Homemade Za’atar Seasoning
Published 2/18/2022 • Updated 3/7/2022
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This za’atar seasoning is a flavorful spice blend that is the perfect mixture of savory, sweet and umami. It is great over roasted vegetables, used as a dry rub for meat, or sprinkled over soft scrambled eggs.
Our Take on Za’atar Seasoning
We seriously cannot get enough of this za’atar seasoning! It’s perfectly savory, a little sweet and rich. We’re sharing what you need (spoiler alert: you only need 11 ingredients!), how to easily whip up a batch, and our favorite spice containers so you can store this za’atar seasoning in your own spice cupboard.
Za’atar seasoning is a middle eastern spice blend that combines savory, sweet and umami flavors. Its ingredients can vary depending on the region you’re in and the food it is served with.
Za’atar seasoning is a very flavorful spice blend. It combines rich, savory flavors with bright and tangy flavors for a deliciously versatile spice blend
Why you’ll love homemade spice blends
Salt control: You get to control how much salt you put in your spice blends. When you buy store-bought blends they often have quite a bit of sodium and sometimes even fillers.
Choose your own heat: Having control over the spice level and sweetness of spice blends is so helpful. You can truly make it your own!
Make ahead: Once you find a mix you like, you can make a double or a triple batch and have it on hand.
Ingredients for Za’atar Seasoning
For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient.
- Fennel seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Dried thyme
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Ground sumac
- Kosher salt
- Granulated garlic
- Brown sugar
- White sesame seeds
How to Make Za’atar Seasoning Step by Step
For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card for a list of ingredients and instructions.
- Crush Seeds: place fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds in a mortar and pestle and grind until fragrant and until the seeds are no longer whole.
- Gently combine spices: add the thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, kosher salt, garlic, and brown sugar to mortar and pestle and gently combine.
- Add sesame seeds: Toss the sesame seeds with the rest of the spices. Do not use the pestle to grind the sesame seeds, those should remain whole.
- Transfer za’atar seasoning to a jar: make sure to use a jar with a cover and store it in a cool, dry place.
Top Tips for Za’atar Seasoning
Don’t have a mortar and pestle? If you do not have a mortar and pestle, try using a coffee grinder to crush the seeds. Just be sure to rinse the coffee out of the grinder first.
Make it more savory: Add an additional 1 teaspoon of sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic.
Make it more sweet: Increase the brown sugar from 2 teaspoons to a tablespoon.
Glass
Spice Jars
Organize your homemade spices with this empty glass spice jar set!
How to Use Za’atar Seasoning
Za’atar seasoning is a very versatile spice blend! We love using it in:
- Meat and seafood
- Roasted vegetables
- Eggs
- Salad dressings
- Dips
- More!
try it!
One Pot Za'atar Meatballs and Couscous
Use this za’atar seasoning with our amazing one pot za’atar meatballs and couscous skillet.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Save money and limit sodium by making your own seasonings at home! We keep our pantry stocked with our homemade spice blends.
Storage
Store this za’atar seasoning in a sealed container in a cool dark place. It will last for up to 6 months.
Za’atar Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons marjoram
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds in a mortar and pestle and grind until fragrant and until the seeds are no longer whole.
- Add the thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, kosher salt, garlic, and brown sugar to mortar and pestle and gently combine.
- Finally, toss the sesame seeds with the rest of the spices. Do not use the pestle to grind the sesame seeds, those should remain whole.
- Transfer the za’atar seasoning to a jar with a cover and store in a cool, dry place.
Tips & Notes
- If you do not have a mortar and pestle, try using a coffee grinder to grind the seeds. Just be sure to rinse the coffee out of the grinder first.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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