Za’atar stuffed French Toast
This za’atar stuffed french toast is so simple to make with just a handful of ingredients needed! It is now on our weekly brunch rotation, especially since it is toddler friendly too! It is the perfect savory brunch dish for everyone to enjoy.
I have never seen za’atar french toast, let alone a za’atar stuffed french toast. But, if you follow my social media accounts or even scroll through my website, I am sure you have noticed my love affair for za’atar. It is a fantastic Middle Eastern seasoning blend that is used in marinades, dressings, as a topping, dip, or here!
This recipe was actually inspired by my 15-month-old son, who isn’t a fan of eggs. I tried servings eggs in so many ways, from scrambled to hardboiled to mixing them in with something he enjoys. Most of it would end up on the ground. But, one day, I made him cinnamon french toast, and he liked it! So, I thought of a savory version and made this the following morning. It is a great way to sneak extra protein into his meals! It was so good that my husband requested seconds, and that is when I stuffed it with Arabic white cheese. It really made it special. Cheese has that effect!
Ingredients you need for my Za’atar stuffed French toast recipe
- Za’atar– This is a seasoning blend made of dried za’atar mixed with sesame seeds and sumac. In the states, most of the time, you will find dried oregano and thyme as well in the blend. This seasoning is what is going to flavor our egg mixture to coat the toast.
- Olive oil-I almost always has za’atar with olive oil, so I could not imagine it without it here. It adds moisture and a deep flavor too.
- Milk or Half n’Half– Both work to make the egg mixture creamier. This ingredient helps to add moisture to the french toast.
- Eggs- You can’t have french toast without eggs or an egg substitute. These are a must as they act as a binder.
- Bread-The bread used in French toast is pretty important. It is typically a thicker cut of some sort of sliced bread. Typically, brioche is used as it has a high-fat content in butter and therefore crisps nicely in the pan and has more flavor. I used a lower calorie and carb version here, but you can utilize what you have available.
- Cheese-The cheese I used is called Chicago cheese. It is a variety of Arab white cheeses in the semi-melting family. So, they melt just slightly but still stay in place, making it less messy. You can, however, use whatever cheese you like with this combination, as za’atar is a flexible flavor. I used this white cheese as it is most traditional to what would typically be served with a Zeit (olive oil) and za’atar breakfast.
This is truly a delicious and straightforward meal that comes together in no time. You will often find yourself making this for the whole family to enjoy Sunday brunch! I made it three times just last week! If you aren’t a fan of it being stuffed, try the zaatar toast with labneh!
If you are a fan of za’atar like myself, then give these popular Za’atar recipes a try:
Baked Za’atar Chicken (perfect for dinner with rice)
Za’atar knots (a very easy and quick baked good that looks beautiful too)
Za’atar Cake (a savory cake that has loads of flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd)
As always, I love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments, leave them below. I also love seeing your remakes. Share them with me on my Instagram page!
Za’atar stuffed French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup Half n Half or milk
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/3 cup Za'atar seasoning blend
- Salt to taste
- 4 Slices of thick white bread, or toast/bread of choice
- Cheese, sliced 1/2 inch thick slices ex: Arabic cheese, halloumi cheese, mozzarella, Chicago cheese, queso fresco or any cheese of choice that is a melting or semi-melting cheese.
- 1 tbsp High smoke point oil or butter ex: Grapeseed or Avocado oil
Instructions
- Mix together the eggs, milk, oil, za'atar, and salt.
- Add high smoke point oil to a nonstick pan.
- Dip the bread on both sides in the egg mixture, Shake off any excess then place the bread into a nonstick hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes each side until browned.
- Add the slices of cheese to one toast then place the other piece of bread on top. Cover the pan with a lid and keep it on the lowest heat. Allow for the steam to melt the cheese for a few minutes.
- The french toast should be crisp on the outside and nice and cheesy on the inside. I like to enjoy mine with fresh tomatoes as they are bright, sweet, acidic and compliment this meal well.
Thank you for sharing this delicious breakfast recipe. Will be making this again, so good!!
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe my kids loved it
My pleasure!
Wooooow just wooow. So yummy! And easy for on the go with some cherry tomatoes on the side, wow!
Thanks, Cindy!
I made it twice last week, so delicious 😍😍😍
I’m happy you enjoyed it !
Tried this this morning for my toddler & myself, & it was different & delicious . Love new easy & good recipes !
Thank you for the lovely review!
This was such a genius way to hide eggs for my toddler and a less messy way to eat manaeesh. THANK YOU
I am so happy to hear your toddler loved it just like mine!
Simply amazing and delicious! My mom and I both made it!
Thanks, Ebaa!
I tried this stuffed zatar French toast recipe and it is on of the most delicious breakfast I had in a while. So flavorful & delicious 🥰
I am so happy you liked it, Haneen
This will definitely be a breakfast staple in our home now. So amazing and delicious! My husband and kids couldn’t get enough and that’s always a win for a mom! Lol You’re so talented mashallah!
Aww, that is awesome to hear!
So good! With some tomatoes and cucumbers, you have yourself a delicious breakfast/brunch
So glad you liked it!
My daughter loved this so much! She literally asked for seconds! It’s more nutritious than a Maooushi so I would prefer to make this! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Awww, this makes me happy!
I LOVE how simple it was to make this and how flavorful the zataar leaves the toast. This is definitely going to be a staple in my house.
Thanks for the lovely review!
This was absolutely genius and loved it so much. Will be my go to favorite breakfasts!
Thanks for sharing
Made this and loved it! my kids have it a thumbs up!
Absolutely loved it!!! Such a simple, quick and easy meal. My whole family enjoyed!
oooh my gooodness, tried this over weekend, hubby and I both enjoyed it.Thanks fufu for always sharing great recipes!
I am so happy to hear that, Fatima!
This was absolutely delicious! I’m in awe how Fufu came up with this idea. Despite eating za’atar and olive oil all my life, I never would have thought of making French toast out of it! It completely changes the simple breakfast from sweet deliciousness to hearty Arab vibes deliciousness. Even my husband loved it!
Such a kind review; thank you!!
Great recipe! nice twist to a boring cheese sandwich I make it all the time
So glad I tried this! Me and my preschooler love this for a savory breakfast or lunch. Very flavorful and my kid doesn’t notice there are eggs in it so it’s a winner.
I made this for my son…but really for myself, because the combination just sounded so yum! Cheesy goodness with the saltiness of the za’atar. Makes for a lovely, unique addition to a brunch!
The best breakfast or lunch sandwich. With a cup of tea yummy. I tried it with wheat bread as well. Definitely one of my favorite breakfast dishes