From the Flour & Herbs kitchen
Soft, golden spirals filled with tangy feta, fragrant zaatar, and olive oil. Bring them to brunch, tear one alongside soup, or serve a warm pan in the middle of the table.
A savory twist on the swirl bun
Zaatar brings thyme, nutty sesame, and the bright tang of sumac to each layer. Feta adds a creamy, salty bite, while olive oil keeps the filling easy to spread. The result is a savory bake with plenty of flavor in every spiral.
Bread, Pizza & Baking
Zaatar & Feta Swirl Buns
By Flour & Herbs · Middle Eastern-inspired
Allow about 2 hr 40 min–3 hr 30 min total. Rising time varies with kitchen temperature.
Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you go.
For the dough
For the filling & finish
Let's bake
- Make the dough. Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the water and 30 ml olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise. Cover and leave in a warm place until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.
- Roll it out. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 × 15-inch rectangle.
- Add the filling. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil with the zaatar. Spread over the dough, leaving a ½-inch bare border along one long edge. Scatter evenly with feta.
- Shape the swirls. Starting at the opposite long edge, roll into a 15-inch log. Pinch the seam closed and slice into 9 equal pieces. Arrange cut-side up in the prepared pan.
- Let them puff. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until noticeably puffy. Heat the oven to 375°F / 190°C, conventional.
- Bake and finish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and the center buns are cooked through. Brush with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Rest for 10 minutes before pulling apart.
A few little things that help
- Drain feta well so the filling stays spreadable rather than wet.
- Judge the rise by the dough's volume and puffiness, not just the clock.
- Feta adds salt. Taste the filling before adding any extra.
To serve: Pair with tomato soup, chopped cucumber salad, or scrambled eggs.
Estimated nutrition: 270 calories per bun (1/9 recipe). Calories vary with ingredients and portion size. Contains wheat, milk, and sesame; check all ingredient labels.
Before you start
A kitchen scale, rolling pin and a baking dish help keep the nine buns even. Allow time for both rises; dough should look puffy before baking, so a cool kitchen may need longer.
Storage and reheating
Chill leftover feta-filled buns in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat covered in a moderate oven until hot throughout; uncover briefly to refresh the tops. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and reheat cooked leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Featured seasoning
Zaatar Middle Eastern Spice
Thyme, sesame, sumac, and herbs bring a tangy, nutty flavor to the feta filling.
In this recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons zaatar with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then spread over the dough before adding feta.
Shop Zaatar →One jar, more possibilities
Try a sprinkle over hummus, toss it with carrots and olive oil before roasting, or stir it into olive oil for warm bread. A little zaatar can bring a new flavor to an everyday meal.