Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The tanginess of feta cheese pairs beautifully with the earthiness of spinach and the aromatic spices of za’atar, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
- Versatile Meal Option: Suitable for any meal of the day, these egg buns can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or prepared in advance for a quick, reheatable option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Kaiser rolls or French buns
- Eggs
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Cumin
- Za’atar seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté Spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until soft. Increase heat, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the buns in half. Press the center of each half to create a well large enough to hold an egg.
- Assemble: Butter an ovenproof dish and arrange the buns. Distribute the spinach mixture into each well, crack an egg into each, and sprinkle crumbled feta around the eggs. Season with cumin, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Brush the edges with olive oil.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on your preferred egg doneness.
- Serve: Enjoy warm, optionally with a dollop of sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 6 buns.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Leafy Greens: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier texture.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Bread Choice: Use whole-grain rolls for a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Allow buns to reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and heat buns for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes oregano or marjoram.
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before baking.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
To make it vegan, use plant-based cream and cheese substitutes, and replace eggs with tofu or a chickpea flour mixture.
Can I freeze the assembled buns before baking?
It’s not recommended to freeze raw eggs; however, you can freeze the buns with the spinach and feta filling and add fresh eggs before baking.
What can I serve alongside these buns?
A fresh salad or roasted vegetables complement these buns well.
How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?
Ensure the spinach mixture is not too watery by cooking off excess moisture before assembling.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain excess water from frozen spinach before using.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
How can I tell when the eggs are done?
The eggs are set when the whites are firm, and the yolks reach your desired level of doneness.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked bacon or sausage can be added for extra protein.
Conclusion
Baked za’atar egg buns with spinach and feta offer a savory and satisfying meal option that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. With customizable variations and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Baked za’atar egg buns with spinach and feta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 buns
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savor the Mediterranean flavors of baked za’atar egg buns with spinach and feta, a perfect dish for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal. Easy to make, these buns are filled with creamy spinach and feta, topped with a baked egg, and seasoned with za’atar for a flavorful and aromatic experience.
Ingredients
- Kaiser rolls or French buns
- Eggs
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Cumin
- Za’atar seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until soft. Increase heat, add spinach, and cook until wilted. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
- Prepare Buns: Slice the buns in half and press the center of each half to create a well.
- Assemble: Butter an ovenproof dish and arrange the buns. Fill each well with the spinach mixture, crack an egg into each, and sprinkle feta cheese around the eggs. Season with cumin, za’atar, salt, and pepper. Brush the edges with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until eggs reach your preferred doneness.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Use whole-grain buns for a healthier option.
- Ensure spinach is cooked thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Light Meal
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
