Za’atar Garlic Knots

If there’s one thing I’ll always say yes to, it’s freshly baked bread—especially when it’s infused with garlic and za’atar!

These za’atar garlic knots are everything I love about baking: simple ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a payoff that makes your kitchen smell like a dream. The soft, buttery knots are kissed with the earthy, tangy goodness of za’atar. Whether you’re serving them alongside a cheesy pizza, cozy soup, or just enjoying one (or three) with your evening tea, these knots are a little love note to the fusion of flavors we hold dear.

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Za’atar Garlic Knots

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Fusion, Middle Eastern

Keyword Appetizer, Bread, Fusion, Middle Eastern, Side Dish, Yeast, Za’atar

Servings 12 Servings

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ cup whole or reduced-fat milk, lukewarm
• ½ cup water, lukewarm
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2¼ teaspoons yeast

Za’atar Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 6 tablespoons za’atar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

Prepare Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and garlic powder and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together milk, water, olive oil, sugar, and yeast and set aside until slightly foamy, about 5 minutes.
3. Add flour mixture to milk and yeast mixture and mix on low speed until a cohesive dough is formed. Increase speed to medium and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and set aside until doubled, about 1 to 1½ hours.

Prepare Topping

1. Combine melted butter, za’atar, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.

Assemble Knots

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and set aside a parchment lined baking sheet.

2. Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide into 12 pieces and form knots by rolling each piece of dough into an 8 to 10-inch rope, tying a knot in the center, and pinching the ends together underneath.
3. Place the knots (seams facing the pan) on the prepared pans, cover, and allow them to rise until nearly doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.
4. Once risen, brush the prepared topping over the rolls.
5. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the warm knots with remaining za’atar butter. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, if using.