Description
This Baladi Bread with Labneh and Zaatar is a simple yet deeply flavorful Middle Eastern dish that celebrates warm, rustic Egyptian flatbread topped with creamy labneh and aromatic zaatar. The combination is earthy, tangy, and comforting—perfect for breakfast
Ingredients
Scale
For the Baladi Bread
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1–1¼ cups warm water
- Flour for dusting
For the Topping
- 1–1½ cups labneh
- 3 tbsp zaatar
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- Pinch of flaky salt (optional)
Optional Add-Ons
- Sliced cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh mint
- Pickled turnips
- Chili flakes
Instructions
1. Make the Baladi Bread Dough
- In a bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add olive oil and gradually pour in warm water until a soft dough forms.
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour, until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Bread
- Divide the dough into 6 equal balls.
- Dust with flour and roll each into thin discs about 6–7 inches wide.
- Place onto a floured tray and cover until ready to cook.
3. Cook the Bread
Option A: Stovetop (Traditional)
- Heat a cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook each bread 1–2 minutes per side until puffed and golden.
Option B: Oven-Baked
- Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Place dough discs on a hot baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Bake 2–3 minutes, until bread puffs.
4. Assemble with Labneh and Zaatar
- Spread a generous layer of labneh over warm baladi bread.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle zaatar evenly on top.
- Add optional vegetables or herbs if desired.
5. Serve
- Serve immediately as breakfast or part of a mezze platter.
- Great alongside olives, tea, fresh vegetables, or grilled meats.
Notes
- For softer bread, use more all-purpose flour; for rustic flavor, increase whole wheat.
- Labneh can be swapped for thick Greek yogurt or strained yogurt.
- Add pomegranate seeds for brightness and crunch.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 topped flatbread
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
