Super fast and easy appetizer and tasty too! Za’atar is made out of thyme, sumac and sesame seeds. I first tried za’atar as kid, our Palestinian neighbours brought some over in a jar, straight from Palestine. She added some in a bowl, drizzled some olive oil in and dipped some bread and told me to eat it, I never tasted anything like it before and I have loved it ever since!
I love making this when guest arrive, its’ so simple to make and impressive to look at! The cream cheese balances out the tangy taste of the za’atar to make the perfect combination! This amount will make 8-9 rolls, if I am having guest over I double or triple the amount.
What you will need:
- 4 tbsp softened cream cheese
- 1 thawed out roll of puff pastry
- 1/4 cup za’atar*
Spread cream cheese evenly over puff pastry, sprinkle za’atar over the cream cheese. Cut into 3/4 inch strips and roll into wheels, or roll the whole pastry and cut along in 1 inch rolls with pastry cutter. Bake on parchment paper lined baking sheet at 425 till golden.
*You can find zaatar at your local Middle Eastern store
Variations:
Olive and Feta:
- kalamata or black olive paste
- crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp softened cream cheese
Spread the cream cheese evenly over puff pastry, spread the olive paste over the cream cheese, and crumble feta cheese over, roll the pastry and then cut into 1 inch rolls with a pastry cutter, bake on parchment paper lined baking sheet at 425 till golden.
Parsley and Feta:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
- hand full of feta
Crumble feta with hand and combine with chopped parsley. Spread on puff pastry, roll and slice into 1 inch rolls. Bake on parchment paper lined baking sheet at 425 till golden.
Ahhh…well that was easy. Interesting spice blend. Never had Sumac.