to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the rolls soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled rolls in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to maintain their freshness.

• To extend their shelf life, store the rolls in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Before serving, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their softness.

• For freezing, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped rolls in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. The rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and soft.

• For an extra burst of flavor, brush the reheated rolls with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with additional zaatar before serving. This will enhance their aroma and taste, making them as delightful as when they were freshly baked.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Zaatar Pull Apart Rolls on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through. This method helps retain their softness and flavor.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the rolls and microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This keeps them from drying out and ensures they stay moist.

• If you prefer a crispy exterior, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls directly on the rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid over-browning.

• For a more gourmet touch, use a steamer. Place the rolls in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them soft and fluffy while reheating.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 320°F (160°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives a nice crisp to the exterior while keeping the inside tender.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast, and later to mix in the warm water and olive oil to form the dough.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and olive oil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, sugar, and yeast precisely.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the ingredients together before kneading.

• Stand mixer: Optional, but can be used with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough.

• Clean surface: Necessary for kneading the dough by hand to achieve a smooth and elastic texture.

• Greased bowl: Used to let the dough rise after kneading.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the bowl while the dough is rising.

• Baking dish: Greased and used to place the divided dough balls for baking.

• Pastry brush: For brushing olive oil on the tops of the dough balls before sprinkling with zaatar.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls.

• Cooling rack: To cool the rolls after baking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This minimizes interruptions during the process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough for you, saving time and effort.

Proof in a warm place: Speed up the rising process by placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough is rising to save time.

Shape dough quickly: Divide and shape the dough balls efficiently to reduce prep time.