Zaatar French Toast

Name: Zaatar French Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4 (Makes 8 slices)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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roubashahin.com.au

Breakfast

This savoury zaatar French toast adds a Middle Eastern touch to your breakfast. A simple, flavour- packed recipe perfect for brunch or lazy mornings!

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

SERVES

4 (Makes 8 slices)

About this recipe

French toast doesn’t always have to be sweet! This savoury zaatar French toast is a Middle Eastern twist on the classic breakfast favourite. Thick slices of bread soak up a creamy egg mixture before being coated in aromatic zaatar and cooked to perfection. Each bite is loaded with the earthy, tangy flavour of zaatar, making it an ideal option for brunch or even a quick and easy snack. If you love zaatar as much as I do, check out my homemade zaatar recipe here to elevate this dish even further. The bold spices make this zaatar french toast feel unique and transport you to the heart of Middle Eastern cooking.

This recipe is part of my 3 French Toast Recipes for Rotation, and if you’re in the mood for variety, there’s more to explore! The classic French toast is perfect for those who love sweet breakfasts, especially when topped with maple syrup or berries. On the other hand, the ashta cream-topped French toast is for anyone craving a luxurious treat, complete with walnuts, honey, and cinnamon. For other savoury breakfast ideas, try my comforting Egg and Potato Mash (Batata Wu Bayd), or whip up my Simple Homemade Pancakes for a quick, kid-approved meal that always hits the spot.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
300 ml thickened cream cream
50 grams butter, chopped
8 thick slices of white bread
¾ Za’atar spice mix (about 1 ½ tablespoon per slice)

Notes from Rouba

Ensure the za’atar adheres well by gently pressing it onto the bread.
Keep bread from over saturating to ensure crisp edges.
Slightly stale bread works best, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soft.
Serve the savoury za’atar French toast warm. It pairs beautifully with labneh, olives, or a fresh cucumber and tomato herb salad for a Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast or brunch.
Thickened cream is similar to whipping cream and works well in the same types of recipes.

Method

Step 1. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 2. Dip and Coat the Bread

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of butter to the pan and let it melt, coating the base evenly.

Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated but not overly saturated. Remove the bread from the mixture and sprinkle about ¾ tablespoon of za’atar evenly on one side. Turn the bread over and sprinkle another ¾ tablespoon on the other side. Gently press the za'atar to adhere.

Step 3. Cook the French Toast

Place the bread in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed (about 1-2 teaspoons per batch).