A quick one for you today! While I was testing my Homemade Za'atar spice blend, I came up with this cheese toastie with hummus and za'atar.
There's something satisfying about a toasted cheese sandwich - the crunch of the bread, the gooey melted cheese; totally comfort food. This easy recipe takes a classic cheese toastie and gives it a Middle Eastern twist with the addition of za'atar and hummus. It's a flavour combination that works brilliantly and comes together in just a few minutes.
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar and creamy hummus in this sandwich.
Ingredients for za'atar and cheese toasted sandwich
- Bread - use whichever bread you'd prefer. Personally, I think this works better with a softer sandwich loaf rather than a firm artisanal sourdough.
- Butter or mayonnaise to spread on the outside of the bread. I prefer butter but I know some people like mayo, so use which you prefer. The butter should be room temperature so that it's easily spread and the za'atar will stick to it.
- Za'atar - a spice blend originating in the Middle East, consisting of dried herbs, sesame seeds and sumac. You can find this at most supermarkets, or make your own using my Homemade Za'atar spice blend recipe.
- Cheddar cheese slices, preferably an aged cheddar.
- Hummus - you can use store bought if it's easier for you, but you should try my best ever hummus recipe because it's so much better!
Step-by-step guide to making a za'atar and cheese toasted sandwich
Make the sandwich - spread the hummus on one side of the bread (1), top with the slice of cheese (2) and then sprinkle 1 tsp of za'atar over the cheese (3). Place the other slice of bread on top (4).
Preheat a small skillet over medium heat.
Butter/mayo - spread 1/2 tbsp butter or mayonnaise on the top slice of bread. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp of za'atar over the butter and press gently with a knife so it sticks.
Cook - place the toastie in the skillet, buttered side down. While the first side slowly browns, spread the remaining butter or mayonnaise the bread that's facing upwards (1) and then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 tsp za'atar over it, and again use your knife to press the za'atar into the butter (2).
Flip - when the bottom slice is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich. Continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve - remove from the pan, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for the perfect za'atar and cheese toasted sandwich
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavour - for the best result, use a sharp aged cheddar.
- Don't rush the cooking process. Keep the heat at medium to allow the cheese time to melt while the bread becomes golden and crispy. If you cook the toastie too quickly, the outside will be burnt before the cheese melts.
- Experiment with different types of bread. A sourdough or rye bread would add another layer of flavour to this sandwich.
What to serve with za'atar and cheese toasted sandwich
This Za'atar and cheese toasted sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Serve with a simple salad for something a little more substantial.
It's a great way to use up any leftover hummus you might have in the fridge, and it's a delicious introduction to za'atar if you've never tried it before.
Add your own touch
- Different cheeses - halloumi or feta would give this sandwich a more Mediterranean feel.
- Add vegetables like sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Try baba ganoush for a smokier flavour rather than hummus.
- If you like heat, add a sprinkle of chilli/red pepper flakes with the za'atar.
Za'atar toastie
| Prep | Cook | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 5 mins | 10 mins |
- 2 slices bread whichever type of bread you like, see note 1
- 1 tbsp butter or mayonnaise see note 2
- 1 1/2 tsp za'atar
- 1 slice cheddar cheese preferably an aged cheddar, see note 3
- 1 tbsp hummus
- Make the sandwich - spread the hummus on one side of the bread, top with the slice of cheese and then sprinkle 1 tsp of za'atar over the cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top.
- Preheat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Butter/mayo - spread 1/2 tbsp butter or mayonnaise on the top slice of bread. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp of za'atar over the butter and press gently with a knife so it sticks.
- Cook - place the toastie in the skillet, buttered side down. While the first side slowly browns, spread the remaining butter or mayonnaise the bread that's facing upwards and then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 tsp za'atar over it, and again use your knife to press the za'atar into the butter.
- Flip - when the bottom slice is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich. Continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve - remove from the pan, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Bread - use whatever style of bread that you prefer. Make sure the slices are not too thick, because with thick bread the outside will burn before the cheese melts.
- Butter/mayo - I much prefer butter, but mayonnaise is commonly used.
- Cheese - for best results, use a good quality cheddar cheese. A sharp cheddar works particularly well with the za'atar.
- Cook slowly - don't rush, keep the heat at medium to allow the cheese time to melt while the bread becomes golden and crispy without burning.
- Sandwich press / toasted sandwich maker - use one if you prefer rather than a skillet. If you use a press/sandwich maker, place the buttered bread side down and then butter the slice of bread facing up and add the za'atar before closing the lid.
