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Zaatar Sourdough Bagels Recipe

These long-fermented sourdough bagels are richly infused with the earthy, tangy notes of zaatar, yielding a nourishing and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a hearty snack.
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Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Keyword: Zaatar Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Fermentation Time: 14 hours
Total Time: 14 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 bagels

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 tbs coconut sugar or molasses for water bath
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbs baking soda
  • Zaatar seasoning blend as needed
  • Coconut oil for greasing surfaces
  • 10 cups filtered water for water bath
  • 1/2 cup sourdough starter
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 2 tbs coconut sugar or molasses for dough

Instructions

  • Feed the sourdough starter and allow it to become active and bubbly at room temperature, confirming readiness with the float test. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the starter, filtered water, and coconut sugar, stirring with a wooden spoon until mostly blended. Affix the bowl to the mixer with the dough hook, incorporate 2 cups of flour on low speed, then gradually add the remaining flour while mixing slowly. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes. Add the salt, then mix for a few minutes until thoroughly integrated and the dough forms a cohesive ball. Transfer the dough to a greased glass or ceramic bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp tea towel, and leave to ferment at room temperature for approximately 10 hours. Near the end of fermentation, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled surface and divide it into 8 portions. Shape each portion by gathering the edges, pinching them into the center, then turning the seam-side down to create a smooth ball, enhancing gluten structure. Poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and gently rotate to widen the hole, remembering that it will contract during the second rise. Arrange the bagels on the prepared baking sheet, cover with a tea towel, and let rise for about an hour until noticeably puffed. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and preheat the oven to 425°F. Once the water is boiling, stir in the baking soda and coconut sugar. Using a slotted spatula, gently lower each bagel into the boiling water, boiling only 3 at a time for 1–2 minutes per side. Return each boiled bagel to the parchment-lined sheet and immediately sprinkle generously with zaatar while still damp. Repeat until all bagels are boiled and seasoned. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow the bagels to cool slightly before serving with your spread of choice.

Notes

Storage: Keep baked bagels covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration to prevent drying out. For longer storage, cool bagels completely, wrap each individually in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature, slice, and warm in a toaster, oven, or microwave.
Tips: Ensure the bagel holes are larger than you expect, as they will shrink during proofing and baking. Do not omit the boiling step; it promotes shape retention, adhesion of the zaatar, and achieves the desired shiny, crisp crust. Including both coconut sugar and baking soda in the water bath is crucial for optimal caramelization, surface texture, and flavor reminiscent of pretzels. Allow the dough to rest before adding salt to protect the yeast activity.
In a Pinch: Prepare and freeze a batch for quick future use. Alternatively, employ sourdough discard for same-day bagels using this method.