Baked 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
Scale
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
