Zaatar Cheese Toast Recipe – Easy Indian-Spiced Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Zaatar Cheese Toast Recipe – Easy Indian-Spiced Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip breakfast! I’m always on the lookout for quick, flavorful recipes to kickstart the day, and this Zaatar Cheese Toast is a total winner. It’s a little bit Middle Eastern, a little bit Indian, and all delicious. Seriously, it’s become a weekend staple at my place.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Zaatar Cheese Toast is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. It takes just minutes to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a satisfyingly crispy, cheesy bite. The zaatar spice adds a unique, herbaceous twist that elevates simple toast to something truly special. Plus, it’s super customizable – I’ll share a few fun variations later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (about 120ml)
• 2 tbsp zaatar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large bread slices
• As needed olive oil
• 2 cheese slices
• 2-4 tbsp grated mozzarella cheese (about 30-60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Zaatar: A Middle Eastern Spice Blend & Its Use in Indian Cuisine

Zaatar isn’t traditionally Indian, but trust me, it works. It’s a fantastic blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, offering a tangy, earthy flavor. You can find it at most well-stocked grocery stores or online. I first discovered it on a trip to Delhi and have been hooked ever since!

Bread Choice: Exploring Indian Bread Options for Toast

While I usually use regular white bread, feel free to experiment! Indian breads like pav (dinner rolls) or even slightly stale roti (flatbread) work beautifully for a unique twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Cheese Varieties: Regional Indian Cheese Alternatives

Don’t have mozzarella? No problem! You can substitute with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a more traditional flavor. Or, try a slice of processed cheese – it melts beautifully and is a common breakfast staple in many Indian households.

Olive Oil: Considerations for Indian Cooking Oils

Olive oil works great for that lovely golden-brown crisp, but you can absolutely use any cooking oil you prefer. Sunflower oil, canola oil, or even ghee (clarified butter) will all work wonderfully, adding their own subtle flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, zaatar, salt, and pepper until everything is nicely combined. Don’t be shy with the zaatar – it’s the star of the show!
2. Now, dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, making sure both sides get a good coating. You don’t want them soggy, just nicely saturated.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Cook two bread slices at a time until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides, sprinkling a little extra zaatar during cooking if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Place a cheese slice and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella on one cooked bread slice. Top with another slice to create a sandwich.
6. Press down gently and cook briefly on both sides until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve immediately while hot and crispy! Seriously, don’t let it sit – it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even browning.
• Medium heat is key: Too high, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts. Too low, and it’ll be soggy.
• A sprinkle of chili flakes: Adds a lovely kick!

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Zaatar Cheese Toast

Swap the eggs for a chickpea flour batter (besan) mixed with plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegan cheese slices, of course! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Zaatar Cheese Toast

Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. There are some fantastic options available these days!

Spice Level Adjustment: Adding Chili Flakes

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the egg mixture.

Festival Adaptation: A Quick Navratri Breakfast

During Navratri, you can use sabudana bread (tapioca pearl bread) for a vrat-friendly (fasting) version.

Serving Suggestions

Zaatar Cheese Toast is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A side of fresh fruit
• A cup of masala chai (Indian spiced tea)
• A dollop of yogurt or raita (Indian yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed immediately. But if you must store leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to a day. Reheat in a toaster oven or pan to regain some crispness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is Zaatar and where can I find it?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made with thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. You can find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets, Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online.

Can I make this toast in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

While white bread is classic, feel free to experiment with whole wheat, sourdough, or even Indian breads like pav or roti.

Can I prepare the egg mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good whisk before using.

How can I adjust the recipe for a larger family?

Simply multiply the ingredients accordingly. You might need to cook in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Enjoy! I hope this Zaatar Cheese Toast brings a little bit of sunshine to your breakfast table. Let me know what you think in the comments below!