Spice up your next meal with this Za’atar Spice Recipe. This classic Middle Eastern blend is herby, citrusy, and nutty—perfect for grilled meats, hummus, roasted vegetables, breads, and more. Made from just six simple ingredients, it comes together in minutes and stores well for months.
A bright, balanced spice blend can transform otherwise ordinary dishes into memorable meals. Za’atar delivers fragrant herbs, a tangy lift from sumac, and the warm nuttiness of toasted sesame seeds. Making it at home ensures peak freshness and lets you control the salt and overall flavor.
This recipe uses common dried herbs as a substitute for the traditional zaatar plant, creating a versatile seasoning that complements many cuisines. It’s quick to prepare and easy to keep on hand.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Za’atar is aromatic, herb-forward, and bright from sumac—an instant flavor boost for many dishes.
- Only six ingredients and minutes of hands-on time.
- Stores in an airtight container for several months, making it great for meal prep.
- Extremely versatile: use it as a rub, finishing seasoning, or folded into oils and dips.
Za’atar ingredients
Traditional zaatar is made using the zaatar herb (a member of the mint family). This homemade blend substitutes a balanced mix of dried herbs and adds the signature nutty and tangy elements with sesame seeds and sumac.
- Sesame seeds. Toasted for a warm, nutty crunch—either whole or lightly ground.
- Sumac. A tangy, lemony spice that provides brightness without acidity.
- Dried herbs. Equal parts dried oregano, thyme, and marjoram create the herbal backbone.
- Salt. A small amount enhances and balances the flavors.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to make Za’atar seasoning
This blend comes together quickly. The only cooking step is toasting the sesame seeds to bring out their aroma. After toasting, mix everything and store.
Tip: Keep the blend whole for texture, or pulse it briefly in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for a finer finish.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Combine the toasted sesame seeds with sumac, dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, and salt in a bowl. Stir until evenly mixed, then transfer to an airtight container.
Recipe FAQs
Za’atar typically blends dried herbs (like thyme, oregano, and marjoram), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. Some regional variations add toasted and ground cumin or coriander seeds for extra depth.
Za’atar tastes herbal and savory with a lemony tang from sumac and warm nuttiness from sesame seeds. It’s fragrant and slightly tangy rather than spicy.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It stays flavorful for about 3–6 months.
Serving suggestions
Za’atar adds Middle Eastern flair to simple dishes. Try these ideas:
- Sprinkle over hummus or white bean dips for texture and flavor.
- Mix with olive oil to make a dip for pita, or brush onto flatbreads before baking.
- Finish scrambled or poached eggs, or season avocado toast.
- Use as a rub for grilled chicken, lamb, or beef, or toss with roasted vegetables.
- Combine with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for a simple marinade.
Recipe notes
- Versatile texture: Keep the blend coarse for a more rustic feel, or grind to a finer powder if you prefer.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3–6 months.
More homemade seasonings you’ll love:
- Blackened seasoning
- Homemade chai spice mix
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Homemade ranch seasoning
- Jamaican jerk seasoning
- Homemade taco seasoning
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review and tag your photos so others can get inspired.
Za’atar Spice Recipe
Servings: about 5 tablespoons | Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 3 mins | Total: 8 mins
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern seasoning that’s herby, citrusy, and nutty—perfect for breads, dips, meats, and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
- Add the sumac, dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, and salt to the cooled sesame seeds. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Store the za’atar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use within 3–6 months for best flavor.
Notes
- For a finer texture, pulse the blend briefly in a spice grinder or use a mortar and pestle.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if you plan to use the za’atar as a finishing sprinkle.
Nutrition (per 1 tablespoon)
Calories: 15 kcal • Carbs: 2 g • Protein: 0.5 g • Fat: 1 g • Sodium: 466 mg • Fiber: 1 g