This za’atar spice blend is an easy homemade version of the classic Middle Eastern spice that combines sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and marjoram.

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that’s as simple as can be to make, both in terms of its ingredients and the bringing of them together. A classic example of how the sum truly is more expansive than the parts.–Renee Schettler Rossi
HOW SHOULD I USE ZA’ATAR?
This Middle Eastern spice blend has historically lent its iconic flavor to any number of dishes. Here are a few suggestions or we’d love to hear what you did in a comment below:
● Stir it into pasta
● Mix with Greek yogurt for a healthy dip
● Sprinkle over flatbread and drizzle with oil
● Rub over a whole chicken or chicken pieces from a whole chicken or even just the relatively blander chicken breasts before roasting
☞ Contents
Za’atar Spice Blend

Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried sumac
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
Directions
Show Nutrition
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
I tested it with olive oil and bread and it was delicious.
I really liked the za’atar. Nice combination of flavors. Flavorful but not overpowering. Have not used it on anything else yet, but I definitely plan to.
The za’atar only took about 3 minutes to make.
Wonderful taste. This is the second time I used this flavoring. First was a LC test recipe for lemon chicken with za’atar, and I discovered it.
Originally published December 19, 2020
If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We'd love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Joanna Burnett
I did make the homemade za’atar recipe and it made 1/4 cup. After making the cacio e pepe pasta, I also used the za’atar on flatbread with olive oil, which was delicious.