Za'atar is a spice blend from the Middle East that will immediately become one of your favorite go-tos after your first taste. Use it for this exciting twist on cheese straws, and gift it with a small mason jar filled with a little extra homemade za'atar. It's insanely addictive.
NEW: You can now switch to Cook Mode to keep your screen awake.
Directions
On a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll a sheet of puff pastry out into a 16-inch square. Brush with some olive oil and sprinkle about 1 cup za'atar across the dough to mostly cover with only small gaps of dough showing, brushing off any excess, and leaving 1/2-inch border of clean dough on the top and bottom edges. Fold the dough in half towards you, pinching together the naked edges to seal. Lightly go over the dough with the rolling pin to help the dough stick together. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Beat the egg white with 1 tablespoon water. Brush some over the surface of the dough and sprinkle each with an additional 1/3 cup za'atar. Using a pizza wheel or very sharp knife, slice each piece of dough crosswise into 12 strips. Gently twist each strip, then lay on the prepared baking sheet leaving at least 2 inches in between each, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. (Save the remaining za'atar for another use.)
Bake the chilled straws, rotating and switching positions of the pans halfway through, until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately or cool to room temperature.
Cook’s Note
If sumac is unavailable, replace with fresh lemon zest. Mix the zest with the kosher salt and allow it to dry out in a single layer overnight before combining with the other spices.
Tools You May Need
Tools You May Need
Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off
these links.
Subscribe to our Recipe of the Day newsletter to get Food Network's best ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert delivered to your inbox daily.
By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use
and acknowledge the Privacy Policy.
Food Network and
its affiliates
may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.
To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the
Privacy Policy.