Three ingredients is all you need to make these savory and crunchy Za'atar Bread Crumbs that can be used on salads or macaroni and cheese, to coat chicken, and so much more.

There's a few dried herbs and spices that we are constantly going through in our house, with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, lemon pepper, and Old Bay at the top of the list. Lately, za'atar has been climbing quickly to the top of the list though. It's such a unique flavor -- a little nutty, a good bit earthy, sometimes a little zesty, and even a little floral.

Za'atar is kind of like the Middle Eastern version of Maryland's Old Bay. It really belongs on just about everything.

What is Za'atar?

Za'atar is a combination of quite a few herbs and spices. The combination can vary greatly depending on the region or origin, too. Za'atar generally includes dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. Za'atar also often contains salt, dried orange zest, dried dill, and za'atar (which is a wild herb where za'atar seasoning gets its name).

This combination of herbs and spices gives za'atar an earthy, zesty, and nutty flavor -- making it unique and very flavorful.

Za'atar is delicious on french fries, on roast chicken, on hummus or sliced tomatoes, on boiled eggs, and especially on roasted chickpeas (OH MY GOODNESS! The joy crispy roasted za'atar chickpeas bring to the world!)

Za'atar bread crumbs are so easy to make and elevate anything you'd normally use panko bread crumbs for.

clear bowl of za'atar seasoning next to two cubes of bread.

Where can I find za'atar?

Za'atar can be found at most grocery stores in the spice aisle. I get mine at Whole Foods. It comes in a little plastic envelope. Like any spice, za'atar will lose its flavor the longer it sits, so I wouldn't buy za'atar in large quantities.

Three Ingredients Is All You Need

You only need day-old bread (see note below for more details on this), olive oil, and za'atar seasoning. That's it!

large white bowl filled with cubes of bread, and two smaller bowls of olive oil and za'atar seasoning.

How to Make Za'atar Bread Crumbs

Here are some step-by-step directions for making toasted za'atar bread crumbs that can be ready to eat immediately. If you're using the bread crumbs to coat chicken or a vegetable that will be roasted or fried, skip the toasting in the oven.

STEP 1: First, cube your bread.

You can use ANY kind of bread here. For this particular time I made za'atar bread crumbs, I quite literally used the last three slices of my kids' sandwich bread for their lunches. They eat honey wheat bread. I also used about 4 thick slices of sourdough we had leftover from dinner the night before. Mix and match to your heart's content.

food processor bowl with cubes of bread resting in it without a lid.

STEP 2: Use a food processor to make crumbs.

These bread crumbs can be whatever size you prefer -- depending on what you're using them for.

STOP HERE if you are going to use the bread crumbs for something that will go into the oven. If you're using the bread crumbs for something that will be eaten right away, like a delicious salad, then proceed with the next step to toast.

processed bread turned into breadcrumbs sitting in bowl of food processor.

STEP 3: Toss with olive oil and za'atar

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, toss bread crumbs with olive oil and za'atar seasoning, coating as much of the bread crumbs as possible.

tray of breadcrumbs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

STEP 4: Toast the bread crumbs if using on salads

Be careful with this part because if your bread is already dry, they will toast quickly (2 minutes or so). If your bread still has a good deal of moisture, it may take up to 5.

za'atar bread crumbs after they have been toasted on a baking sheet.

How to Toast Bread Crumbs (So They Don't Burn)

Toss the breadcrumbs generously in olive oil and whatever seasoning you're using. Oil helps them get crispy.
Spread bread crumbs in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they toast evenly.
Toast at high heat. You want the oven set at 400˚F.
Keep your eyes on the bread crumbs as they are toasting! It will take between 2 and 5 minutes for the bread crumbs to be toasty...and you don't want to forget about them because you'll very quickly have burnt bread crumbs.
Toss halfway through to ensure even browning.

A Note About the Type of Bread to Use

It's best to use day-old bread for this recipe. Not the kind that you'd want to eat because it's so pillowy soft and fresh and not the days-old stale bread that is rock hard. You want the bread to soak up a little bit of moisture (olive oil) and not have too much moisture to start.

Make Za'atar Bread Crumbs Gluten Free

You can make za'atar bread crumbs gluten free by using gluten free bread. The same process stands!

Making Bread Crumbs Smaller

One the bread crumbs are toasted, you can put the bread crumbs back into the food processor if they're not small enough for your liking. Pulse a couple of times to get the bread crumbs the size of your choice.