Hey Zaatar lovers! With rainy nights just around the corner, these Zaatar Pretzels are the ideal, comfortable treat for this weather and those chilly evenings. Hand-twisted to perfection and generously coated in zaatar spices, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, these savory pleasures offer warmth and aromatic bliss to your snacking experience, making them the ideal companion for the coming winter nights.
Are you wondering how long it will take to make this delectable treat? Fear not! My Zaatar Pretzels are not just a burst of savory pleasure; they’re also a breeze to make, requiring only a few minutes to transform simple ingredients into a tasty delight!
Bite-Sized Joy
Ingredients
For the Dough:
Bread flour
Warm water
Brown sugar
Active dry yeast
Unsalted butter
Salt
Olive oil
Zaatar
Flaky Salt
For the Pretzel Bath
Water
Baking soda
Scroll for the entire detailed recipe ingredients and instructions
The Best Snack for Kids
This Zaatar Pretzels recipe is really simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy families, especially those with children.
Its simplicity makes it a fantastic choice for you and for parents looking for quick and easy snack options. The bite-sized nature of the pretzels makes them ideal for packing in your child’s lunch boxes.
From creating the zaatar blend to shaping the pretzels, the simple processes ensure that even your kids can actively participate in the kitchen.
This recipe’s adaptability accommodates your children’s various tastes, providing a healthy and delectable alternative to traditional snacks. Whether as an after-school treat or a lunchbox surprise, these Zaatar Pretzels seamlessly blend ease of preparation with kid-friendly appeal for you and your family.
Kids’ Snack Heaven
How to Serve Zaatar Pretzels
Serve these Zaatar Pretzels with a zesty yogurt-based dip or a chilly tzatziki sauce to provide a lovely contrast to the warm, savory flavors. The creamy texture of the cool dip matches the crunch of the pretzels, increasing the entire flavor experience.
Furthermore, these Zaatar Pretzels are the ideal accompaniment to a warm cup of tea, with a balanced blend of herbal and savory aromas that turn your tea time into a lovely culinary adventure.
Arrange the pretzels on a tray with an array of Mediterranean-inspired nibbles such as olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a more varied look. This grazing-style layout not only creates a beautiful visual spread but also allows your guests to customize their pieces.
Moreover, if you think of having these pretzels for breakfast, it would be a great idea to pair them with labneh. The warm, savory Zaatar Pretzels, combined with the creamy richness of labneh, create a delightful morning treat that brings Mediterranean flavors to the breakfast table.
Tips and Tricks
Prep Ahead: Make the zaatar blend ahead of time to speed up the pretzel-making process. Preparing the mixture ahead of time saves time and offers a more enjoyable cooking experience.
Dough Consistency: Pay attention to the consistency of the pretzel dough. A soft and elastic texture will provide pretzels with the appropriate blend of chewiness and fluffiness.
Zaatar Infusion: For an added flavor boost, consider infusing the zaatar into the dough itself. To enhance the overall flavor, mix a part of the zaatar mixture straight into the dough.
Toppings: Experiment with different toppings, such as sesame seeds or grated cheese, to personalize the pretzels.
Zaatar Love
Storage Tips
Cooled pretzels should be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale and to keep their texture.
If you want to consume the pretzels within a day or two, leaving them at room temperature is fine. However, keep the surrounding environment in mind to avoid moisture absorption.
If you plan to store the pretzels for an extended amount of time, consider chilling them. This helps to keep them fresher for longer, especially in warmer climates.
Zaatar Pretzels are frequently freezer-friendly. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze after shaping. Transfer the frozen items to a freezer bag. Baking them directly frozen ensures a quick and convenient snack alternative.
Reheat pretzels in an oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes to bring back the warmth and crispiness. This method preserves the natural texture better than the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Certainly! Experimenting with different flours, such as whole wheat or spelt flour, can add unique flavors and textures to the pretzels. Adjust the quantity as needed.
To avoid overly hard pretzels, ensure you don’t overbake them. Keep an eye on the oven, and once they achieve a golden-brown color, they are likely ready.
Absolutely! Get creative with your dipping choices. Hummus, honey mustard, or even a balsamic glaze can complement the savory zaatar pretzels beautifully.
Little Bites, Big Delight
Must-Try Recipes:
- Zaatar Grilled Cheese
- Zaatar Rolls
- Zaatar and Cheese Breakfast Bake
- Tender Zaatar Cheese Buns
- Pistachio Baklawa and Ashta Croissant
- One Bowl Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Labneh with Confit Tomatoes and Garlic
- Strawberry Cheesecake Croissants
- Palestinian Ka’ak
- Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Al Nahl)
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Zaatar Pretzels
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ⅓ cup zaatar
- Flaky salt²
For the Pretzel Bath
- 4 quarts water
- ½ cup baking soda
Instructions
- Add the yeast and sugar to a bowl, then add the warm water.
- Mix for 1 minute and let it sit for 10 minutes to activate. Once activated, add the bread flour and salt.
- Add the melted butter mix by hand or with a stand mixer until a dough ball forms.
- Transfer to a greased bowl and let it double in size, for about 1 hour.
- Once done, divide into 8 equal pieces. Now add 4 quarts of water to a pot and let it come to a boil.
- Once boiled, add the baking soda slowly.
- Once the water bath is ready, start rolling out the dough.
- Take one dough ball and roll it into a log of about 25–30 inches in length.
- Turn it into a U shape, then cross the two points, then cross them again to make a twist shape.
- Fold the twisted ends over toward the bottom and gently press down to hold shape.
- Drop into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds and remove using a slotted spoon.
- Add to a sprayed baking sheet. Repeat for the rest of the pretzels.
- Mix the zaatar and olive oil. Brush on top of the pretzels and sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Bake at 400℉ for 12–18 minutes, or until golden.
Notes
- Make the zaatar blend ahead of time to speed up the pretzel-making process. Preparing the mixture ahead of time saves time and offers a more enjoyable cooking experience.
- Pay attention to the consistency of the pretzel dough. A soft and elastic texture will provide pretzels with the appropriate blend of chewiness and fluffiness.
- For an added flavor boost, consider infusing the zaatar into the dough itself. To enhance the overall flavor, mix a part of the zaatar mixture straight into the dough.
Absolutely amazing!
Can’t wait to try these they look delicious!!!
These look so delicous, I can’t wait to try them!!
Literally the best dough recipe so so good and so easy!!! All her recipes are amazing
So easy to make & delicious!