Baked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Introduction
These baked za’atar egg buns with spinach and feta combine warm, flavorful spices with fresh ingredients for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Soft buns filled with creamy eggs, sautéed spinach, and tangy feta make every bite delightful and comforting.
Ingredients
- 3 kaiser rolls or French buns
- 6 eggs
- 2 ounces spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce feta, crumbled
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp za’atar seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- Unsalted butter, for greasing
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently until soft. Increase the heat, add spinach, and cook for about 30 seconds until just wilted.
- Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream, then season the spinach mixture with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Cut the buns in half. Using your fingertips, gently hollow out the center of each bun half to create a hole large enough to hold a cracked egg.
- Step 5: Grease an ovenproof dish with unsalted butter and arrange the hollowed buns inside.
- Step 6: Divide the spinach mixture evenly among the buns, filling the hollowed centers.
- Step 7: Crack one egg into each bun hole. Dot crumbled feta around the eggs.
- Step 8: Sprinkle za’atar seasoning and cumin over the buns. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 9: Brush the buns with extra olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on your preferred egg doneness.
- Step 11: Serve warm, straight from the oven, with sour cream on the side if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use spinach fresh for the best flavor, or substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
- Try goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
- Adjust the amount of za’atar to your taste to add more or less spice and herby aroma.
- For extra richness, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking.
Storage
Store any leftover baked buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to keep the eggs from overcooking. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute kaiser rolls or French buns with other sturdy bread like sourdough or brioche. Just make sure the bread is firm enough to hold the egg and fillings without falling apart.
How do I know when the eggs are perfectly baked?
Bake the buns until the egg whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, leave them in for a few extra minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
PrintBaked Za’atar Egg Buns with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Deliciously savory baked za’atar egg buns filled with wilted spinach, creamy feta, and aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Soft kaiser rolls are hollowed and filled with a mixture of spinach and cream, topped with eggs and seasoned with za’atar and cumin, then baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
For the Buns and Filling
- 3 kaiser rolls or French buns
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- unsalted butter (for greasing)
For the Eggs and Seasoning
- 6 eggs
- 1 ounce feta, crumbled
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp za’atar seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to come to temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Cook the Spinach Mixture: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low heat, then add the minced garlic and cook gently until softened but not browned. Increase the heat slightly, add the spinach, and sauté for about 30 seconds until just wilted. Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Buns: Cut each kaiser roll or French bun in half horizontally. Using your fingertips, gently hollow out the middle of each bun half by pushing down to create a hole large enough to hold a cracked egg without spilling.
- Assemble: Grease an ovenproof dish generously with unsalted butter. Arrange the prepared buns in the dish. Divide the cooked spinach and cream mixture evenly into the holes of each bun. Carefully crack one egg into each hollowed bun. Dot the crumbled feta cheese around the eggs on each bun. Sprinkle evenly with za’atar seasoning and cumin, then lightly season with salt and black pepper. Brush the tops with a little extra olive oil for a nice finish.
- Bake: Place the ovenproof dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how runny or set you prefer your eggs. Keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- Serve: Remove the baked buns from the oven and serve immediately while warm. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess. Enjoy your za’atar egg buns fresh from the oven!
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture; frozen spinach can be substituted but ensure it is well-drained.
- Adjust baking time to your preference for egg doneness; shorter for runny yolks and longer for fully set eggs.
- Za’atar seasoning adds a unique Middle Eastern flavor; if unavailable, a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac can be used as a substitute.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a tangy contrast that complements the spices and feta.
Keywords: za’atar egg buns, baked egg buns, spinach and feta buns, Middle Eastern breakfast, savory baked buns
