Whipped Goat Cheese Sesame Flatbread with Za'atar

This Lebanese whipped goat cheese sesame flatbread with za'atar is topped with warm cheese and sprinkled with seeds and herbs. It makes a satisfying lunch for one or an appetizer snack when shared with friends! 

Here's my take on an iconic Lebanese snack:  Whipped Goat Cheese Sesame Flatbread with Za'atar. Soft warm naan bread with crispy edges, creamy cheese, a heady spice mix, sesame seeds and fresh herbs make this a delicious way to begin a great evening!

Make this Lebanese flatbread an easy appetizer by using bakery or store-bought flatbread. Choose regular or gluten-free, your choice!

Or make your own gluten-free flatbread. Use this easy 4-ingredient gluten-free dough flatbread recipe from Tasty.

This crispy flatbread with za'atar makes a great starter, and it makes a satisfying lunch too. It's quick and easy, especially if you have the whipped goat cheese mixture ready and waiting for you in the fridge!

Ready to whip it up? Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients

• 2 thin crust baked flatbread loaves
• 3.5 oz goat cheese (100 gm)
• 2 oz low fat cream cheese (57 gm)
• 1 ½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 tsp Za'atar spice mix
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Use store-bought artisan thin crust flatbread to keep things easy.
2. Top it with my favourite whipped lemon goat cheese and heat the bread under the broiler just long enough to soften the cheese and crisp the edges of the bread.
3. Add basil leaves for last few seconds of cooking, just to wilt them.
4. After removing it from the oven, add a sprinkle or two of Za'atar, a robust Middle Eastern mix of spices, seeds, and herbs, just to keep it interesting.
5. Toasted sesame seeds added extra flavour and provide a nutty crunch in this recipe.
6. Finish it off by tossing on a few more fresh basil leaves just before serving because . . . basil.

I haven't used Za'atar spice mix very often, but I really do like it and plan to add it to more recipes. While you could easily make your own spice mix, I bought a pre-made mix. Za'atar mix combines oregano, sumac, cumin, thyme, sesame, salt and pepper.

Did you know that sesame seeds are a good source of calcium?

They're also loaded with several other essential minerals and vitamins like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium. They're an excellent source of fiber, too. They add flavour and crunch to this tasty appetizer.

📖 Recipe

Whipped Goat Cheese Sesame Flatbread with Za'atar

This whipped goat cheese sesame flatbread with za'atar is topped with warm cheese and sprinkled with seeds and herbs. It makes a satisfying lunch for one or a pre-dinner snack when shared with friends! 

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes minutes

Servings: 5

Calories: 129kcal

Author: Elaine

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 thin crust baked flatbread loaves
• ▢ 3.5 oz goat cheese (100 gm)
• ▢ 2 oz low fat cream cheese (57 gm)
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Za'atar spice mix
• ▢ ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

• Combine goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
• Toast sesame seeds in a skillet over medium heat until just starting to turn brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on both pieces of flatbread. Heat under the broiler for 3 minutes or until edges are crispy and cheese is warm. Add half the basil leaves and heat for 30 - 60 seconds more, just so they wilt slightly. Remove from oven.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and za'atar spice mix and top with remaining fresh basil leaves. Slice into triangles and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 70mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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