Name: Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 kaiser rolls or French buns; 6 eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing); Unsalted butter (for greasing); Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); 2 ounces spinach; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled; 1 teaspoon za’atar seasoning; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; Sour cream (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Baked za’atar egg buns with spinach and feta combine warm, fluffy bread with rich eggs and flavorful Middle Eastern spices. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. You’ll love how the creamy spinach and tangy feta complement the aromatic za’atar seasoning.

The image shows a black pan filled with five round bagel halves, each holding a sunny yellow egg yolk in the center. Around each yolk is a layer of cooked spinach with a dark green, wilted texture, sprinkled with crumbled, white cheese that looks soft and slightly melted. The bagel edges are toasted to a golden-brown color with sesame and poppy seeds. The eggs are seasoned with black pepper and herbs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl of creamy sauce topped with black seeds is visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 kaiser rolls or French buns
6 eggs
2 ounces spinach
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ounce feta, crumbled
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp za’atar seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
Unsalted butter, for greasing
Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until soft. Increase the heat to medium, add the spinach, and cook for about 30 seconds until wilted. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Cut the rolls in half horizontally. Using your fingertips, gently press into the center of each bun half to create a hole large enough to hold a cracked egg without going through the bottom.
Step 4: Grease an ovenproof dish with unsalted butter and arrange the buns cut-side up.
Step 5: Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the holes in the buns. Crack one egg into each hole. Sprinkle crumbled feta around the eggs. Season each with za’atar, cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Brush the tops lightly with extra olive oil.
Step 6: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how you prefer your eggs cooked (15 minutes for runny yolks, longer for firmer).
Step 7: Serve warm immediately, optionally with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your baked za’atar egg buns!

Tips & Variations

Substitute arugula or kale for spinach for a different leafy green flavor.
Use goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta for a milder taste.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish.
If you like spice, sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes on top before baking.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns or thick slices of gluten-free bread hollowed out similarly.

Storage

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through. The texture of the bread may soften after cooling, so best enjoyed fresh or reheated carefully.

How to Serve

A round black pan filled with five egg nests made from toasted bread slices with the centers hollowed out. Each nest holds a bright yellow cooked egg yolk in the middle, surrounded by cooked dark green spinach and white crumbled cheese. The cheese has melted slightly and scattered inside and around the nests, with some golden-brown spots from baking. A silver spoon rests inside the pan on the right side. The pan is placed on a rustic wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these buns ahead of time?

You can prepare the spinach mixture and hollowed buns in advance, but it’s best to bake the eggs fresh to ensure they have the perfect texture.

What if I don’t have za’atar seasoning?

You can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, or use a combination of herbs and spices like oregano and sesame seeds to mimic the flavor.