Za'atar Buns

These za'atar buns are so fluffy, bursting with flavor, and stuffed with cheese. What's better than fresh bread and cheese? Not much. But adding fragrant za'atar to it just takes it to another level of deliciousness.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups Lukewarm water
• 2 1/4 tsp Yeast (equivalent to one packet)
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 5 cups All-purpose Flour, divided
• 1/2 cup Olive oil
• 1/4 cup Dry Milk Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp White Vinegar
• 1/3 cup Za'atar Seasoning
• 12 oz Cream cheese block, cubed (you can put a cube in each bun for a cheese center.)
• 12 oz Arabic block of cheese, cubed (you can put a cube in each bun for a cheese center. * Queso blanco works too)
• 1/3 cup Cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup Shredded Mozzarella
• 1/3 cup Feta, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Arabic cheese, crumbled (queso blanco works too)
• 2 tbsp Za'atar seasoning
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Milk
• 1/3 cup Za'atar seasoning

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In the bowl or stand mixer, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing everything together really well. Cover with a towel and keep in a warm spot for 10 minutes.
2. 2Next, add olive oil, remaining 3 cups of flour, milk powder, salt, za'atar and vinegar. Stir together very well. Using a hook attachment, knead the mixture 6-8 minutes until it comes together nicely as a dough. It should be smooth and not sticky. If it is sticky, add a tbsp of flour at a time.
3. 3Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl, now coated with olive oil. Cover and allow to proof in a warm spot for 30 minutes. it should double in size.
4. 4Preheat the oven to 375 F.
5. 5Then, form the dough into golf ball sized balls and stuff with a cube or tsp of cheese mixture.
6. 6Place in a 12-inch cake pan with about an inch of space between them as they will exaond when baking.
7. 7Beat the egg and milk together for the egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the top of the buns and sprinkle za'atar on top of each.
8. 8Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Enjoy warm or room temperature.